Toyota developing child-saving in-car radar tech

Toyota North America is striving to reduce the number of critical injuries and deaths of children and pets as a result of being left in hot vehicles through the development of a new radar-based lifeform detection system.

According to a report published by Automotive News, the concept has been developed over the past few years and the system is currently in active testing.

Officially dubbed Cabin Awareness, the technology employs a millimetre-wave, high-resolution imaging radar embedded under the headliner to detect the micro-movements of kids and animals both in the seat(s) as well as on the floor or even the cargo area.

The system is reportedly so sensitive that it can pick up an infant breathing under a blanket and, if it does, it will alert the absent driver or vehicle owner through a series of increasingly aggressive alerts.

Early warning signs might include flashing the vehicle lights, a quick beep of the horn or a notification to the owner’s or driver’s phone.

More extreme measures may include alerting smart home devices, lowering the windows and even starting the vehicle and its climate control system to protect the detected being.

Emergency services can also be contacted by default if the situation still isn’t rectified.

“Our teams are also exploring the integration of additional smart infrastructure, such as digital retail signage and vehicle-to-vehicle communications, all designed to help prevent these tragedies,” Toyota North America CEO Zack Hicks told Automotive News.

Hicks cited the 23 child and 59 pet deaths reported in the US last year that resulted from being left in a hot car, describing the events as “tragic and devastating to everyone involved”.

Cabin Awareness hasn’t made it into any production vehicles just yet, but is currently being tested in by May Mobility in its fleet of autonomous Toyota Sienna people-movers.

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