Giving Vehicles Better Vision – Lidar-like Performance at Radar-like Cost

Lawrence D. Burns, PH.D., provides an overview of Neural Propulsion Systems “HROS” technology, a solution that dramatically improves radar resolution and safety capabilities. By leveraging advanced AI and mathematics, NPS unlocks “crystal clear visibility” for automotive and other safety-critical applications.¹

As background, Burns is one of NPS’s all-star industry advisors that includes former GM Chairman & CEO, Rick Wagoner, Balan Nair, CEO of Liberty Latin America, and former Nest CEO, Marwan Fawaz. Burns is a legend in the industry having served as General Motors Corporate Vice President of Research & Development and Planning from 1998-2009. He also consulted to Waymo, was Director of the Program for Sustainable Mobility at Columbia University, and is the author of books on autonomous mobility.

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Key advancements showcased include:

• Superior Resolution:
  • NPS’s “HROS” technology provides significantly enhanced resolution compared to conventional radar, enabling precise differentiation between objects, even in complex scenarios like distinguishing between a person and a ball.²
  • This enhanced resolution approaches Lidar performance but at a significantly lower cost—approximately one-tenth the price.
• Dynamic Movement and Elevation:
  • HROS accurately tracks dynamic movements, including changes in elevation, such as a person kneeling or walking.
  • This capability surpasses traditional radar and offers improved performance.
• Small Object Detection:
  • The system can distinguish between small, low-profile objects and pedestrians, a critical feature for preventing accidents caused by road debris.
  • Demonstrations showed HROS differentiating between a person and a two-inch high box, a feat beyond the capabilities of conventional radar.
• Extended Detection Range:
  • HROS provides reliable object separation and detection at distances up to 150 meters, significantly exceeding the 20-meter range of conventional radar.
  • This extended range provides crucial lead time for drivers to react to potential hazards, especially at highway speeds.
• Software-Based Enhancement:
  • NPS’s solution is primarily software-based, allowing it to be implemented using existing radar hardware already deployed in vehicles.
  • This approach minimizes costs and simplifies integration for automotive manufacturers.
• Sensor Fusion and OEM Differentiation:
  • NPS’s technology is designed to work seamlessly within sensor fusion systems, combining data from cameras and other radar units.
  • OEMs can leverage this enhanced radar capability to differentiate their advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and meet stringent safety standards.
• Affordable Safety Enhancement:
  • By improving performance at a lower cost, NPS aims to make advanced safety features more accessible across the automotive market.
  • This approach aligns with the growing demand for affordable and effective safety technologies.
• Pathway to safety standards:
  • The technology will aid in meeting the new NHTSA automatic emergency braking standards.
• Applications Beyond ADAS:
  • Beyond automotive ADAS applications, HROS technology holds significant potential in various other sectors. Its enhanced resolution and object detection capabilities make it suitable for security systems, where it can improve surveillance and intrusion detection.3 In industrial settings, HROS can be used for obstacle avoidance in autonomous robots and machinery, as well as for monitoring and optimizing traffic flow in logistics and transportation hubs. Additionally, the technology can be adapted for use in drones and other aerial vehicles, enhancing their navigation and obstacle-avoidance capabilities.
• Defense Applications:
  • The precise object recognition and tracking capabilities of HROS make it highly valuable for defense applications. It can be used in military radar systems for improved target detection and tracking, enhancing situational awareness on the battlefield. HROS can also be integrated into drone defense systems to detect and track small, fast-moving drones, and it can be used in border surveillance systems for enhanced perimeter security. Furthermore, its ability to discern small objects can be very useful for detecting hidden threats.

In essence, NPS’s HROS technology represents a significant advancement in radar capabilities, offering enhanced safety and performance for autonomous driving, defense, and a wide range of other applications.⁴

Notes: #

1. See https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nps-launches-worlds-first-ai-powered-hyper-definition-radar-302328451.html ↩︎
2. See https://nps.ai/technology/#:~:text=HROS%20delivers%20significantly%20enhanced%2C%20reliable,Download%20the%20HROS%20Product%20Brief ↩︎