Pedestrian fatalities caused by cars have seen a 19% increase from 2019 to 2022. According to AAA, three-quarters of pedestrian deaths occur after dark. To combat this issue, automotive technology supplier Magna has installed thermal technology on over 1.2 million vehicles with the goal of reducing pedestrian and cyclist fatalities.
Originally dubbed “Night Vision” and first introduced on the 2005 BMW 7 Series, Magna’s thermal sensing product allows drivers to see the road ahead up to four times further than traditional headlights. This technology is currently available on 40 different vehicle models from 13 manufacturers such as Bentley, BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, Porsche, and vehicles from Stellantis (Dodge, Fiat, Ram, Peugeot, Jeep, and more).
Magna’s thermal sensing system utilizes a microbolometer, an uncooled thermal sensor that was initially developed for military use in the late 1970s. This technology has since been declassified and adapted for various civilian applications, including firefighting and security. The latest iteration of Magna’s thermal technology offers enhanced road coverage, detection capabilities, and image clarity, making it effective in challenging conditions like fog, smoke, snow, and darkness.
“Eyes” that see the road ahead with thermal sensing
Magna’s thermal sensing system employs an infrared video camera mounted on the vehicle to create a detailed thermal image of the road scene. Through convolutional neural networks, the software processes this data for image classification and object recognition, including pedestrians, buses, and motorcycles. The system can predict the direction of movement for detected objects, aiding drivers in making informed decisions to avoid accidents.
Magna’s thermal sensing technology is continually evolving, with plans to introduce a next-generation system that offers 360-degree visibility and extended detection range of up to three football fields. This advancement aims to enhance safety by providing better visibility in all directions, especially in low-light conditions, thereby reducing accidents and potentially saving lives.
