Volvo cars has developed a new in-cabin radar that is accurate enough to detect the tiniest movements at sub-millimeter levels, even in the trunk.
The technology would be used for occupancy monitoring and to help ensure that no one — toddler, baby, dog or other animal — is left behind in a hot vehicle.
The interior radar system will be rolled out as standard in Volvo’s EX90 all-electric SUV and then will be added to other forthcoming Volvo car models
The technology includes sensors that are integrated into the overhead console with roof-mounted reading lamps. To cover the cabin as much as possible and sense for movement if someone was left in the car, radars were spaced throughout the cabin from front to back and in the rear trunk.
“No one chooses to be distracted or tired, but we know it can happen,” said Lotta Jakobsson, senior technical specialist in injury prevention at Volvo. “We’re all human and distraction is a fact of life. With the help of cutting-edge technology, we’ll support you when you’re not at your best and help you avoid leaving family members or pets behind by accident.”
With the radar system active, a driver is unable to lock the car because it will determine that someone is inside the cabin. The car will remain unlocked, and the car will display a reminder on the center console to check the cabin for occupants.
