Hyundai, Kia Reveal New Safety Tech That Detects Visually Obstructed Objects

Key Points

• Vision Pulse relies on ultra-wideband wireless signals.
• Could help vehicles spot obstacles beyond line of sight
• Automakers envision other uses, as well.

Hyundai and Kia have jointly announced Vision Pulse, a new application of existing technology that the automakers hope will increase pedestrian and road safety. Vision Pulse builds on the array of cameras, radar and ultrasonic sensors modern safety technologies use to see around them, expanding the vehicle’s field of vision through obstacles including buildings and other road users.

Related: Hyundai, Kia to Address Theft Vulnerability by Upgrading 4 Million Vehicles

Ultra-Wideband Explained

Vision Pulse utilizes ultra-wideband wireless signals, the same bandwidth used by your smartphone’s Find My feature. UWB also enables Apple’s AirDrop and Android’s Quick Share touchless file-transfer functions. Vision Pulse uses a module installed on the vehicle to emit a UWB signal, which is returned by any nearby device with UWB technology. UWB modules are already present in many phones and smart wearables, and the tech is also what enables Digital Key 2 connectivity in Hyundai, Kia and Genesis vehicles.

Hyundai says Vision Pulse can detect other UWB signals with 10-centimeter (3.9-inch) accuracy within a 100-meter (328-feet) radius — even without a clear line of sight to the object — and retains over 99% of its accuracy in adverse weather and at night. Performance of cameras and radar sensors are negatively impacted in these conditions.

Knowing and Predicting

Beyond merely detecting the current position of other UWB sources, Vision Pulse uses an algorithm to monitor and predict positions of multiple objects in the vicinity of a vehicle. For instance, Hyundai proposes that the tech could be used to track the locations of children around a school bus. A UWB emitter on the bus could track UWB-enabled key rings attached to children’s backpacks. Designing the key ring to double as a night-light would encourage younger children to plug it in at night to keep it charged.

Vision Pulse could also have industrial applications. A trial is currently underway at Kia’s production facility in Hwaseong, South Korea, to help prevent incidents between forklifts and workers. Another is set to begin at the port of Busan, South Korea’s largest international shipping port and among largest globally. After disasters, it might also be used to find people trapped in rubble.

Currently Only an Experiment

For now, Vision Pulse is in the experimental stage. But a technology that makes it easier to monitor foot traffic using relatively simple add-on modules to communicate with something many people already carry seems promising.

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