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Research by Ford and Auburn University in US shows that global positioning system (GPS) satellites that can "talk" to cars could help prevent serious accidents.

The researchers found potential for a GPS satellite to act as an early warning system that detects when a vehicle is about to lose control. The satellite could then communicate with the vehicle's stability control systems and other safety features to prevent a rollover or other serious accident.

"A satellite orbiting the earth could some day prevent an auto accident," said Dr Gerhard Schmidt, Ford's Chief Technical Officer and vice president, Research and Advanced Engineering.

Auburn University's GPS and Vehicle Dynamics Laboratory, directed by Dr David Bevly, received a three-year, $120,000 grant from Ford in 2008 as part of company's University Research Program. The research team is investigating the use of combining GPS and inertial measurement units data to provide precise information on a vehicle's motion. The data could be used to improve performance of an electronic stability control system.

The project has developed algorithms combining data from sensors in Ford vehicles with data from GPS receivers. This coordination of data has led to predictive models that can calculate a vehicle's roll angle, sideslip and velocities under various driving conditions.

© PE Publishing Ltd, 2009