Automotive

Development of self-healing lens material to prevent traffic accidents in self-driving cars

Published

2 years ago

May 23, 2023

Daily News Staff

– Preventing distortion of autonomous vehicle sensor signals by removing scratches in 60 seconds with sunlight – Published in the January issue of ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces

Full video of the self-healing process

Newswise — Safety issues of self-driving cars have emerged due to frequent self-driving traffic accidents. A self-healing lens material that can prevent car accidents that occur due to signal distortion by restoring scratches on the sensor surface of the self-driving car has been developed.

The Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT, President Lee, Young Kuk) research team led by Dr. Kim Jin Chul, Park Young Il, and Jeong Ji-Eun* and Prof. Kim Hak-Rin and Prof. Cheong In Woo in Kyungpook National University (KNU) developed a material that heals scratches on the sensor of an autonomous vehicle.
^{* Technology from「Can scratches on car surfaces disappear when exposed to sunlight? : A new self-healing coating material」, published in 2022, has been further developed to enable not only structural recovery but also functional recovery such as recovery of an optical signal.}

When this self-healing optical material is used in the sensor of an autonomous vehicle, it is expected that the life expectancy of the product can be increased and future technology that can prevent malfunctions due to surface damage can be secured.

A lens is a tool that collects or disperses light and is used in many everyday optical devices such as cameras, cell phones, and glasses. However, if the lens surface is damaged by a scratch, the image or optical signal received by the optical device can be severely distorted.

Recently, traffic accidents caused by recognition errors and malfunctions of vision systems* such as LiDAR sensors and image sensors of self-driving cars have repeatedly occurred. As a result, confidence in the safety of self-driving cars is rather low**.
^{* LIDAR sensors and image sensors that acts as the ‘eyes’ of an autonomous vehicle
** The results of a survey by the American Automobile Association showed that the number of respondents who were afraid of using self-driving cars increased by 13% from 55% in 2022 to 68% in 2023.}

The KRICT-KNU joint research team developed a transparent lens material that can remove scratches on the sensor surface within 60 seconds when focused sunlight is irradiated using a simple tool such as a magnifying glass.

Because self-healing is favorable when molecular movement within the polymer is free, flexible materials are generally advantageous in securing excellent self-healing performance. However, lenses or protecting coating materials are made of hard materials, and thus it is very difficult to impart a self-healing function. To solve this problem, the research team combined a thiourethane structure, which is already being used as a lens material, and a transparent photothermal dye* to design a ‘dynamic chemical bond’ in which the polymers repeat disassembly and recombination under irradiation of sunlight.
^{* A dye that converts light energy into heat energy}

In particular, the developed transparent organic photothermal dye can selectively absorb light of a specific near-infrared wavelength (850-1050 nm) without interfering with the visible light region (350-850 nm) used for image sensors and the near-infrared region (~1550 nm) used for LiDAR sensors.

When sunlight is absorbed by photothermal dyes, the surface temperature of the developed lens material rises as the light energy is converted into thermal energy. Subsequently, the increased surface temperature makes it possible to self-heal a surface scratch by repeating the dissociation and recombination of chemical bonds in the polythiourethane structure.

The developed lens material shows perfect self-healing even when scratches cross each other, and provides excellent resilience, maintaining 100% of the self-healing efficiency even if the process of scratching and healing at the same location is repeated more than five times.

Dr. Lee Young Kuk, president of KRICT, said, “This technology is a platform technology that synthesizes self-healing lens materials using both an inexpensive high-refractive polymer material and a photothermal dye. It is expected to be widely used in various applications such as autonomous vehicle sensors as well as glasses and cameras.”

Source: National Research Council of Science and Technology

Author

Daily News Staff

View all posts

Discover more from Daily News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Related Topics:Applied Sciences And Engineering

Up Next

NASA Mission to Study Ice Clouds, Help Observe Our Dynamic Atmosphere

Don't Miss

“Turtle Day: Celebrating and Protecting These Fascinating Creatures”

Daily News Staff

Consumer Corner

Honda Revives the Iconic Prelude: A Thrilling Return to the Sport Coupe Scene

Published

4 days ago

December 17, 2024

Mark Bennett

Exciting news for car enthusiasts! Honda Motors has officially announced the return of a beloved nameplate: the Prelude. Making its comeback in the U.S. market in late 2024, the sixth-generation Prelude is set to advance the joy of driving into the electrified future with Honda’s award-winning two-motor hybrid powertrain.

The Honda Prelude

Originally introduced in November 1978, the Prelude quickly became a favorite among driving enthusiasts, known for its sporty looks and dynamic performance. Honda is set to honor this legacy by integrating innovative features into the new model, including the revolutionary Honda S+ Shift. This sophisticated drive mode enhances Linear Shift Control to ensure an engaging and responsive driving experience—perfect for both longtime fans and new drivers.

Jessika Laudermilk, Assistant Vice President of Honda Auto Sales, stated, “The return of the Honda Prelude as a hybrid-electric sports model demonstrates our continued commitment to offer a variety of exhilarating products to meet the needs of our customers.” With the Prelude joining the ranks of the iconic Civic and Accord, Honda is reuniting its classic lineup, all backed by hybrid technology.

This news arrives at a momentous time, as Honda celebrates 25 years of hybrid sales in America, proudly introducing the nation’s first hybrid-electric model, the Honda Insight, in 1999. Today, Honda is pushing further on its electrification strategy, striving for all battery-electric and fuel cell electric vehicles to make up 100% of their sales by 2040. Hybrids are a crucial part of this journey, and Honda has already achieved impressive milestones, with electrified vehicles accounting for over a quarter of their total sales in 2024.

The Prelude will make its North American debut following its global unveiling at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, where it captured the hearts of many. Honda’s commitment to innovation is clear in the Prelude’s design and features, from introducing groundbreaking technologies like four-wheel steering and torque vectoring systems in its earlier iterations to the hybrid-electric capabilities of this new generation.

As Honda continues to pave the way for its electrified future with products like the Honda Prologue electric SUV and the forthcoming Honda 0 Series models, the return of the Prelude signifies not just a nostalgic revival but also a new era of exhilarating driving experiences.

Fair warning to enthusiasts: excitement is building as the Prelude prepares to hit the roads again, promising a blend of classic sports coupe design and the cutting-edge technology that defines Honda’s future. Keep your eyes peeled for more updates and prepare to embrace the joy of driving like never before!

Stay tuned for more updates and feel free to share your thoughts on the return of the Prelude below!

For more information on Honda next-generation technologies, click here.

About Honda
Honda offers a full line of clean, safe, fun and connected vehicles sold through more than 1,000 independent U.S. Honda dealers. The award-winning Honda lineup includes the Civic and Accord, along with the HR-V, CR-V, Passport, Prologue and Pilot sport utility vehicles, the Ridgeline pickup and the Odyssey minivan. The Honda electrified vehicle lineup, representing more than a quarter of total sales in 2024, includes the all-electric Prologue SUV, hybrid-electric Accord, CR-V, and Civic, and Fuel-Cell-electric CR-V e:FCEV, with a hybrid Prelude set to join the lineup in late 2025.

Honda has been producing automobiles in America for over 40 years and currently operates 18 major manufacturing facilities in North America. In 2023, more than 99% of all Honda vehicles sold in the U.S. were made in North America, with about two-thirds made in America, using domestic and globally sourced parts.

More information about Honda is available in the Digital FactBook.

Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!

https://stmdailynews.com/category/consumer-corner

Discover more from Daily News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Consumer Corner

Kia EV9 Crowned “2024-2025 Electric SUV of Texas” at TAWA Truck Rodeo

Published

6 days ago

December 15, 2024

Hal Machina

Kia EV9

Irvine, California – December 6, 2024 – Kia’s all-electric, three-row flagship SUV, the EV9, has made a significant mark in the automotive world, earning the esteemed title of “2024-2025 Electric SUV of Texas” at the recent Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) “Truck Rodeo.” This prestigious award highlights Kia’s ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence in the electric vehicle segment, proving once again that in Texas, bigger often means better.

The annual Truck Rodeo is a highly anticipated event in the automotive calendar, attracting over 40 TAWA journalist members who meticulously evaluate the top contenders among trucks, EVs, SUVs, and CUVs. This year’s competition featured an impressive lineup of 28 vehicles, all put through their paces across more than 260 rigorous driver and vehicle excursions. Journalists assessed each vehicle’s performance, comfort, technology, and overall driving experience, ensuring that the results accurately reflect the best-performing vehicles on the market.

“Kia has a long history with TAWA, and we’re thrilled that the EV9 has been named ‘2024-2025 Electric SUV of Texas’ by this distinguished group of journalists,” remarked Steven Center, COO and EVP of Kia America. “This award is further evidence that Kia builds vehicles held in high regard by the press and desired by consumers. Texans love their SUVs, and the EV9 resonates with TAWA members for its design, interior space, range, technology, and dynamic driving performance. Winning this award adds to the EV9’s long list of accolades and demonstrates its success as the first mainstream three-row fully electric SUV.”

The Kia EV9 SUV

During the event, TAWA members drove the EV9 on both predetermined off-road and street courses, simulating real-world driving experiences to evaluate how well the vehicle meets the needs of consumers. The journalists praised the EV9 for its spacious interior, advanced technology features, impressive range, and overall driveability. The acknowledgment from such a respected group underscores Kia’s growing influence in the electric vehicle arena and reinforces the EV9’s position as a leader in the evolving SUV market.

As the automotive industry continues to shift towards electrification, Kia’s EV9 stands out not just for its innovative design and functionality but also for its ability to cater to the diverse needs of modern drivers. With the recognition from TAWA, the Kia EV9 is poised to capture more hearts and minds in Texas and beyond, solidifying its place in the future of electric SUVs.

More information on the 2024 TAWA Truck Rodeo, including the full list of participating vehicles, can be found at www.texasautowriters.org.

Kia America – about us

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys. Kia is recognized as one of the TIME World’s Most Sustainable Companies of 2024. Kia serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and WNBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles sold through a network of over 775 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America*.

Source: Kia America

https://stmdailynews.com/category/consumer-corner

Discover more from Daily News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Consumer Corner

Nissan Strikes Gold: Four Best-in-Class Recognitions in Money.com’s Best Cars and Trucks 2025

Published

1 week ago

December 14, 2024

Hal Machina

Nashville, Tenn. – Exciting news from the automotive world! Nissan has made a significant splash in Money.com’s Best Cars and Trucks 2025, earning four prestigious best-in-class accolades for its standout models. This recognition highlights the brand’s relentless dedication to delivering excellent value, performance, and innovation across various vehicle categories.

Money.com rigorously assessed over 200 cars to determine the best options in the market. Nissan emerged victorious with the following honors:

Best Small SUVs: Nissan Kicks
Best Midsize Cars: Nissan Altima
Best Affordable Sports Cars: Nissan Z NISMO
Best Affordable Electric Cars: Nissan Ariya

“This recognition highlights the strength and versatility of Nissan’s lineup,” said Vinay Shahani, senior vice president of U.S. marketing and sales, at Nissan Americas. “From the excitement of Z NISMO to the stylish value-led Kicks, these awards reflect our commitment to vehicles that meet—and exceed—the diverse needs of our customers.”

Unpacking the Winners

Let’s delve deeper into what makes these award-winning models shine in their respective categories.

1. Nissan Kicks: Best Small SUV

The Kicks stands out with its bold design and versatile technology, perfectly tailored for city living while being ready for weekend adventures. With an airy cabin, ample storage, and class-leading safety features, it’s the ideal companion for urban explorers seeking style and practicality in one efficient package.

2. Nissan Altima: Best Midsize Car

Striking the perfect balance between performance and comfort, the Altima is an exceptional midsize car that offers cutting-edge safety features and a spacious, refined interior. With advanced technology and a smooth driving experience, the Altima excels in meeting the needs of families and commuters alike.

3. Nissan Z NISMO: Best Affordable Sports Car

For those with a passion for performance, the Z NISMO is a testament to Nissan’s rich sports car heritage. With a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine and numerous track-focused enhancements, this sports car delivers thrilling speed and exhilarating handling, making it a fantastic option for driving enthusiasts who crave excitement without breaking the bank.

4. Nissan Ariya: Best Affordable Electric Car

In the era of electrification, the Ariya stands as Nissan’s flagship all-electric crossover, showcasing visionary design and cutting-edge technology. With an impressive range and available advanced driver assistance features, the Ariya blends sustainability with comfort and convenience, making it a compelling choice for eco-conscious drivers.

A Commitment to Excellence

Each of these award-winning models exemplifies Nissan’s commitment to providing vehicles that offer exceptional value for money, low cost of ownership, advanced safety features, outstanding performance, and a host of innovative features. The recognition from Money.com affirms Nissan’s continuous efforts to meet the diverse needs of its customers, ensuring that every journey is a delightful experience.

In a market brimming with choices, Nissan continues to stand out with a lineup that captures the essence of modern driving. Whether you’re navigating bustling city streets or hitting the open road, Nissan’s award-winning vehicles promise to deliver on performance, safety, and style—all while keeping affordability at the forefront.

Conclusion

As we celebrate these four fantastic accolades, it’s clear that Nissan is not just competing with various manufacturers; they are leading the charge in the automotive industry. These recognitions from Money.com reinforce Nissan’s position as a brand that caters to a wide array of driving needs while keeping innovation and value at the heart of its mission.

So, whether you’re an adventure seeker, a daily commuter, a sports car enthusiast, or an eco-conscious driver, there’s a Nissan waiting to elevate your driving experience. Here’s to more miles filled with joy, and congratulations to Nissan for this remarkable achievement!

To read Money.com’s full announcement and methodology, visit Money.com’s Best Cars and Trucks 2025.

https://stmdailynews.com/category/consumer-corner