Waymo patents technology to reduce surface rigidity of vehicle

Tension members response can be arranged to reduce impact of unavoidable collision, according to patent

Waymo, the self-driving car unit of Alphabet, has received a patent from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) that explains ways to make cars less rigid when its sensors detect an imminent collision, according to United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The patent describes how ‘tension members’, which could be cables or rods, for example, can be used for changing the rigidity of a vehicle surface when it comes in contact with objects including other vehicles or human.