Accelerator pedal to warn of danger for Continental

Recently, Nissan had designed a force-feedback ECO Pedal accelerator pedal where it pushes back against the driver’s foot when accelerating too briskly, is actually a derivative of a new pedal system developed by Continental. The new designed is called the Accelerator Force Feedback Pedal, or AFFP, by its developer, the pedal is capable of much more than just letting the driver know when they’re burning too much fuel (as in the case of the Nissan Eco Pedal) - it can also warn of impending danger and even help smooth traffic flow.

The AFFP can warn the driver of road hazards by vibrating the pedal when is tied with other vehicle systems. Which mean that cruise control system is on, the AFFP can warn the driver if the car is too close to the vehicle ahead. Besides that, it can sense poor road conditions and resist being depressed, thereby helping to prevent loss of traction. Continental thinks the direct feedback through the pedal is superior to alternative solutions, such as buzzers or lights. The driver can overcome or deactivate the force-feedback response if they wish.

The next benefit for this new technology, is the environmental or emissions saving made possible by alerting the driver to improper use of the accelerator. Taking the concept a step further, however, Continental envisions the system in helping to keep vehicles at optimum distances from each other and moving at constant speeds, eliminating the accordion-effect that creates traffic jams.

Other future implementations include integration with car-to-car communications systems, alerting the driver of another vehicle stopped in the roadway ahead or where visibility is restricted.