Thermal imaging technology helps automakers meet 2029 night AEB safety standards

VSI Labs tested the performance of a thermally secured PAEB system on a Ford Fusion Hybrid research vehicle and three current state-of-the-art 2024 COTS PAEB systems. The thermally fused AEB sensor line included Teledyne FLIR’s latest automotive long wave infrared (LWIR) thermal camera, an automotive HD radar and an automotive visible camera. All three 2024 COTS vehicles use a combination of radar and/or visible camera(s) and do not have a thermal imaging camera. Test results showed:

• Daytime PAEB performance: Both thermally secured and COTS-PAEB systems have passed all daily tests.
• Nighttime PAEB performance: Only the thermally secured PAEB system passed all night tests and demonstrated detection capability regardless of headlight power.
• Thermally Active Pedestrian Test Manikins (PTMs): Commercially available heated thermally active PTMs provided a realistic representation of the human thermal signature and are recommended for future PAEB testing protocols using thermal cameras.

The test data showed that LWIR thermal imaging cameras can see the road many times further than headlights illuminate, providing early warning of objects, vehicles, pedestrians and large animals on the road. Advanced warning results in increased braking distances (particularly important for heavier vehicles), improved detection and false alarm performance, and more comfortable and safer deceleration.

Vehicle test results with various systems

VSI Labs’ research vehicle equipped with Teledyne FLIR’s latest AEB thermal imaging camera successfully passed all tests, while three new 2024 vehicles failed two or more night tests. Tests conducted by VSI Labs highlighted the challenges of traditional PAEB systems that rely solely on radar and visible cameras.

The thermally fused system incorporating Teledyne FLIR’s LWIR camera demonstrated detection capabilities regardless of headlight power. Phil Magney, founder of VSI Labs, emphasized the importance of thermal imaging cameras in tackling real-world scenarios and ensuring reliable PAEB performance across all vehicle sizes and weights.

“VSI Labs’ testing showed that all three COTS vehicles failed at least two or more overnight test scenarios, indicating compliance with the standard with today’s best-rated PAEB systems across all vehicle sizes and weighting will be a challenge,” said Magney. “Furthermore, real-world corner cases are potentially more challenging, underscoring the value of automotive thermal imaging cameras in the performance of true positive and false positive PAEB results. VSI’s testing shows that thermal camera technology exists to help automakers meet FMVSS Requirements No. 127 by 2029 and make roads safer for pedestrians.”

VSI conducted all testing during the day and night on September 10 and 11, 2024 at the American Center for Mobility (ACM) in Ypsilanti, Michigan.