ADAS Full Form: Different Levels & How does ADAS work?

To explain ADAS simply, it is a technology that involves active and passive safety systems that are designed to eliminate the component of human error when operating different types of vehicles.

ADAS incorporates advanced technologies so that the driver can be assisted while driving, thereby improving the driver's performance. It uses different sensor technologies in combination to perceive the periphery of the vehicle, to either take action if necessary or to give information to the driver.

The initial aim of ADAS is to minimise and then eliminate road accidents. A car with hands off parking or a simple sensor that beeps when next to an object are different ADAS levels that are in use in today’s cars, taking on some of the responsibilities of the drivers.

The hope is that one day this technology leads to a fully autonomous car that does not require any input from the driver.

Automobiles serve as the base for the next generation of mobile-connected devices, with several rapid advances being generated into autonomous vehicles. The partitioning of autonomous application solutions into different chips, is known as SoCs or systems on a chip. Such chips connect actuators to sensors via high-performance ECUs or Electronic Controller Units and interfaces.

Self-driving vehicles implement a wide range of these technologies and applications to get access to 360-degree vision, both far and near (the car’s vicinity). This implementation of 360-degree vision in cars means that hardware designs are incorporating the use of advanced process nodes in order to meet the high performance targets while at the same time, lowering demands on footprint and power.

It is clear by now that ADAS focuses primarily on technologies for collision avoidance (for example, blind-spot and lane departure warning applications) and aids for drivers, including adaptive cruise control, night vision and driver alertness.

ADAS solutions are mostly in-built technologies, but these days vendors are offering aftermarket solutions as well. The upcoming generation of ADASs will offer leverage to wireless network connectivity to provide enhanced value (by incorporating car-to-car data).

The ADAS technology works on 5 levels, which are discussed below based on the functionality of ADAS in each level:

-Level 0- At this level, there is no automation feature, and the driver alone is responsible for all driving aspects.

-Level 1- At this level, there is minimal driving assistance functionality provided to the driver, like adaptive cruise control or lane departure warning. However, it is still the driver who is mostly responsible for driving aspects because the assistance is limited to signals and warnings.

-Level 2- At this level, the ADAS advanced driver assistance system functionality is of partial automation, as the vehicle features 2 or more ADAS features, which can work in unison to assist the driver in specific situations, like acceleration and steering. However, it is still the responsibility of the driver to stay alert, taking control of the vehicle when necessary.

-Level 3- At this level, the functionality provided is conditional automation in which the vehicle, along with the ADAS features, can perform driving tasks in specific situations, like highway driving.

Although it is required that the driver be alert and ready to take control when necessary, the driver can still take his hands off the steering wheel once the system is engaged.

-Level 4- At this level, the ADAS functionality is of high automation, and the vehicle is able to drive itself in almost all situations, with the driver taking over only in case of exceptional situations.

-Level 5- At this level, the functionality of full automation is provided by the ADAS technology. The vehicle can drive itself in all situations without the requirement of a driver.

Please note that Level 5 vehicles are not available for consumer use as of today, and in India, most cars are equipped with either ADAS Level 1 or Level 2 technology.

-Blind Spot Monitoring- This feature detects other vehicles' presence in the driver's blind spot, and alerts the driver if it is not safe to switch lanes.

-Lane Departure Warning- The lane departure warning alerts the driver if the car does not remain in its lane and starts drifting off its lane.

-Front Collision Warning- This feature detects if and when the car gets too close to the vehicle in front of it and sends an alert to the driver to either step on the brake or take some other action.

-Adaptive Cruise Control- This feature involves the use of sensors for detecting the distance and speed of the vehicles in front of the road and accordingly adjusting the car’s speed.

-Traffic Sign Recognition- This feature incorporates the use of cameras for identifying and displaying traffic signs like speed limits.

-Automatic Emergency Braking- This feature implements the use of sensors for detecting if and when a collision is about to occur and steps on the brakes automatically to mitigate or avoid the impact.

-Driver Drowsiness Detection- It monitors the behaviour of the driver and alerts the driver if they show a lack of focus or signs of drowsiness.

While there are several sensors used in ADAS systems, the following are the important ones:

-Camera- It incorporates the use of optical sensors for capturing images of the surroundings of the vehicle, providing information about traffic signs, other vehicles and lane markings.

-Radar- It incorporates the use of radio waves for detecting objects and measuring their distance, movement direction and speed.

-Ultrasonic- It implements the use of high-frequency sound waves for detecting objects and measuring their distance.

-LiDAR- LiDAR or Light Detection and Ranging implements the use of laser light for creating a 3D map of the surroundings of the vehicle, allowing for precise object detection and distance.

Some examples of cars with an ADAS system incorporated in them include the following:

• MG Hector (Level 2)

• MG Astor (Level 2)

• MG Gloster (Level 2)

• Mahindra XUV700 (Level 2)

• Hyundai Tucson (Level 2)

• Hyundai Venue (Level 1)

• Hyundai Verna (Level 2)

• Toyota Innova Hycross (Level 2)

ADAS technology has made it possible for you to see things that you cannot see with your eyes. Embracing this technology will make you contribute to safer roads for everyone. Moreover, your driving experience will be free of any stress or anxiety.

The more advanced your car is, the more it will tend to cost. The only way to protect your car financially is by purchasing a car insurance policy for your four-wheeler. Therefore, while you are looking for a new car with the most advanced ADAS technology, remember that car insurance price is much less than losing your valuable four-wheeler, so invest in a policy as soon as you purchase your new car.

While third-party car policy is mandatory by law, it is suggested that you opt for a comprehensive car policy so that you are protected from third-party liability as well as from financial danger to your own car.

Moreover, having knowledge of IDV meaning in insurance is one of the important aspects of finding the right premium amount for your policy. When you buy from us at TATA AIG, we provide you with options in Insured Declared Value or IDV as per your coverage requirements, so that you can get the most affordable four-wheeler insurance policy with extensive coverage.

-What are the ADAS processes?

With the help of algorithms, sensors and cameras, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems help drivers. It assists in detecting hazards, issuing warnings, performing actions like lane keeping assist or automatic emergency braking.

-What are the methods of ADAS?

Since Advanced Driver Assistance Systems work on complex electronic systems, the methods incorporated in ADAS include calibration, automatic parking and adaptive cruise control - all of which contribute to help drivers prevent accidents.

-What are Level 1 and Level 2 ADAS?

Level 1 ADAS involves the functionality of driving assistance by the ADAS technology, and provides the driver with assistance features like lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control.

Level 2 ADAS technology is a little more advanced than just providing driving assistance, and includes partial automation in which the system can take control of the steering and acceleration.

-How to work ADAS level 2?

In ADAS level 2, the vehicle includes 2 or more ADAS features, which work together to assist the driver in specific situations, like acceleration and steering.

However, since level 2 features partial automation, the driver needs to be ready to take vehicle control at any given time.