Friday, May 12, 2006

News: Shape-shifting car will brace for impact


15:34 10 May 2006
NewScientist.com news service
Tom Simonite


A car that can anticipate a side-on impact and subtly alter its body shape to absorb the force of the crash is being developed by researchers in Germany.

The car will use hood-mounted cameras and radar to spot a vehicle on course for a side-on collision. Once it realises an impact is imminent it will activate a shape-shifting metal in the door. This reinforces the bond between door and frame, which is normally a weak spot, and distributes the force of the blow more safely.

The full article.

No comments: