Ever wonder how Ford comes up with all their unique and innovative safety features? Well it turns out they use a state of the art Virtual Test Track Experiment simulator, or more commonly known as VIRTTEX. VIRTTEX uses real-world driving scenarios to help develop Ford's new and improved safety and driver-aid technologies!
Now we can agree that this simulator is a bit funny looking but it works in a unique, life-like way. VIRTTEX is essentially a spherical dome placed on top of a hydraulic system that mimics vehicle movement. This whole system was developed back in 2001 and in 2003 Ford conducted its first driver-distraction test. Today VIRTTEX has new image rendering technology and a high- resolution and digitally projected 360 degree horizontal field-of-view monitor. This all new view allows Ford to test and measure driver acceleration, braking and steering. These realistic scenarios also include landmarks, pedestrians and traffic! With all this technology Ford hopes to be able to alert drivers when collision, drowsiness and other potentially threats are present. Audible, visual and methods such as vibration will be used to help alert drivers when danger is near.
VIRTTEX has already helped Ford develop drowsy driver alerts as well as lane departure warnings. Both of these features will be available in the new 2013 Ford Fusion and many more Ford models in the near future!
