Tesla Seeks Approval for Child Safety Sensor

By Mary Anne R. First Posted: Aug 21, 2020 06:47 AM EDT

Tesla is currently working on a new motion-detection sensor that could sense a child left behind in hot cars.

The company is seeking approval of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to market the said sensor, which could use unlicensed millimeter-wave radar sensors.

The said unlicensed sensors would operate at a higher power level than allowed under existing rules.

According to Tesla, the device could be used to "reduce the risk of pediatric vehicular heatstroke, protect vehicle occupants from injury through advanced airbag deployment, and seatbelt reminders, and enhance theft prevention systems."

Tesla added that millimeter-wave radar technology has other advantages compared to other sensing systems. These advantages include camera-based or in-seat occupant detection systems.

The radar-based system also "provides depth perception and can 'see' through soft materials, such as a blanket covering a child in a child restraint."

The carmaker also said that the proposed technology could differentiate between a child and an object left on the seat, reducing the likelihood of false alarms.

The sensor can also detect micromovements such as breathing patterns and heart rates, which are both not captured by cameras or in-seat sensors alone.

Tesla aims to use radar imaging to measure body size to tell the difference between adults and children. The company explained that through that, they could optimize deployment in a crash more effectively.

The FCC is asking the public's comment on Tesla's request until Sept. 21.

Tesla noted that FCC granted a similar request for a device of Alphabet Inc's Google in 2018. The carmaker company said that it works under identical operating parameters.

Valeo North America submitted a request in March to the FCC for its in-vehicle safety monitoring device. This would also detect children inside cars. The request is still pending in FCC.

Tesla Vehicle Sensors

It is still not clear how and when such sensors could end up in Tesla's vehicles. A company representative did not respond to a request for comment.

There are several interior and exterior sensors that Tesla uses on its vehicles for safety measures.

One of these is the Dog Mode, which keeps the car at a comfortable temperature for owners who leave their pets in the car for a few minutes. It will use a large display to let passersby know that you will be returning soon.

There is also Sentry Mode, which lets the car guard itself using its exterior cameras to monitor and identify possible threats.

Some carmakers have already introduced technological upgrades over the years, promoting child safety inside the cars.

Nissan did this in 2018 with included sensors in its Pathfinder SUVs. It is used to detect when the rear door is opened before a trip. If the driver neglects to open the rear door after the car is parked, the horn will beep that will serve as a reminder.

General Motors also installed a feature called Rear Seat Reminder. It reminds drivers through a message on the instrument panel to check behind them.

Based on National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data, over 50 children died of heatstroke inside a car between 2018 and 2019, simply because someone forgot them inside the vehicle.