Project description
When autonomous cars can monitor their close-distance environment
Autonomous cars represent the future of transportation. However, some issues need to be resolved when it comes to the car evaluating close-distance risks. The EU-funded TOPOSENS project aims to provide the first patented three-dimensional ultrasonic sensor technology that will enable the autonomous car to monitor its close-distance environment. The project's 3D technology will be based on a hardware that will include multiple microphones and one transducer. Combined with a patented algorithm, the data will get converted into a 3D point cloud and will detect all obstacles close to the car. It is expected that TOPOSENS will change the dynamics of the advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), displacing current technologies.
Objective
Toposens offers the world’s first patented 3D ultrasonic sensor technology, enabling close-distance environment monitoring, making them suitable for (rear) automatic emergency braking, living object protection around and below the car and autonomous driving applications.
Unlike existing sensor technologies that can be negatively impacted by light conditions, reflections, and weather, Toposens sensors follow the principles of a bat’s echolocation, which can see tiny objects by emitting ultrasonic signals and receiving their reflections. Our 3D close-distance vision technology allows a three-dimensional data output thanks to the hardware setup of Toposens sensors which includes multiple microphones and one transducer. Combined with a patented algorithm the data gets converted into a 3D point cloud (X, Y and Z coordinates in space) and thus allows the detection of all relevant obstacles in the close-range area. Current ultrasonic sensors generate only 1D depth data, no position and are therefore very limited for autonomous technologies. Allowing the highest degrees of autonomy (level 4 or level 5 of autonomous driving), Toposens technology will become an important puzzle piece in the future of mobility.
The biggest advantages of the world’s first 3D Ultrasound Sensor Vision combine robustness, low-cost and precise 3D vision for emerging technologies, highly beneficial for the future of autonomous driving & robotics. The sensor is designed to increase safety while enhancing driving experience. Besides its use for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) systems, automotive applications range from parking assist to autonomous valet parking to passenger monitoring inside the vehicle for increased safety and comfort.
Toposens has the potential to change the dynamics of the Advance Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Market over a few years, displacing the state-of-the-art technologies.
Fields of science
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensors
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringrobotics
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesacousticsultrasound
Keywords
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
SME-2 - SME instrument phase 2Coordinator
80807 Munich
Germany
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.