JLR Takes Aim at Potholes

Tata Motors Ltd.'s Jaguar Land Rover unit is developing a new road terrain detection technology that promises to identify potholes and other hazards as they are approached, steer vehicles around them and forward the hazard's coordinates to other vehicles and road repair crews.

JLR is testing the system, which it says will improve ride comfort, minimize damage and make road repairs more effective, in a Range Rover Evoque research vehicle.

The current production Evoque and Discovery Sport SUVs already are equipped with JLR's MagneRide system, which uses sophisticated sensors to assess terrain as a vehicle is passing over potholes, raised manhole covers and broken drain covers. By monitoring the motion of the vehicle and changes in the height of the suspension, the vehicle's suspension can quickly adjust to improve ride characteristics over uneven surfaces.

JLR is researching a more advanced system that uses a stereo digital camera to scan the road ahead for potential hazards and alert drivers of their location and severity. Next-generation systems also could automatically guide a vehicle around a hazard without leaving its lane and, if warranted, slow or even stop the vehicle to minimize the impact.

Researchers also will work with government officials in Coventry, England, to determine the best way to alert local road repair authorities of the location and severity of problems. JLR hasn't said when the system may be commercialized.