VIDEO: Technological trickery as Jaguar Land Rover creates transparent trailers

They have developed an innovative camera system that makes the trailer or caravan appear see-through behind the car. It is tied in with a Cargo Sense App that allows drivers to keep track of the trailer and cargo through their smartphone.

Sensors in the floor of the trailer would alert the driver if the load was shifting or a horse was in distress.

The prototype, fitted to a Range Rover research vehicle, will be demonstrated at the Burghley Horse Trials this week.

While the new app is likely to prove a hit with the horsey set, most eyes will be on the 'transparent trailer' system.

The West Midlands-based luxury car maker says its see-through trailer concept would completely remove the blind spot created when towing a caravan or trailer. This transparent view would allow the driver to clearly see vehicles coming up behind and help driver confidence by improving visibility whilst manoeuvring.

Dr Wolfgang Epple, JLR's director of research and technology, said: "When you are overtaking it is instinctive to check your mirrors, but if you are towing your vision is often restricted with large blind spots. Our Transparent Trailer project is researching how we could offer a view out of the vehicle unrestricted by your trailer, no matter what its size or shape.

"Our prototype system offers a very high quality video image with no distortion of other cars or obstructions. This means the driver would have exactly the right information to make safe and effective decisions when driving or manoeuvring, making towing safer and less stressful."

The system works by combining the video feed from the vehicle's existing surround camera system – which includes the reversing camera and a camera on each wing mirror – with a video from a digital wireless camera that is placed on the rear of the trailer or caravan.

The video feeds are then combined to create the live video images that make the trailer behind appear see-through. When the trailer is coupled to the towing car, the live video feed would automatically appear in the rear view mirror inside the vehicle.

When reversing, the driver would also be able to view the camera feed from the back of the caravan or trailer through the infotainment screen on the dashboard, with guidance lines on the screen to help reverse both car and trailer.

The Cargo Sense device monitors a trailer or horsebox through a remote video camera and a mat of pressure sensors, detecting if the load shifted.

The system would send a 'check cargo' warning to the dashboard to alert the driver to an issue with the cargo, or a horse, before it becomes serious. Live video footage from the camera inside the trailer could then be made available through the infotainment screen in the vehicle. A passenger would be able to view the footage whilst the vehicle is in motion. Alternatively, the driver could view the video while stationary to assess the situation in the trailer from the safety of the driver's seat.

Dr Epple added: "Many of our customers tow valuable cargoes for business and pleasure, so we are researching a range of technologies that would enhance the towing experience and make it safer – for the driver and even their horses.

"A permanent video feed through to the dashboard from the trailer has the potential to distract the driver from the road ahead. Instead we are developing a more intelligent system that is able to detect a problem with the horse in the trailer and warn the driver. The video is then available for owners to view the inside of the trailer and support a decision to pull over and check the horse."