Raytron and Zeekr Partnership: A New Era in Automotive Safety
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Raytron Technology Co., Ltd., a global leader in infrared thermal imaging technology, has teamed up with Zeekr, a subsidiary of Geely, to unveil the world’s first thermal Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system. This innovative system is set to debut in the Zeekr 9X G-Pilot H9 and aims to revolutionize the way vehicles respond to dangerous driving conditions.
The Growing Need for Advanced AEB Systems
As regulatory pressures around the globe continue to mount regarding safety standards for Automatic Emergency Braking systems in passenger cars and light trucks, Raytron’s partnership with Zeekr could not come at a more crucial time. Traditional AEB systems predominantly rely on visible light cameras and radar systems to gauge the distance to obstacles. However, these systems have significant limitations, particularly in challenging visibility conditions, such as nighttime driving and inclement weather.
Thermal AEB: A Game Changer
Raytron’s thermal AEB system, powered by its proprietary Horus 640D infrared camera module, offers unique advantages. Unlike conventional systems, it utilizes infrared imaging technology capable of detecting objects at distances up to 300 meters in the dark. This extended detection range provides drivers with critical extra reaction time, especially on poorly lit highways.
Enhanced Performance in Various Conditions
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Low Light Conditions: Traditional headlights provide illumination for just 100 to 150 meters, but Raytron’s technology enhances visibility far beyond these limits.
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Glare Resistance: The thermal camera is impervious to glare compared to visible light cameras, which can momentarily blind drivers, thereby ensuring consistent functional performance.
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Adverse Weather: Regular sensors like LiDAR often falter in fog and rain due to scattering limitations. In contrast, Raytron's thermal system shines through such conditions, maintaining reliable image quality.
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Biological Detection: The infrared technology excels in detecting living beings by reading their heat signatures. This capability allows for accurate identification of pedestrians in dark clothes, cyclists, and wildlife, all of which pose unexpected hazards on the road.
Technical Excellence of Horus 640D
The Horus 640D integrates Raytron's next-gen uncooled infrared detector with advanced image processing algorithms, offering unparalleled reliability and efficiency. Its compact dimensions (32.5 x 60.5 x 43 mm) allow for easy integration into tight spaces within vehicles, such as the grille, which is essential for mass production by OEMs.
Raytron’s thermal modules have been successfully used across over 20 different vehicle models, thanks to partnerships with numerous automotive manufacturers ranging from personal vehicles to commercial applications.
What This Means for the Future
The launch of the thermal AEB in the Zeekr 9X signifies a major leap toward smarter, safer vehicles. By turning thermal imaging from a mere perception tool into a vital component of active decision-making and intervention, Raytron aims to set a new standard in the automotive safety sector.
This partnership could pave the way for the widespread adoption of thermal technology across various automotive applications, enhancing safety features in both assisted and fully autonomous vehicles.
For more details about Raytron’s innovations, you can visit their official website at
Raytron or connect on LinkedIn.