Jalopnik reports that the 2010 Volvo S60 will be equipped with an automated system that not only detects pedestrians and cyclists in or entering the vehicle's path, but automatically brakes if necessary to avoid hitting them.
On the face of it, this is an excellent idea. But in an inner city, I would hope there's an override. You see, over and above Jalopnik's concern about drivers coming to rely on the automatic pedestrian/cyclist avoidance system, there's one scenario that comes immediately to mind.
Picture this. You've been into the city for dinner and a movie with your spouse. On your way home, you pull up to an intersection and stop at the red light. A figure appears out of the shadows and up to the side of the car. He brandishes a weapon, be it as simple as a length of iron pipe or a baseball bat, and orders you out of the car. With no cross-traffic in sight, you quickly step on the gas to get away.
...And nothing happens, because by now his two friends are standing in front of and behind the car. You see carjackers ... but the car sees only pedestrians, and it won't let you endanger them.