Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
Automatic emergency braking (AEB) is a driver-assistance function that can apply the vehicle’s brakes when it detects an imminent collision and the driver has not responded sufficiently.
How AEB responds
AEB usually uses radar, cameras, lidar, or a combination of sensors to monitor the path ahead. A forward-collision warning may alert the driver first. If the risk continues, the system can add braking or begin braking automatically to avoid the impact or reduce its severity.
Detection capability depends on the vehicle and system generation. Some systems are designed for other vehicles only, while others can also respond to pedestrians, cyclists, junction conflicts, reversing hazards, or cross traffic. Supported speed ranges and directions vary, so one AEB label does not imply identical capability.
AEB cannot prevent every crash. Weather, darkness, glare, road geometry, sensor blockage, unusual object appearance, very short detection time, tyre grip, and vehicle speed can limit detection or braking. The driver must still watch the road and brake or steer when necessary.
AEB is an emergency intervention layer, not a replacement for safe following distance or driver attention. It also differs from adaptive cruise control, which manages ordinary following speed rather than only an imminent hazard.
For sensing, operating cases, and system variants, see Automatic Emergency Braking.