Introduction

The evolution of automotive safety has always been a gradual journey. From the introduction of mandatory seat belts in 1968 to front airbags decades later, each innovation represents a step toward protecting lives on our roads. Today, we stand at another pivotal moment with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) systems becoming standard in all new vehicles as of 2022.

However, there’s a critical problem that current systems haven’t solved: they struggle to protect our most vulnerable road users, especially in darkness.

The Challenge: Current Limitations of Automotive Safety Systems

Think about this sobering fact: in the United States, the number of road deaths at night is twice as high as during daylight hours. Why? Because current safety technology has a significant blind spot.

Standard Automatic Emergency Braking systems rely primarily on two technologies:

• CMOS/RGB cameras that detect and classify objects
• Radar sensors that measure distance and speed

This combination works reasonably well for detecting other vehicles, which are large, distinctly shaped, and typically have lights. But when it comes to pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users, these systems fall dangerously short—especially after dark.

The Visibility Gap

Current headlight technology, whether using halogen, xenon, or even modern LED systems, can only illuminate the road ahead for about 40 meters. What’s more concerning is that pedestrians are only fully visible within about 28 meters of these headlights.

Now consider this: at 60 km/h (approximately 37 mph), a vehicle needs nearly 37 meters to come to a complete stop after detecting an obstacle (assuming ideal braking conditions). At higher speeds, this stopping distance increases dramatically—far beyond what current detection systems can “see” at night.

This creates a dangerous gap where the vehicle’s safety systems simply cannot detect a person in time to prevent a collision.

The Missing Piece: Thermal Imaging Technology

This is where thermal imaging cameras enter the picture, offering a solution to this critical limitation. Unlike traditional cameras that rely on visible light, thermal cameras detect heat signatures—making them perfect for identifying living beings regardless of lighting conditions.

Thermal imaging technology isn’t new. It’s been trusted for years in defense, security, and aviation applications. But until recently, limitations in size, performance, and cost have prevented thermal cameras from becoming standard in everyday vehicles.

How Thermal Cameras Work

Thermal cameras detect infrared radiation (heat) emitted by objects and living beings. Since humans and animals naturally emit heat that stands out from their surroundings, thermal imaging can easily detect pedestrians, cyclists, and wildlife—even in complete darkness, through fog, or in challenging weather conditions.

This technology provides a critical advantage: the ability to “see” vulnerable road users at distances far beyond the reach of headlights, giving automated safety systems the extra seconds needed to prevent accidents.

Breakthrough Innovation: Adasky’s Automotive Thermal Camera

In 2016, a company called Adasky began developing a thermal camera specifically designed for automotive applications. Their goal was to overcome the traditional limitations of thermal imaging technology, making it practical and affordable for widespread use in vehicles.

Key Innovations That Make This Possible:

1. Solid-State Design: Unlike traditional thermal cameras that use mechanical shutters (which temporarily block vision), Adasky’s camera has no moving parts. This eliminates the dangerous half-second “blind spot” that occurs when conventional thermal cameras recalibrate.
2. Proprietary Embedded Chip: Working with ST Microelectronics (the same manufacturer that produces chips for Mobileye), Adasky developed an integrated chip that combines the image sensor, processor, and advanced algorithms in one compact package. This allows for:
   • Real-time image processing
   • Excellent image quality
   • Continuous operation without interruption
3. Compact Size and Low Power: The camera’s tiny form factor makes it easy to integrate into vehicle designs without compromising aesthetics. It consumes just 1 watt of power—the lowest in the market.
4. Weatherproof Design: The camera features an integrated lens heater with automatic defogging and anti-frosting capabilities. It’s laser-welded to ensure IP67 and IP69 ratings (meaning it’s completely protected against dust and can withstand high-pressure water jets).
5. Intelligent Software: AI-based detection and classification software enables the camera to identify various road users, assign each an ID, calculate their range, and predict their trajectory.

Real-World Applications and Benefits

The practical advantages of this technology become clear when we consider specific driving scenarios:

• Nighttime Driving: When a pedestrian steps onto a dark road, thermal imaging can detect them at distances far beyond headlight range, giving the vehicle crucial extra seconds to react.
• Poor Weather Conditions: In fog, rain, or snow—conditions that limit visibility for both human drivers and traditional cameras—thermal imaging continues to detect heat signatures clearly.
• Rural Areas: Wildlife crossing roads at night becomes visible at much greater distances.
• Urban Environments: Pedestrians and cyclists in complex urban settings are detected more reliably, regardless of lighting conditions.

From Innovation to Implementation: The Adasky-Gentex Partnership

To bring this technology to mass production, Adasky has partnered with Gentex Corporation, a global leader in automotive electronics best known for inventing automatic-dimming rearview mirrors. This partnership combines Adasky’s innovative thermal camera technology with Gentex’s manufacturing expertise and industry reach.

Beyond the front-facing applications, the partnership is exploring new uses for thermal imaging, including integration with Gentex’s Full Display Mirror (FDM) system. This would allow drivers to see thermal images of the area behind their vehicle, enhancing safety when backing up at night or in poor visibility.

The Future of Automotive Safety

Looking ahead, regulatory changes are already pushing the industry toward better protection for vulnerable road users. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has decided that by 2029, Automatic Emergency Braking systems must specifically address pedestrian safety—officially designating them as Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking (PAEB) systems.

Thermal imaging technology is positioning itself as an essential component in meeting these requirements. By enabling vehicles to “see” in all lighting and weather conditions, thermal cameras provide the missing link in creating truly comprehensive safety systems.

What This Means for You

As this technology becomes more widely adopted, we can expect:

• Reduced Nighttime Accidents: Particularly involving pedestrians and cyclists
• Enhanced Driver Awareness: Providing better visibility in challenging conditions
• More Effective Automated Safety Systems: Enabling existing safety features to work reliably in all conditions
• Progress Toward Safer Autonomous Vehicles: Contributing to the development of self-driving technology that can operate safely in all environments

The integration of thermal imaging into everyday vehicles represents one of the most significant advances in automotive safety since the introduction of airbags. By addressing the critical limitations of current systems—particularly their inability to protect vulnerable road users at night—this technology has the potential to save countless lives.

As we continue to move toward a future of increasingly automated and eventually autonomous vehicles, the ability to “see” clearly in all conditions will be essential. Thermal imaging doesn’t just enhance existing safety systems—it helps complete the sensory package needed for truly safe automated driving.