Hyundai Motor Group has introduced a camera sensor cleaning innovation called “Rotator-Cam” where technology combines a rotating camera cover glass with a compact wiper, as revealed by the company on Wednesday.
The Rotator-Cam technology eradicates dust, mud, and even water droplets with swiftness, as emphasized by Hyundai. The rotational camera design holds a distinct advantage by preserving the sensor’s unobstructed view and efficiently sweeping away contaminants.
The system comprises an electric motor, a fluid supply mechanism for the washer, and a wiper blade, working to maintain pristine sensor functionality.
The cleanliness of sensors is crucial to ensure the precision and reliability of this technology. The conventional approach for camera sensor cleaning involves spraying washer fluid through a pop-up nozzle to dislodge foreign materials.
However, this method has limitations, particularly in rainy conditions, as it can result in residual washer fluid or the accumulation of raindrops on the lens’s surface. Hyundai’s Rotator-Cam system strives to overcome these challenges for enhanced sensor maintenance in autonomous driving applications.
Hyundai’s Rotator-Cam system employs the capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) to scan for any contaminants afflicting the sensor. When pollutants are detected, the technology automatically cleans, ensuring the sensor remains pristine and fully operational.
Importantly, this cleaning operation is intelligently deactivated when rainy conditions prevail, addressing the challenges of excessive washer fluid buildup in such scenarios.
Before considering its commercialization, Hyundai rigorously tested the Rotator-Cam technology across various weather conditions. The company has already submitted a patent application for the sensor cleaning system. After thorough assessments of durability and functionality, Hyundai will make a strategic decision on the mass production of this technology.
In Hyundai and Kia’s recently released test driving video, the Rotator-Cam system demonstrated its capabilities by efficiently wiping away raindrops from the camera lens during heavy rainfall, ensuring a consistently clear view.
“Sensor cleaning systems are vital to sophisticated autonomous vehicle technologies,” as per the company’s official statement.
“We will continue placing a top priority on ensuring the safety of customers and keep putting more efforts into developing better and more diverse mobility technologies,” it added.
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