Jaguar-Land Rover has been on a technology tear recently, trying its hand at everything from remote-controlled off-roaders and pothole-sensing SUVs to reading drivers’ brainwaves. It’s all very Bond-like, but with a purpose. Now, Land Rover is previewing a “Transparent Trailer” idea that, like Jaguar’s “invisible A-pillar” tech, aims to reduce blind spots for the driver by stitching together external video feeds to fill drivers in on what’s behind and around a trailer they’re towing. Land Rover also is dabbling in a bundle of video feeds and sensors placed within a trailer that can help owners safely load and monitor their cargo.
First up, this Transparent Trailer business. Using clever software and the surround-view cameras already present on most Land Rovers (the ones on the door mirrors that, in conjunction with front and rear cameras, create an “overhead” view for drivers to reference when parking), plus a camera mounted to the back of the trailer, Land Rover is able to stitch together a view that magically eliminates the trailer. The superhuman aft view is displayed on an enlarged rearview mirror and retains a ghosted outline of the trailer to aid the driver’s perception of the trailer’s surroundings. It’s far slicker than a simple feed from a single, rear-facing camera affixed to the trailer.
Next from the JLR dream factory is Cargo Sense, a feature which incorporates an app, pressure-sensitive pads fitted to the trailer floor, and a remote video camera. The sensors detect whether the trailer is loaded evenly and properly (fore-aft weight balance in a trailer is key), and in concert with the video feed can update the driver if the load has shifted while in transit. As Land Rover puts it, “the pressure sensitive mat would detect if your load of boxes, antique furniture, a classic car or even a valuable horse is moving around the trailer in an unexpected or abnormal way whilst traveling.” Only Land Rover could pull off a “whilst” and a reference to a valuable horse in a single press release.
Regardless, these are valuable tools that, we hope, eventually will see the light of day. So, what’s next, Jaguar-Land Rover?
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