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In the fast-evolving world of automotive safety and in-cabin technology, staying on the cutting edge means pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. At the intersection of innovation and impact is the collaboration between Smart Eye, a leader in Human Insight AI, and OnSemi, an industry giant in semiconductor solutions. Together, we’re setting a new standard in advanced depth sensing and intelligent automotive systems to improve both vehicle safety and user experience.
This partnership leverages OnSemi’s depth sensing technology, integrated with Smart Eye’s Driver Monitoring System (DMS) and Interior Sensing AI, to offer a breakthrough solution in understanding and reacting to in-cabin dynamics. With a shared mission to enhance vehicle safety, OnSemi and Smart Eye have developed a state-of-the-art 3D sensing system that provides unparalleled spatial awareness and occupant detection capabilities. The technology, featured in collaborative demos at CES, allows vehicles to “see” within the cabin in ways that were previously impossible, supporting both driver and occupant safety while opening the door to new user-friendly in-car interactions.
As vehicles advance toward higher levels of autonomy, the need for accurate and responsive in-cabin sensing is critical. Depth sensing—the ability to capture and interpret three-dimensional data—is crucial for understanding occupant positions, distances, and movements, enabling the vehicle to dynamically respond in real-time. Whether it’s precisely assessing how close a passenger is to the steering wheel or determining the position of a driver’s hands, depth sensing adds an essential layer of intelligence that traditional 2D imaging cannot achieve.
As Bahman Hadji, OnSemi’s Director of Product Management in the Automotive Sensing Division, highlighted in a recent Smart Eye podcast episode, “Depth sensing provides a 3D point cloud of the cabin, capturing spatial details that translate directly into safety and comfort.” By integrating OnSemi’s indirect Time of Flight (iToF) depth sensing technology, Smart Eye’s system goes beyond conventional 2D imaging, capturing both depth and intensity with remarkable accuracy, even under challenging lighting conditions like direct sunlight or low-light scenarios.
One of the standout applications of this depth sensing technology is in adaptive restraint systems. Vehicles equipped with these systems can adjust seat belt tension and airbag deployment based on real-time occupant data, a functionality that plays a vital role in meeting global safety standards like FMVSS 208 in the U.S. and the upcoming Euro NCAP 2026 requirements. OnSemi’s depth sensors, combined with Smart Eye’s algorithms, can discern occupant size, position, and distance from key areas within the cabin, helping to ensure that airbag deployment and seat belt adjustments are precisely tailored for each passenger. This level of detail reduces the risk of injury from airbags in the event of a crash, especially if the driver or passengers are sitting unusually close to or far from the airbag.
While safety is the primary focus, this partnership is also enabling a new level of user convenience through intuitive in-cabin interactions. OnSemi’s depth sensing technology supports advanced gesture recognition and driver authentication, allowing users to control infotainment or climate systems with simple hand movements, without needing to touch physical controls. For future vehicles, these gesture-based controls can be particularly beneficial, allowing for safe, hands-free interaction in partially or fully autonomous driving environments.
Imagine being able to adjust the volume with a wave of your hand or having the vehicle automatically recognize you as the driver and adjust the seat, mirrors, and preferences accordingly—all made possible by the integration of OnSemi’s depth sensing technology with Smart Eye’s intelligent sensing software.
As we gear up for CES 2025, the collaboration between OnSemi and Smart Eye continues to set the standard for depth sensing and AI-driven in-cabin monitoring. By marrying Smart Eye’s software with OnSemi’s hardware capabilities, we’re not only advancing today’s automotive safety features but also paving the way for future breakthroughs.
Stay tuned for more in-depth articles in this series where we’ll explore specific applications of depth sensing technology, including:
– Adaptive Restraint Systems: How depth sensing customizes airbag deployment and seat belt adjustments for every passenger.
– Gesture Detection and Driver Authentication: The role of depth sensing in enhancing user interaction and in-vehicle security.
– Future-Proofing Automotive Sensing: Meeting new safety and cybersecurity standards with cutting-edge sensing technology.
For those interested in diving deeper into the technical innovations that make this possible, listen to our recent podcast episode with Bahman Hadji of OnSemi, where we discuss the current state and future potential of depth sensing in automotive applications. This collaboration isn’t just about technology; it’s about creating a safer and more seamless driving experience for everyone.
Listen to the full episode here to get the latest insights on how Smart Eye and OnSemi are driving the future of automotive safety and in-cabin intelligence.
Get in touch with our team to learn more about our solutions and request a live demonstration. In the meantime, download your own copy of this eBook now to uncover how eye tracking is transforming automotive research, driving human-centric mobility, and shaping the future of transportation.
