What is ADAS Driver Assistance System? How does it work?

What is an ADAS driver assistance system? How does it work?

Industry news
2023-09-20

Driver assistance systems are now one of the key features of modern vehicles. Thanks to such solutions, it is possible to increase the level of safety on the road, as well as improve driving comfort..One of them is the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). What is ADAS and how does it work?

SAFETY IN MODERN VEHICLES

With the introduction of new regulations and increased emphasis on driving safety, more systems are being installed in cars to provide increased protection for the driver and passengers. It's no longer just airbags, power steering or ABS. Today, vehicles are increasingly equipped with advanced solutions that can be divided into smart, active and passive safety systems. They are constantly being developed and adapted to ensure both safety and comfort for drivers and passengers. At the same time, it is worth noting that their task is not always to guarantee protection in the event of an accident, but also to eliminate potential danger before a dangerous situation even occurs. One system that works this way is the ADAS – "Advanced Driver Assistance System".

ADAS SYSTEM – WHAT IS IT?

The term ADAS actually refers not to a single system, but to a collection of different driver assistance solutions. This means that ADAS is made up of many minor systems that affect different parts of the car. In practice, such a solution is supposed to aid the driver's mechanical senses, providing increased awareness on the road. The system relies on extensive electronics within the vehicle, particularly the use of a network of sensors and controllers. This allows for instant communication and immediate response – even before the driver notices a hazard or potential problem.

HOW DOES THE ADAS SYSTEM WORK?

ADAS is a system made up of various components, sensors and controllers, which together ensure the correct and safe movement of the car, while informing the driver of various hazards. Thus, such solutions are able to comprehensively support car users while driving. The operation of the system depends primarily on its components, among which the most commonly used are:

windshield cameras – which are responsible for obstacle detection, automatic emergency braking, operation of active cruise control, adjustment of lights to road conditions, and more;

radar sensors – which assist the cameras by measuring the distance to obstacles;

ultrasonic sensors – which are used for functions such as parking assistant.

However, these are just some of the components that can make up an ADAS system – the exact list may vary depending on the car manufacturer. Importantly, such solutions are also used in autonomous cars, where they are the basis for maintaining safety on the road.