Project Overview:

The GAC Aion Haobo GT is a premium smart all-electric coupe launched by GAC Aion, targeting the intelligent driving and high-end new energy vehicle markets.

To further enhance the vehicle’s active safety capabilities and intelligent driving experience in complex traffic environments, the Haobo GT is equipped with the VEHIR infrared thermal imaging perception system. This system introduces aerospace-grade infrared remote sensing technology to the intelligent vehicle sector, making it one of the first intelligent new energy vehicles in China to achieve mass production of infrared thermal imaging applications.

Through thermal imaging technology, this system provides the vehicle with all-weather environmental perception capabilities, further enhancing the existing “camera + millimeter-wave radar” fusion perception system. It improves target recognition in complex environments such as at night, in backlighting, under strong glare, or in fog and haze, thereby increasing the safety and reliability of the intelligent driving system.

Project Background and Challenges

Current mainstream autonomous driving solutions primarily rely on the following sensors:

· Visible-light cameras

· Millimeter-wave radar

· Ultrasonic radar

· LiDAR (on select models)

However, in real-world road environments, traditional perception systems still face numerous challenges:

Pedestrians Appearing Suddenly

Typical “sudden appearance” scenarios:

· Pedestrians suddenly stepping out from behind vehicles

· Pedestrians suddenly appearing from behind road obstructions

· Pedestrians wearing dark clothing at night

Traditional millimeter-wave radar has limited ability to detect human targets and often relies on visual cameras for identification.

Low-light conditions at night

On unlit roads or in low-light environments:

· Image quality from the camera deteriorates

· Target recognition accuracy decreases

Interference from Bright Light and Glare

For example:

· Oncoming high beams at night

· Tunnel entrances and exits

· Direct sunlight

These conditions can easily affect the stability of the visual perception system.

Effects of Adverse Weather Conditions

Including:

· Foggy conditions

· Smoggy environments

· Sandstorms

Traditional visual systems are susceptible to environmental factors.

Solution

To address the shortcomings of existing intelligent driving perception systems, VEHIR provides an infrared thermal imaging perception solution for the Haopai GT.

The system utilizes infrared remote sensing technology to generate thermal images by detecting the thermal radiation emitted by target objects.

Unlike traditional visible-light cameras, infrared thermal imaging does not rely on external light sources, enabling continuous operation in all weather conditions.

By integrating thermal imaging capabilities into the intelligent driving system, the solution facilitates the auxiliary identification of pedestrians, vehicles, and other heat-emitting targets.

Technical Advantages:

No external light source required

The system operates normally even in complete darkness.

All-weather operational capability

The system is capable of operating in:

· Nighttime conditions

· Foggy conditions

· Dust-laden conditions

· Smoky conditions

Resistant to strong light interference

Not affected by the following conditions:

· Oncoming high beams at night

· Intense glare

· Sudden changes in light conditions

Thermal Target Detection Capability

Capable of detecting targets based on their thermal radiation characteristics.

Helps detect:

· Pedestrians

· Vehicles

· Animals

· Road obstacles

Integrated Perception Enhancement

As a key complement to existing perception systems.

Enhancements:

· Camera perception capabilities

· Millimeter-wave radar perception capabilities

· Intelligent driving environmental perception capabilities

System Features

Infrared Night Vision

When enabled, the system uses thermal imaging technology to generate a real-time view of the road ahead.

This image is displayed on the vehicle’s instrument cluster.

Thermal Imaging Display

The thermal imaging view is displayed on:

8.8-inch fully digital instrument cluster

Helping the driver quickly obtain information about the road conditions.

Two Activation Methods

Method 1:

Activate via the vehicle control page on the center display:

“Instrument Cluster Infrared Image”

Method 2:

Activate via the voice assistant:

“Turn on Infrared Night Vision”

Enabling smart interactive control.

Cockpit Integration Solution

The Haopai GT project achieves deep integration between the infrared thermal imaging system and the smart cockpit system.

The driver can view the thermal imaging feed without the need for additional equipment.

Features:

· Real-time thermal imaging display

· Voice-controlled integration

Enhancing the smart experience.

Project Highlights:

Mass Production Application of Aerospace-Grade Infrared Remote Sensing Technology

Bringing infrared remote sensing technology—previously widely used in aerospace and defense—to smart vehicles.

Enhanced Perception for Intelligent Driving

Serves as a vital supplement to traditional perception systems.

Enhances the vehicle’s environmental perception capabilities.

All-Weather Perception Capabilities

Enables operation in all weather conditions.

Smart Cockpit Integration

Supports voice control and instrument cluster display synchronization.

Enhanced User Experience

Boosts driver confidence during nighttime driving and improves road perception capabilities.

Project Benefits:

For Automakers

· Enhance competitiveness in intelligent driving configurations

· Strengthen the vehicle’s technological appeal

· Create unique selling points

For End Users

· Improve nighttime driving safety

· Enhance perception capabilities in complex environments

· Enhance the intelligent driving experience

Project Achievements:

The GAC Aion Haobo GT has successfully achieved:

· Mass-production application of infrared thermal imaging

· Integration of infrared sensing with intelligent driving systems

· Integration of infrared sensing with intelligent cockpit systems

· Enhanced all-weather environmental perception capabilities

This further validates the application value of infrared thermal imaging technology in the field of intelligent driving.