Technology company, WABCO, has introduced the Intelligent Anti-Lock Braking System (iABS) for commercial trailers at the North American Commercial Vehicle Show in Atlanta, US.
WABCO iABS is part of the WABCO Global Intelligent Braking Platform that enhances trailer system functionality and supports the strategies of trailer manufacturers to increase standardisation and modularity.
“In addition to optimising trailer control during emergency braking by preventing the trailer’s wheels from locking and slipping, WABCO iABS combines with additional sensors to become the ‘brain’ of the trailer, resulting in increased operational effectiveness, improved safety and driver comfort,” said WABCO Americas President, Jon Morrison. “The iABS focuses on making the trailer smarter and allowing, for the first time, the activation of up to 20 functions of WABCO’s award-winning Intelligent Trailer Program, such as Lift Axle Control, Door Ajar or Axle Load Monitoring, among others.”
Since iABS supports 5V Controller Area Network (CAN) communication ports and Generic Input/Output (GIO) ports, every single trailer can become intelligent and connected to a telematics unit without a system upgrade. The new device is designed for all trailer types, offering tank- and frame-mounting options.
“WABCO iABS provides benefits to OE manufacturers, fleets and drivers, including the ability to monitor overall trailer health condition, alert for required preventive maintenance, optimise logistical processes, and enhance driver guidance and support,” said Morrison. “The launch of this innovative product further underscores WABCO’s commitment to enhance safety and connectivity for trailers and fleets.”
The Intelligent Braking Platform combines iABS and iEBS (intelligent electronic braking system) on one common platform, making the braking systems applicable and easily interchangeable in all countries and regions worldwide. The platform promotes global standardisation of ABS and EBS, streamlines the manufacturing and servicing of trailers and enables customisation and individualisation of each trailer to better serve complex customer needs for flexibility, specificity, speed and safety.
With more than 30 years of engineering experience and as the pioneer and market leader in North America trailer braking systems, WABCO boasts more than 3 million systems sold in the region with a global ABS installed base of more than 6.5 million systems worldwide.