DETECTABLE, the only cycling jacket visible to in-car cameras

Urban Circus, a specialist in high-visibility clothing for users of active mobility, and Continental, an automotive supplier and mobility expert for over a century and a half, have created DETECTABLE, the first jacket detectable by vehicle-mounted cameras to protect the lives of vulnerable road users: cyclists, e-scooter users, pedestrians, etc. Worn on a bike, unicycle, scooter, or even on foot, this jacket features an exclusive and innovative “UrbanReflect®” retro-reflective fabric coated with thousands of glass microbeads that reflect light, regardless of its source, day or night and from over 300 meters away.

Source: Press Release

Niklas Petterson, Expert in driver assistance systems at Continental, explains the innovative functionality of this jacket: “The reflectivity rate of the retro-reflective parts has been optimized to avoid dazzling sensors (LiDAR and camera). This was achieved by adding a fluorescent monogram with a beautiful effect on the fabric. The risk of a light halo around the jacket that could disrupt identification by the sensors is thus eliminated. Detection is improved regardless of lighting conditions. The location and size of the different fabric inserts are strategically chosen to achieve perfect symmetry and accentuate the silhouette of a pedestrian. For example, the dark surfaces under the arms help differentiate the arms from the rest of the body.”

DETECTABLE jacket, when technology saves lives

In 2021, the mortality rate for cyclists and e-scooter users increased sharply, with 251 people killed compared to 197 in 2019. This is the first time in 20 years that the threshold of 200 fatalities has been exceeded. Road mortality in general, however, decreased by 8% in 2021 compared to 2019, for motorists, motorized two-wheeler users, and pedestrians (Source: Ministry of Interior). Building on 18 months of research and development, the two leaders have joined forces to create a jacket ahead of its time that marks a major turning point in road accident prevention and already projects us into the era of autonomous cars. A jacket that saves lives today and tomorrow.

Recognized for its expertise in tires, the Continental group is the only automotive supplier to master all elements of vehicle stability and road contact, from brakes to tires, and knows the complete braking process in every detail: from its activation by driver assistance systems, to the brake pedal, all the way to the tire.

How does it work?

Vehicle sensors (cameras, LiDAR, radars) constantly map the environment and generate an image of the scene when a danger is detected. Thanks to the strategic placement and nature of the jacket’s retro-reflective parts, as well as advanced algorithms, the artificial intelligence of the sensors recognizes that it is a human being and determines the level of risk according to the vehicle’s trajectory. If the driver has not reacted quickly enough after the obstacle detection warning, the AEB (Autonomous Emergency Braking) function activates to generate automatic emergency braking. “Driver assistance functions rely on AI to detect people (pedestrians, cyclists, scooter riders, etc.), estimate their trajectory, speed, position, and adapt the vehicle’s movement and behavior if the AI determines there is a risk,” explains Boris Lugez, Expert in driver assistance systems at Continental.

REGULATION ON VEHICLE GENERAL SAFETY AND THE PROTECTION OF VULNERABLE ROAD USERS: The jacket is detected by vehicles, which are increasingly numerous every day, already equipped with an advanced emergency braking system. The European Union goes further by progressively requiring, from July 2022 to July 2024, car manufacturers to equip all new vehicles with an automatic emergency braking system.

Unisex, the DETECTABLE mid-season jacket can be worn daily with its unique cut and style. Waterproof and breathable, it accompanies users in all daily commutes, whether they are pedestrians, joggers, cyclists, scooter riders, etc.

Price: €235.00
Including VAT Sizes XS to XXL
Weight: 0.8 kg
Unisex and waterproof jacket
Material: 100% polyester
Colors: reflective yellow and navy patterns
Machine washable at 30°
Air dry
Free delivery and returns on the website

Available on urban-circus.fr

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