Thermal imaging for improved automotive safety –thermal cameras excel where other sensors fail
The Growing Need for Advanced Safety Solutions
In today’s automotive industry, the evolution of safety technologies is crucial, particularly when it comes to protecting Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs), such as pedestrians and cyclists. Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) systems have made significant strides, yet they still face substantial obstacles in preventing collisions with VRUs, especially at night or in challenging weather conditions like fog, rain, or snow. A 2019 study by the American Automobile Association (AAA) highlighted a significant gap in current AEB systems, revealing that pedestrian detection features are nearly ineffective in the dark. These limitations are more than just technological inconveniences—they directly impact road safety.
Recognizing this, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) took decisive action. In April 2024, the organization issued FMVSS No. 127, a landmark ruling that mandates, by 2029, all passenger and light commercial vehicles must be capable of mitigating or preventing accidents with pedestrians in complete darkness as effectively as they do during the day. This new requirement underscores the urgency for more advanced sensors capable of functioning reliably under all lighting conditions. Enter thermal imaging technology—a solution that can address these critical safety gaps. By incorporating thermal cameras into vehicle systems, automotive manufacturers can significantly enhance VRU detection capabilities, particularly during nighttime and adverse weather, thereby contributing to fewer accidents and saving more lives.
The Role of VRU Detection in Automotive Safety: Challenges in Current Technology
VRU detection is a critical component of modern Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Current AEB systems typically rely on a combination of CMOS cameras and radar sensors. The CMOS camera is responsible for identifying and classifying objects within a vehicle’s path, while radar measures the speed and distance of those objects. This combination performs admirably in detecting other vehicles, especially during daylight. Vehicles are large, reflective, and equipped with red backlights that make them easier to identify. The system works well during the day, but at night, the scenario changes drastically.
Vulnerable Road Users, by contrast, are much smaller and lack any built-in lighting to make them easily visible. At night, VRU detection becomes highly challenging because pedestrians and cyclists blend into the dark background and can only be spotted within the reach of a car’s headlights—typically a range of 30-40 meters. This limitation becomes even more glaring when you consider that VRU fatalities are 20% higher at night than during the day, according to the NHTSA. Moreover, pedestrian activity on roads significantly decreases at night, so this fatality rate is disproportionately high compared to the actual number of VRUs on the road.
The ineffectiveness of current detection technologies to perform well in these conditions is a key reason the NHTSA is now emphasizing AEB systems specifically designed to detect pedestrians, often referred to as Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Brakes (PAEB). These systems are expected to be just as effective at night, in near-total darkness (0.2 lux!), as they are during daylight. Achieving this level of performance will require advancements in sensor technology, with thermal cameras standing out as the most promising solution to meet this goal.
New Safety Standards Demand Cutting-edge Sensors: Why Thermal Imaging is Essential
As vehicle safety standards evolve, the integration of new technologies is essential to ensure both ADAS and self-driving cars can operate safely in all conditions—whether in low light, direct sunlight, or during inclement weather. For many years, Lidar has been seen as a strong candidate for improving vehicle safety. While innovative and accurate, Lidar has its drawbacks, notably its reduced effectiveness in adverse weather conditions like fog and rain, and its high cost, which limits its widespread adoption across all vehicle models.
In contrast, thermal imaging cameras have been thoroughly tested in various industries and have proven their reliability across all types of weather and lighting conditions. Thermal cameras are capable of detecting the heat signatures of objects, making them highly effective in detecting VRUs, such as pedestrians and cyclists, regardless of whether it is day or night. This capability makes them invaluable in enhancing the safety features of vehicles, particularly when integrated into AEB systems.
Unique Thermal Camera Technology: A Comprehensive Solution for the Future of Automotive Safety
Among the companies leading the way in thermal imaging technology is Adasky, which has pioneered a state-of-the-art thermal camera system specifically designed for the automotive industry. What sets this thermal imaging solution apart from others on the market is a combination of innovative design features and superior performance metrics. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key elements of this technology:
1. Exclusive Embedded Chip Design
At the heart of the thermal camera is a proprietary embedded chip design. This unique feature integrates the image sensor, processor, and algorithms into a single, compact package, allowing for real-time image processing. Unlike traditional systems that require separate components for each function, this approach ensures faster data processing and reduces the camera’s overall size. This breakthrough technology is specifically tailored for the automotive industry, making it the only solution of its kind currently available. The compact design also allows for easier integration into vehicles without compromising on performance or reliability.
2. Shutter-Less Operation for Uninterrupted Performance
Traditional thermal cameras rely on mechanical shutters that periodically block the sensor to recalibrate, leading to brief moments of image disruption. An innovative shutterless design eliminates this problem by using advanced algorithms for continuous calibration. This means there are no interruptions in image capture, ensuring consistent performance. The absence of moving parts also enhances the overall durability and reliability of the camera, making it a more robust choice for safety-critical applications in the automotive sector.
3. Compact Size and Seamless Integration into Vehicle Design
One of the most remarkable aspects of this thermal camera is its small form factor. The compact size allows automotive manufacturers to easily integrate the camera into their vehicles without compromising on design or aesthetics. This level of flexibility is particularly important for automakers seeking to add advanced safety features without needing significant redesigns or sacrificing other key components of the vehicle.
4. AI-Powered Detection and Classification Software
The thermal cameras are complemented by advanced software that employs machine learning and computer vision techniques to detect and classify objects in real time. This AI-based detection software enables the camera to seamlessly integrate with existing vehicle safety systems, including automatic emergency braking (AEB), collision warning, and other ADAS features. The system is modular and configurable, making it easy for automotive manufacturers to adapt it to their specific requirements without extensive system overhauls. This software capability not only improves safety but also enhances the overall driving experience by providing accurate, real-time data to the vehicle’s safety systems.
Conclusion: The Future of Automotive Safety is Thermal
As the automotive industry continues to advance towards more stringent safety standards and increasing consumer demand for safer vehicles, technologies like thermal imaging are becoming critical components of modern vehicle safety systems. Thermal cameras offer an innovative solution to the challenges of detecting Vulnerable Road Users, especially in low-light conditions and adverse weather. With their proven performance, compact design, and AI-powered software, thermal imaging technology stands out as a game-changing innovation in the pursuit of safer roads and smarter vehicles.
As regulatory demands grow and automakers seek to differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive market, the integration of thermal cameras into vehicle platforms offers a clear path toward meeting both safety standards and consumer expectations. By enhancing pedestrian detection, night vision, and overall driving safety, Adasky is helping pave the way for a safer and more technologically advanced automotive future.
