Ford has filed a patent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for a new sensor system that would allow a railway track to communicate with a vehicle and alert it to oncoming trains.

According to the filing, a sensor inserted into the railway would send a message to the vehicle informing it of an approaching train, and whether or not it has stopped or is reversing.

Additionally, a camera system built into the vehicle would monitor for flashing warning lights, a closed gate, or anything else blocking the path and inform the driver.

Such technology, Ford believes, will be critical in the development of autonomous vehicles, which rely heavily on sensors to communicate upcoming hazards, roadblocks, and traffic lights.

Source: Carsales | New Ford Tech Aims To Avoid Railway Crossing Disasters

5 Apr 2023