FOREIGN OBJECT DETECTION SYSTEMS AND CONTROL LOGIC FOR VEHICLE COMPARTMENT CLOSURE ASSEMBLIES

Disclosed are object detection systems for automated compartment closure assemblies, methods for operating such systems, and motor vehicles with a power liftgate assembly and foreign object detection capabilities. A method is disclosed for detecting objects obstructing the path of an automated closure assembly. The method includes receiving a command signal to move the closure assembly to an open or closed position, and receiving gesture-sensitive sensor signals with a location and velocity of an object within a supervision field. Responsive to the object being inside a protected zone within the supervision field or the object's velocity being towards the protected zone, commanding an automated driving mechanism to: slow the closure assembly's speed; if the object is still located inside the protected zone after a calibrated period of time, stop the closure assembly; and if the object moves outside the protected zone, increase the closure assembly speed to a default speed.