Aptiv unveils Gen 8 radar technology for ADAS systems

Aptiv has launched Gen 8 radar technology designed to support advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) with artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities. The technology supplier’s forward radar provides detection beyond 300 metres with what the company describes as ultra-fine 4D angular resolution, delivering a 30% performance improvement and double the vertical field of view compared with its predecessor.

The Gen 8 radar range includes forward-facing and dual-mode corner units using proprietary antenna and silicon design. The corner radar increases vertical field of view resolution compared with the previous generation, with horizontal discrimination improved by 25% and vertical discrimination enabled through what Aptiv describes as cutting-edge sensing technology. The system supports close-range, low-speed scenarios including frontal automatic emergency braking, automated parking and object avoidance.

“Aptiv pioneered radar technology in production vehicles more than two decades ago, and today, we’re once again setting the pace,” Javed Khan, Executive Vice President and President of Software, Advanced Safety and User Experience at Aptiv, said in a statement. “Our Gen 8 Radars mark a major step forward in the journey toward intelligent, software-defined vehicles—delivering all-weather reliability, 4D perception, and deep environmental awareness that enable global automakers to safely and cost-effectively scale to higher levels of automation.”

The base configuration doubles the number of channels compared with the previous generation, enhancing detection and object classification sensitivity. The 4D angular resolution enables radar-only classification of over- and under-drivable static objects, supporting radar-exclusive target detection for advanced cruise control features. The system maps open lanes, obstacles and road debris at motorway speeds and provides continuous sensor data to machine learning models.
Aptiv has also launched the Pulse sensor, which combines radar and camera data to enhance perception around vehicles. The compact unit integrates ultra short-range technology with a surround-view camera and can replace up to four ultrasonic sensors, according to the company. The technology is applicable to multiple short-range sensing applications including drones and industrial robotics.

The Gen 8 radars enable what Aptiv describes as Navigation on Autopilot functionality in urban environments and parking structures through an expanded field of view. The company states the technology delivers improved object detection compared with prior generations, with advanced discrimination capabilities and low error rates in high dynamic range and low signal-to-noise ratio environments.

SOURCE: Aptiv