The automotive supplier Continental is working on an aquaplaning warning system for cars. The core is an on-board camera that recognizes the typical spray and spray patterns. Data from a tire monitoring system is also used. The technology could be ready for series production in a few years and warn the driver if the tires are in danger of floating.
The system, which is currently still being tested, uses camera and tire sensor data. On the one hand, on-board cameras can recognize the spray and spray patterns typical of aquaplaning on the road surface. On the other hand, data from a sensor technology in the tire called eTIS is evaluated. In addition to acceleration sensors that detect signal patterns specific to aquaplaning, eTIS can also transmit the tread depth of tires to the on-board system. The various data allow the on-board computer to warn of an aquaplaning danger and to issue a speed recommendation. With the help of vehicle-to-vehicle communication and cloud-based data exchange systems between road users, it will also be possible in the future to warn other road users who approach the danger point much earlier.
