2023
Oct.20, 2023
MINEBEA MITSUMI Inc.
MinebeaMitsumi Unveils 'Child Presence Detection System' Using UWB Technology
~ JAPAN MOBILITY SHOW 2023 ~
MinebeaMitsumi Inc. (Registered Head Office: Nagano, Representative Director, Chairman CEO: Yoshihisa Kainuma, hereinafter referred to as "MinebeaMitsumi") has recently added a Child Presence Detection System, which can be easily and cost-effectively installed in digital key systems utilizing UWB (ultra-wideband radio) technology. The system, which was developed to expand our automotive devices business against the backdrop of stricter global in-vehicle safety standards, will be shown for the first time with a demonstration at JAPAN MOBILITY SHOW 2023, which will be hosted by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) on Thursday, October 26.
Countries around the world are currently promoting stricter safety standards in vehicles in order to prevent accidents in which children are left behind due to human error. Since 2023, Euro NCAP, the European vehicle safety rating test, has introduced new assessments using Child Presence Detection (CPD) tests, and automobile manufacturers are faced with an urgent need to respond.
The Child Presence Detection System uses a single-chip solution that combines radar (object detection) using UWB with high-precision ranging to detect when a child is left behind. Even if a toddler is left behind in the back seat wrapped in a blanket, a slight movement of their body from breathing is detected to warn the user that the child is being left behind.
Shigenori Inamoto (Technical Officer, Engineering Headquarters, MinebeaMitsumi), who is responsible for the development, commented as follows:
"In recent years, there has been no end to the news of tragic accidents caused by children being left behind in cars. In order to solve this social problem, we recently added the Child Presence Detection System to our company's digital key system. This system utilizes UWB solutions for the digital key system that MinebeaMitsumi has cultivated over many years, and uses our company's proprietary algorithms to achieve highly accurate detection. Child presence detection systems using 60 GHz millimeter wave radar would require separate hardware and systems, but MinebeaMitsumi's system does not need a dedicated anchor*1 or ECU*2 to be installed. We expect that demand for our company's system will increase as the Child Presence Detection System is more widely taken up."
During development of MinebeaMitsumi's system, we will collaborate on UWB technology with NXP Semiconductors N.V. (headquartered in the Netherlands), a global leader in secure connectivity solutions for embedded applications with offices in more than thirty countries. We will collaborate with NXP® Semiconductors (headquartered in the Netherlands), a world leader in secure connectivity solutions for embedded applications, built on more than 60 years of combined expertise and innovation. With one of the industry's broadest UWB portfolios enabling secure fine ranging across automotive, mobile and IoT devices, NXP is focused on continual innovation across the UWB ecosystem, backed by NXP's comprehensive software offering and strong security integration.
- *1 An anchor is a fixed device for positioning and wireless communication.
- *2 ECU stands for Electronic Control Unit and refers to an electronic control unit installed in an automobile.
Key Features of the Child Presence Detection System
① UWB radar (object detection) detects and warns that a child is left behind.
Using UWB radar, our company's proprietary algorithm detects even the smallest movements of living organisms caused by breathing, detecting children even when they are wrapped in a blanket, and gives a warning.
② Cost effective introduction is made possible by utilizing digital key anchors and ECUs.
Adding the Child Presence Detection System to the UWB solutions for our digital key system, which uses smartphones as keys for cars, enables customers to reduce speed and processes for introduction and the overall cost of the system.
"JAPAN MOBILITY SHOW 2023" - Exhibition Outline
MinebeaMitsumi Booth Outline
| Dates | October 26 (Thursday) to November 5 (Sunday), 2023 |
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| Venue | Tokyo Big Sight W3402 (West Halls 3 & 4) |
At the vehicle exhibition, we plan to introduce the "Child Presence Detection System" using UWB technology.
In addition to our products of Thermal Management System, which are attracting increasing attention along with the electrification and automation of cars, visitors can experience a wide range of products and technologies that contribute to electrification and automation, as well as the latest technologies that will be essential for next-generation mobility. These include Flash Handles, which are next-generation door handles with enhanced design and aerodynamic performance, a Power Rear Gate System that automatically opens and closes the rear gate, and a door system with built-in touch sensors that allows doors to be opened and closed with light operation.
About MinebeaMitsumi
MinebeaMitsumi is an INTEGRATED precision components manufacturer* that engages in the development, manufacture, and sale of mechanical and electronic devices and components such as motors, sensors, and semiconductors, with a focus on core technologies typical of ultra-precision machining. Our products include global market leading items such as miniature and small-sized ball bearings, which enable machines to rotate smoothly, for which we hold the highest share in the world**, and 1 cell protection ICs for lithium ion batteries. Our ultra-precision technologies are used in a wide range of fields, supporting people's lives in unseen ways, including home electronics such as air conditioners, vacuum cleaners, dryers, and gaming equipment, IT devices such as smartphones and computers, automobiles, aerospace products, and medical equipment.
* INTEGRATION means "combining" rather than "simple gathering" of the Company's proprietary technologies to evolve the "Eight Spears" of our core businesses and to create new products in various fields through the INTEGRATION of our advanced technology.
- ** According to MinebeaMitsumi
| Media inquiries | Corporate Communications and Investor Relations Office Phone: +81-(0)3-6758-6703 E-mail: koffice@minebeamitsumi.com |
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Product information, contact and other context are subject to change without prior notice.
