ADAS: Enhancing safety and comfort on the road

By: Pavan Puri, Founder & MD, Greencore

ADAS systems have undergone various levels of automation to make driving easy, safe, and comfortable, from simple assistance to full autonomy.

We are living in a technologically progressive world, where even cars have developed so much that they can easily park and switch lanes for you. At the core of this innovation is the Advanced Driver Assistance System, or ADAS. These systems in the automotive sector have offered people considerable advantages and smoother driving experiences. These systems help make driving easier, safer and lower the number of human mistakes, which is the biggest cause of road accidents.

India has one of the most difficult roads to drive on. Following a report by the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways, more than 400,000 individuals become victims of these dangerous routes. This is where technologies like ADAS come into the picture. It can substantially contribute to decreasing these numbers.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems for Improving Road Safety

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, or ADAS has components that utilise software technologies to help in driving and provide additional aid. It sends an alert to the driver, indicating further hazards on the road, such as traffic signals, other automobiles, or pedestrians. It also controls multiple operations of the car, such as steering, speed, and brake controls, to reduce the effect of a mishap. ADAS is an umbrella term that includes multiple systems and functions.

ADAS Safety Features

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) as the name suggests ACC presents a stress-free driving experience to the driver as it can automatically adjust the car’s speed and maintain a safe distance between you and the vehicle ahead. Lane Departure Warning and Lane-Keeping Assistance have different types of sensors and cameras to monitor routes. It sends a signal to the driver, informing them about the lane shifts. 

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) components in cars quickly detect a potential crash with other vehicles and apply brakes accordingly to prevent it from happening. Blind Spot Detection feature uses radars, cameras, and ultrasound to determine areas and other objects that are not visible to the driver. It sends a visual or auditory warning to the driver. Additionally, Parking Assistance ADAS provides parking assistance to the driver to track parking spaces. With the help of sensors and cameras, they guide the driver to park the vehicle safely and easily.

Impact of ADAS Technology on Driving

ADAS has considerably improved driver and road safety. They have immensely aided in reducing human errors by leveraging features such as collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Other features, like adaptive cruise control and parking guidance, have made driving much more convenient and stress-free. ADAS systems have undergone various levels of automation to make driving easy, safe, and comfortable, from simple assistance to full autonomy.

Types of ADAS Technologies

Following the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), the ADAS has different levels of automation that range from 0 to 5. Level 0 does not help the driving process, but has features such as reversing sensors and cameras. At level 1, the system can control some vehicle operations, while at level 3, it manages the steering, acceleration, and braking systems. On the other hand, level 4 comprises high-driving automation and can fully control the moving vehicle and navigate the route without any help. At level 5, human involvement is minimal, and the vehicle does not even include a steering wheel and pedals. It moves on its own without any external interference. 

The ADAS Revolution

In the digital age, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems are entirely remodeling the automotive industry through novel technologies and artificial intelligence. With technologies like sensors, radars, cameras, and other adaptive features, ADAS is providing real-time driving assistance, warnings, and automated interventions to deter accidents and improve driving efficiency. With that, the future of the automotive sector presents a promise of safer driving, lower traffic blockage, and enhanced driving experience and comfort.

Pavan Puri is the Founder and MD of Greencore. Views expressed are his own.