What is ADAS?
Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) software is an electronic technology system that helps drivers drive and park. While it sounds highly futuristic, you likely already have some ADAS features in your current vehicle: anti-lock braking systems, tire pressure monitoring, and GPS navigation systems. However, some advances in ADAS technologies only appear in newer vehicle models. These features include automatic parking, traffic sign recognition, driver drowsiness detection, and lane departure warnings (among others!). The goal of ADAS technologies is to make driving safer and easier.
How do ADAS technologies work?
ADAS technologies rely on different components to work together seamlessly to enhance a driver’s current experience when they are behind the steering wheel. Some of these components include data collection and digital mapping, specialized internal and external sensors, real-time communication and data sharing, and more. These components comprise what is known as ADAS automotive software, which ultimately functions as the backbone of the hardware functions of a vehicle.
How does ADAS software keep people safe?
According to the CDC, in the United States:
- Approximately nine people are killed and more than 1,000 people are injured each day due to an incident involving a distracted driver;
- Every day, approximately 29 people die in car accidents that involve an alcohol-impaired driver; and
- Roughly 15% of all fatal car accidents involve a driver who is drowsy.
ADAS software can help mitigate a large proportion of these accidents by implementing the technologies that make driving safer, no matter who is behind the steering wheel. For example, ADAS software can utilize the collision avoidance system, driver drowsiness detection, lane-keeping assistance, and intelligent speed adaptation to adjust a vehicle’s position on the road, especially in cases where the driver may be impaired by alcohol, unexpected side effects of medications, and more.
ADAS software is unique because it is rooted in real-time active and passive systems. This means that that the software is interpreting data immediately and making decisions quickly, even when that software has to evaluate multiple inputs and prioritize incoming information. It also means that ADAS software can provide adequate warnings to drivers of potentially dangerous situations, like forwarding collision or blind spot warnings.
Is there room for ADAS technologies to expand?
The next generation of ADAS will likely build on the wireless network connection to offer better software communication both between different programs in a vehicle and between a vehicle and its owner. This may look like GPS navigation that adjusts a route based on real-time traffic information or automatic software updates. In theory, a built-in wireless network connection could offer more flexibility for employees who are on the road. The ability to travel to a conference without missing a business meeting or an e-mail can provide advantages to businesspeople who depend on systems that maximize efficiency without compromising safety or reliability. Drivers will be able to rely on their vehicles to safely deliver them to their destinations, even as they take the opportunity to catch a few more minutes of sleep, make the final edits to a presentation, or review the details of a proposal.
