Pedestrian safety is a growing concern, especially at night when three-quarters of pedestrian fatalities occur. Automotive technology supplier Magna has introduced thermal sensing technology on 1.2 million vehicles to address this issue. This technology, originally named “Night Vision,” allows drivers to see the road ahead up to four times farther than typical headlights.
The use of thermal sensing technology in vehicles is not a new concept. The technology, which originated as military technology in the late 1970s, was declassified by the U.S. government after the 1991 Gulf War. Thermal imaging has since been used in various industries, including municipal firefighting services and security applications at airports.
Magna’s latest generation of thermal technology offers enhanced road coverage, detection capabilities, and image clarity, even in challenging conditions like fog, smoke, snow squalls, or complete darkness. Unlike traditional cameras, thermal cameras are not affected by visible light, making them an effective solution for improving road safety.
The infrared video camera mounted on vehicles uses neural networks to classify objects in the image, such as pedestrians, buses, and motorbikes. This information helps driver-assist programs adapt and avoid potential collisions by predicting the vector of travel for various objects on the road.
Magna’s thermal sensing technology has been designed to detect hazards like animals, pedestrians, and cyclists more than 100 meters ahead of the vehicle. This early detection system provides drivers with alerts to prevent accidents and improve overall road safety.
In addition to pedestrian safety, Magna’s thermal sensing technology is also aimed at addressing back-over accidents, which primarily involve children or small pets. The next-generation thermal sensing technology from Magna, set to debut next year, will offer increased visual range to 360 degrees, providing better visibility all around the vehicle, even in the dark.
By increasing stopping time and alerting drivers to potential hazards, thermal sensing technology has the potential to save lives and reduce the number of pedestrian fatalities. As distracted driving becomes a growing concern, the integration of advanced technologies like thermal sensing can play a crucial role in improving road safety for everyone on the road.