Infrared sensors are becoming more popular in vehicles for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), in-cabin sensing, and driver monitoring systems (DMS), largely due to advancements in vehicle safety and awareness. IDTechEx‘s latest report, “Infrared (IR) Cameras for Automotive 2025-2035: Technologies, Opportunities, Forecasts“, explores the types of infrared sensors that are commonly used, and forecasts for the future of their uptake.
ADAS and infrared sensors
Near-infrared (NIR) are used primarily for driver and occupant monitoring systems and are expected by IDTechEx to become standard on all vehicles, autonomous or not. On the other hand, short-wave infrared (SWIR) will play a large part in in vehicle autonomy, used for ADAS features to enhance safety outside and inside the car. Long-wave infrared (LWIR) can similarly be used in ADAS for automatic emergency braking, and sensor fusion with camera and radar. The increasing adoption of ADAS on regular vehicles alongside safety regulations will also create more opportunities for IR technologies.
Radar and LiDAR already have a well-known presence within most autonomous driving systems, commonly combined with visible light cameras. However, infrared cameras can increase functionality to these existing systems, less affected by adverse weather conditions and low visibility, such as at nighttime and in mist and fog. IR sensors cannot detect colour, meaning that infrared sensors cannot reliably read traffic lights and signposts. IR sensors work by detecting light of wavelengths that humans can’t see, which either exist in the imaging environment or are introduced via an illuminator. Sensors can then pick up these wavelengths and convert them into greyscale images.
SWIR, NIR, and LWIR
SWIR specifically are known for their night vision and low-light visibility conditions such as fog or mist, as they are still able to maintain functionality. SWIR sensors are also sensitive to different materials even if they are of the same colour, allowing the detection of black ice or wet road conditions. These properties allow for enhanced object detection to avoid collisions.
NIR systems need illumination to work, so they will emit a light source such as an LED, which can then be reflected back to the sensor with data from the environment. In-cabin sensing is the main application for NIR technology, as it detects the driver’s attentiveness levels by monitoring drowsiness, phone use, and seatbelt use. NIR cameras can acquire images similar to visible light images, and can work in dark conditions, making them perfect for ADAS for night driving.
LWIR sensors on the other hand work passively by detecting body heat, meaning it is easier for them to identify pedestrians and animals, more so than other technologies. This technology is most commonly seen in higher-end vehicles as an ADAS add-on, however with increasing vehicle safety regulation, IDTechEx expects LWIR to see increased adoption for features like automatic emergency braking.
Drawbacks and outlooks for infrared sensors
IDTechEx describes that the longer an IR sensor’s wavelength, the worse the image resolution, meaning there can be limited dynamic range with IR technology. There is also the question of alternatives to IR sensors already being established, such as LiDAR and radar, which also have suitable performance capabilities in adverse weather conditions and can provide distance and velocity information. SWIR startups will therefore need to be introduced into the market at a feasible price for them to compete with existing technologies, and IDTechEx reports recent cost reductions in SWIR technology, making it more feasible for OEMs to implement them.
The possibility for IR sensors to be combined with normal image processing makes it an attractive feature to include alongside existing technologies, and with their unique benefits and adaptability, infrared sensors will continue to infiltrate the automotive industry.
For more information, including downloadable sample pages, please visit IDTechEx’s report, www.IDTechEx.com/InfraAuto.
For the full portfolio of sensors market research available from IDTechEx, please see www.IDTechEx.com/Research/Sensors.
About IDTechEx
IDTechEx provides trusted independent research on emerging technologies and their markets. Since 1999, we have been helping our clients to understand new technologies, their supply chains, market requirements, opportunities and forecasts. For more information, contact [email protected] or visit www.IDTechEx.com.
