Tesla is working on a new motion-detection sensor. It could detect a child left behind in a hot car and could help deter theft as well.
The company currently seeks approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to market the technology. It would use unlicensed millimeter-wave radar sensors designed to operate at higher power levels than allowed under existing rules.
According to Tesla, the device could have the capability to detect kids in cars. This is to reduce the risk of pediatric vehicular heatstroke in its application.
What Else?
Thanks to its capability to assess body size. It can protect vehicle occupants from injury through advanced airbag deployment and seat belt reminders, and enhance theft prevention systems.
The company envisions using radar imaging to measure body size so it can tell the difference between adults and children. It can help the car optimize airbag deployment in a crash more effectively than existing weight based, in-seat sensor systems.
Tesla cites the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data. It found that “more than 50” children died of a heatstroke in a car in 2018 and 2019.
It was mostly because someone forgot them there. The Commission is seeking public comments on Tesla’s request through September 21st.
It’s not clear how and when such sensors could end up in Tesla’s vehicles. For a variety of safety measures, Tesla already utilizes the interior and exterior sensors on its vehicles.
While the technology will focus on the vehicle’s interior, it can also scan up to six feet outside of a car. That would give it the capability to provide a more advanced theft prevention system detecting broken windows and vehicle intrusion.
Dog Mode keeps the car at a comfortable temperature when owners need to leave their pets for a few minutes. The jumbo display at the center will show passersby a message that you’ll be returning soon.
On the other hand, Tesla Sentry Mode, essentially lets the car guard itself using its exterior cameras. That is to monitor nearby movement and identify potential threats.
Automakers’ Technological Upgrades
Over the last few years, other automakers have introduced technological upgrades, in order to detect kids in cars and help reduce the number of children left behind in hot cars.
Nissan included sensors in its Pathfinder SUVs in 2018, to detect when the rear door is opened before a trip. As a reminder, the horn will beep several times. That is if the driver neglects to open the rear door again after the car is parked.
GM, likewise, has installed a feature called Rear Seat Reminder in a host of its models. It sounds a chime and displays a message on the instrument panel to remind drivers to check behind them.
Tesla’s inclusion of an in-car sensor is noteworthy. This is because the company resisted calls to add an active driver-monitoring system to supplement Autopilot, which is its advanced driver assistance system.
Engineers at Tesla wanted to add robust driver monitoring systems, but the company executives, including CEO Elon Musk, rejected it. It was out of concern that the options might not work well enough or could be expensive furthermore, drivers might become annoyed by an overly nagging system.
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