NIRA Dynamics AB has developed friction algorithms for where the rubber meets the road, and is seeking partners to put them into action for improved safety. Existing driver-assistance systems are “steps in the right direction, but with the new algorithms by NIRA cars can take a large step further and get even smarter,” the company says in an Aug. 28 press release. “A typical example of where NIRA’s algorithms can be used is on a long oily patch on a curvy road. This might be hardly noticeable for car drivers, but is a potential death trap for motorcyclists even at low speeds. If the road friction estimation calculated with NIRA’s algorithms is communicated directly to the car or via the infrastructure, approaching traffic could receive a warning before it is too late. Looking even further into the future, real autonomous driving will hardly be imaginable without road friction estimation, as the smart co-driver will fully take over. It won’t be enough for new cars to recognize other vehicles, pedestrians and obstacles, as demanding as these features alone may be. The car will also need to be able to monitor the road condition and make the right decisions.” For more information, visit http://www.multivu.com/players/English/72762511-nira-dynamics-cars-tires-road/.