THIS paragraph in a recent NHTSA proposal:

"would require that all new passenger vehicles have AEB capable of braking to fully avoid a crash with another vehicle at up to 50 mph. Vehicles must also be able to stop for pedestrians from speeds up to 37 mph, and pedestrian detection must work in dark conditions."

is a game-changer for pedestrian safety.  

Owl AI's Thermal Ranger technology uses sensors, together with machine learning to detect, recognize, classify, and identify pedestrians in all conditions through the use of a convolutional neural network that is trained to range 3D point clouds that have been identified through the AV sensor suite.  We cover this more in-depth here in a SPIE article published earlier this year.  Additionally, we have several white papers available here for those looking to integrate Thermal Ranging technology into their sensor suite design.

However, Owl AI is proud to be one of a few technologies being developed that has the potential to address this important pending automotive industry requirement. True, many new cars already come with this feature, but not all, and acceptance of this proposal could save at least 360 lives per year (United States), reduce 24,000 injuries and countless property damage incidents. 

All of this amounts to safer roads for pedestrians and other vulnerable road users.  And if you've been following along at all, you know this is Owl's mission.  SAVE LIVES.

This recent article in Consumer Reports explains well the proposed changes and challenges to implementing them.  

All new cars could soon have automatic emergency braking. 

Mark Huffman, June 5, 2023

Indeed, NHTSA's proposal could take effect by the end of summer.  Check back or follow us on LinkedIn for updates on this important regulation.