ADVANCED DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS

Posted 15 Feb 2024

Updated 22 Mar 2024

5 min read

Why in the news?

As per various reports there has been a surge in demand of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) from India and India is becoming a growing market for the same.

What is ADAS?

ADAS are a set of electronic systems which are integrated into vehicles to enhance driver safety, improve vehicle performance, and provide convenience.
This is made possible with use of sensors, cameras, radar, and other advanced technologies to monitor the vehicle's surroundings and detect potential hazards.
There are different levels of ADAS in the market as per the customers’ demand.

Equipment used in ADAS

Radar- Uses radio waves to detect objects & measure their distance, speed, and direction.
Lidar- Uses laser light to create a 3D map of the vehicle’s surroundings
Camera -Uses inbuilt optical sensors to capture images and provides information about lane markings, traffic signs
Ultrasonic- uses high-frequency sound waves to detect objects and measure their distance.
Infrared- uses heat-sensitive sensors to detect objects in low-light situations
GPS- determines location, speed and informs about traffic management.

Types of ADAS

There are two types of ADAS:

Active ADAS: These systems actively intervene and assist in critical driving situations and can even perform automatic corrective actions
- E.g. collision avoidance systems, lane keep assist systems, and automatic emergency braking.
Passive ADAS: These systems are mainly limited to provide information and alerts to the driver without directly intervening in the driving process.
- E.g. blind spot monitoring systems, lane departure warning and traffic sign recognition.

Different levels of Autonomous Driving

Level 0 (No Automation) The driver has full control of the driving tasks.
Level 1 (Driver Assistance) The vehicle features a single automated system.
Level 2(Partial Automation) The vehicle can perform steering and acceleration.
Level 3(Conditional Automation) The vehicle can control most driving tasks.
Level 4 (High Automation) The vehicle performs all driving tasks under certain conditions.
Level 5 (Full Automation) The vehicle performs all driving tasks under all conditions.

Benefits of ADAS

Improve Overall Road Safety: ADAS can reduce the number of fatalities by providing assistance in emergency braking, and avoiding collisions in events of fog etc.
Improved Traffic Management: It can optimise traffic flow, minimise congestion, and enhance the overall efficiency of road networks.
Increased Comfort and Convenience: Features such as adaptive cruise control and automated parking can make drivers less stressful.
Environmental Impact: ADAS can help in reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions through optimization in driving patterns.

Reasons behind increasing demand of ADAS in India

Progressive democratisation of autonomous driving tools with car manufacturers offering advanced driver assistance systems in their mid-segment range.
Increasing demand for safer vehicles among Indian consumers as people are increasingly becoming safety-conscious and are willing to stretch their budget to buy safer cars.
Government’s push for increased road safety through Education, Engineering (both of roads and vehicles), Enforcement and Emergency Care
Availability of more affordable ADAS technology with time.

Challenges in adoption of ADAS

Non-Standardised Road Infrastructure India's diverse road conditions, from good highways to poorly constructed rural roads, pose challenges due to inconsistent road markings.
- Indian roads have a mix of pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-motorized vehicles making ADAS systems adaptation more complex.
Affordability issues: ADAS is prevalent in premium and luxury cars due to its high cost. Making these features affordable for the majority of Indian consumers remains a challenge.
Connectivity and Data: ADAS systems require real-time data updates and reliable connectivity, which might be an issue in remote or poorly networked areas of India.
Cyber Threats It includes flaws in hardware and software which may lead to attempt of hacking, malware, and unauthorized system access.
- These attacks may deceive or undermine the functionality of systems and pose risks to passengers and drivers’ safety.
Error and Malfunctions may be caused due to hardware or software faults, sensor failures, calibration mistakes, or improper data processing or outside influences like bad weather.
- These flaws could result in the ADAS system making poor decisions or failing to recognize dangers, which could cause accidents
Human Factors may present obstacles for the safe and efficient use of the system, including attention, overreliance, complacency, and incorrect interpretation of ADAS.
- Too heavy reliance on ADAS may lead to complacency or distraction and raise the possibility of accidents.
Supply Chain Security Issues related to non-proper safeguarding of the components and processes may create vulnerabilities and threaten the system's operation and safety.
Consumer Trust is essential for successful adoption of the technology. If consumers believe them to be risky, they might be reluctant to trust them.

Steps to be taken

Government Regulations , focussed at establishing clear regulations and standards for ADAS implementation, incentivizing manufacturers to produce vehicles with ADAS features, and providing financial support.
Building of Consumer Trust by persistent investment in research and development and open and consistent communication from manufacturers and authorities about the technology’s potential and constraints.
Defence against ADAS attacks are essential to ensure the safety and security of the people inside the vehicle
- Software updates and patches, secure coding techniques, encryption of critical data, and network segmentation are a few defence mechanisms.
Driver Behavior: The success of ADAS systems depends on responsible driving behavior, which may require significant efforts in driver education and awareness campaigns.