(R)EVOLUTION -Calibration tools for ACC radars

Calibration tools for ACC radars – Precision driving aids

In the late 1990s, the automotive industry took a new step forward in driver assistance. Until then, cruise control simply allowed the vehicle to maintain a constant speed automatically, without the driver having to press the accelerator. This was a practical feature on motorways, but it was still limited: it did not take traffic conditions into account. In 1999, manufacturers such as Jaguar, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz introduced a decisive innovation: ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) radar.

For the first time, cars were able not only to maintain a speed, but also to automatically adjust their speed to that of the vehicle in front. Using an on-board radar, they measured the safety distance in real time and adjusted acceleration or braking to avoid dangerous close encounters. This device transformed the concept of cruise control into an intelligent, active and preventive tool.

The development of this technology is accompanied by another essential advance: the development of specific calibration tools. To function effectively, the radar and cameras must be adjusted with millimetre precision. This calibration equipment ensures that the system correctly interprets its environment, thereby enhancing driving reliability and safety.

ACC marks a milestone in the history of ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems). It paves the way for even more sophisticated devices capable of managing automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control in traffic jams. Gradually, the car is no longer just a vehicle to be driven: it is becoming an active partner, capable of assisting the driver and even temporarily taking over in certain situations.

Today, adaptive cruise control has become standard equipment on many models, far beyond the high-end saloon cars that first introduced it. It is one of the cornerstones of semi-autonomous driving, familiarising motorists with the idea that their vehicle can analyse the environment and act proactively.

From a simple comfort feature to an intelligent speed and distance management system, ACC perfectly illustrates the evolution of the automobile towards safer, smoother and more connected mobility.