As autonomous driving gets closer to becoming a reality every day, systems like ADAS are already present in vehicles. The truth everyone using an ADAS-equipped vehicle agrees on is this: "The more smart sensors, the better the safety."
These smart sensors include various types such as ultrasonic parking sensors, cameras, lidar, and radar. However, none of them can see behind an obstacle. Hyundai and Kia, on the other hand, plan to see behind obstacles thanks to devices broadcasting on the UWB band.
UWB transceivers have been added to these two Korean brands' 2025 models. Interestingly, these UWB-chipped devices are already abundant on the roads and their number is growing. This is because UWB chips are found in phones, new vehicles, devices like AirTags, watches, and headphones.
The technology works as follows: The UWB sensor inside the car emits a signal while driving. All UWB devices within 100 meters that receive this signal respond. The system calculates the return time and angle of the response using multiple antennas, allowing it to pinpoint the location of devices with 10 cm accuracy.
The best part of this system is that UWB band devices can send data to each other even if they don't see each other, meaning even if there's an obstacle between them. To give a simple example, as you approach an intersection, the system can detect a vehicle rapidly approaching from a blind spot. Moreover, it tracks the vehicle, estimating its speed and trajectory. This allows the vehicle to warn you if there's a significant safety concern.
Similarly, thanks to a UWB keychain on a child running towards the road from behind a wall, the vehicle can detect the danger in advance and prevent an accident if necessary. The best aspect of the system is its ability to detect phones and compatible smartwatches. Apple iPhone 11 and later models, and Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and later models, feature a UWB chip. In short, vehicles can pinpoint the location of all these devices. Furthermore, brands like BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen, and Tesla also use these UWB chips in their new models. This means it's possible to detect vehicles from these brands as well.
Moreover, this system operates with 99% accuracy in all weather conditions and visibility situations. The system's response time is also quite short, determining the location in just 1 ms to 5 ms.
The company has not yet provided information on when this feature will be widely available, but it is conducting active tests. Last year, it was used at Kia's PBV conversion center in South Korea to prevent collisions between forklifts and workers. This year, it will be used to ensure the safety of industrial site vehicles at the Busan port.
One of the tests was also conducted with kindergarten students, whose movements are highly unpredictable and fast, and the buses transporting them. A UWB transceiver was added to the bus, and UWB sensors, shaped like toys, were attached to the children's bags. This allowed the driver to see the children's location, both inside and outside the vehicle, on a screen during parking or movement.
Another striking application area for the system could be detecting people trapped under rubble in disaster situations. As you can see, the system plans to integrate into every aspect of our lives with add-on devices from companies in the future and holds great promise.
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