How radar systems are driving the future of autonomous mobility

This article has been authored by Anshu Gupta & Aneesh Gopinathanpillai, Autonomous Mobility, Continental.
The automotive industry has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, with advanced technologies revolutionizing the way vehicles are designed, manufactured, and operated. They have become increasingly sophisticated with more powerful systems that enable vehicles to monitor and safely navigate their surroundings.One of the most critical technological advancements that have had a profound impact on the automotive industry is the development of automotive radar sensors & systems. Radar sensors have become an integral part of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving technologies, providing drivers with a range of safety and convenience features. They also play a major role in enabling L2, L3 and L4 systems of automation.
The Indian automotive radar market is projected to experience significant growth in the coming years due to increasing demand for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Factors such as increasing government regulations related to vehicle safety and increasing consumer demand for advanced safety features are expected to drive the growth of the Indian automotive radar market. According to Maximize Market Research, India Automotive Radar Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.6% throughout the forecast period, to reach US$ 10.06 Bn. by 2026.
Radar Systems and its Evolution
The use of radar systems in the automotive industry dates to the 1990s with the introduction of first radar based Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system. The ACC system uses a long-range radar sensor to detect and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front. These sensors used radio waves to construct a comprehensive perception model of the surroundings.

Since then, radar systems have become increasingly sophisticated, with the development of surround range radar (SRR), medium-range radar (MRR), long-range radar (LRR) / 4D imaging and satellite radar sensors.
Over time, the technology has evolved to include more advanced features using radar technology, such as collision avoidance systems, autonomous emergency braking, occupant safety exit, lane change assist, blind-spot detection, front/cross traffic alerts with braking, parking among others. The front looking radars are mostly the ones that are used is cruise control as the radar helps in detecting and tracking the objects in front and adjusts the vehicle’s speed and engine torque relative to the front vehicle to maintain safe distance. Radars are also increasingly being used in combination with ESP (Emergency Stability Program) and ABS (Antilock Brake System) effectively for Auto Emergency Braking. The radar sensors placed on rear corners warn the drivers of blind spots and assists in lane changes.
Developments in Radars
With technological advancements, the automotive radar has enabled autonomous mobility in modern vehicles such as relieving drivers from monotonous tasks, reducing driver stress, and adding life-saving automatic interventions with implementation in many high-end cars enabling essential safety and comfort features with adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking systems.
Increased Range: Automotive radar systems have been improved to have a longer detection range, which can enhance the safety of drivers and passengers. Radar systems can now detect objects that are farther away, giving drivers more time to react to potential hazards.
Higher Frequency Bands: Automotive radar systems have moved to higher frequency bands, such as 77 GHz, which can provide higher resolution and accuracy. This can help to differentiate between objects and provide more precise measurements.
Improved Object Recognition: Advances in radar signal processing have improved the ability to recognize objects, such as pedestrians and cyclists, and differentiate them from other objects on the road. This can enhance the safety of vulnerable road users.
Integration with Other Sensors: Radar systems are often integrated with other sensors, such as cameras and lidar, to provide a more comprehensive view of the environment around a vehicle. This can help to improve object recognition and reduce false positives.
360-Degree Coverage: Some automotive radar systems are now able to provide 360-degree coverage around a vehicle, which can enhance safety by detecting potential hazards from all sides.
Improved Weather Performance: Advancement in radar technology has improved the scope of performance in adverse weather conditions. Radar ensures the safety even when there is degradation of the detection capabilities of other sensors due to adverse weather conditions.
Robust Integration: Lower output power facilitates easier integration into an electric vehicle with more stringent thermal requirements.
Cost/Pricing: In the last 25 years, the cost of the radar has come down by nearly 99 percent. Although, ARS620 has a much better performance and is much smaller than the ARS100. The main drivers for this have been the silicon integration, the general and continuous improvement of the semiconductor and also the significantly rising volumes.
Compactness: The original radars were bulky, whereas the gen 6 radar has no mechanical moving parts but is all electronics. The weight of the radars has also undergone a tremendous change and today's radars are only 10% of the weight of the first-generation radars.
Government Support
With the developments, it is important to note that their adoption and implementation may face several challenges. Government support is crucial for the successful implementation of automotive radar systems in India especially in providing the necessary regulations, standards, and infrastructure to ensure that radar systems are safe and effective. Furthermore, the government can support the development of skilled personnel who can design, install, and maintain radar systems. This can involve training programs and initiatives to encourage more people to pursue careers in this field. Raising awareness through campaigns among the public concerning the benefits of automotive radar systems and their role in improving road safety is another important factor for Indian market.
Disclaimer: Views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the original author and do not represent any of The Times Group or its employees.