Vehicles automatically install external airbags to protect pedestrians

In addition to the unique airbags, Nuro's new autonomous cargo van runs on clean energy and can regulate the temperature in the cargo compartment.

Nuro's new generation automatic car is equipped with a pedestrian airbag. (Photo: Nuro)

Nuro, a US-based startup, introduced a third-generation autonomous cargo vehicle with the unique feature of an external airbag to be used in the event of a collision with a pedestrian, New Atlas reported on January 13. The company did not provide details, but the new vehicle is likely to use the same LiDAR, radar, 360-degree camera and ultrasonic sensing technologies as the old model.

The new car will run faster than the old generation with a speed of up to 72km / h. However, when there are people around, it will probably run much slower. If an unexpected situation occurs and the vehicle is about to have a head-on collision, the external airbag will deploy to reduce the force of the impact. The actual effectiveness of the new solution is unclear at this time and may depend heavily on vehicle speed at impact.

Nuro says its vehicles use 100% renewable energy from wind farms in Texas. Vehicle materials also adhere to strict sourcing and supply chain standards to protect the natural environment. In addition, the vehicle is also designed for all-weather use.

The new automatic cargo van is capable of carrying more than 220kg of cargo. It features state-of-the-art heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems that allow cooling down to - 6 degrees Celsius or heating up to 47 degrees Celsius, depending on the type of cargo. Customers will interact with the vehicle through a large touch screen on the vehicle.

Autonomous vehicles with airbags are expected to be manufactured at the company's manufacturing facility in Nevada. This factory is still under construction. The vehicle's powertrain, including the electric motor and battery, will be manufactured by the North American subsidiary of BYD (China). The factory is expected to officially go into operation by the end of this year.