Radar technology has long been a vital tool in the physical security industry, where it is used for perimeter protection, intrusion detection, and traffic monitoring. High-frequency radars provide enhanced situational awareness, detecting movement across large areas and in adverse weather conditions where cameras and traditional sensors may struggle. Now, the same core technology is playing an increasingly critical role in the automotive sector, enhancing vehicle automation and safety. IDTechEx’s latest report, Automotive Radar Market 2025-2045: Robotaxis & Autonomous Cars, examines how radar advancements are shaping the future of transportation.
The Expanding Role of Radar in ADAS
ADAS incorporates automated features that enhance vehicle safety, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot detection. Radar technology plays a key role in these functions. Adaptive cruise control maintains vehicle speed while adjusting to slower traffic ahead, automatic emergency braking detects close gaps and triggers braking to prevent collisions, and blind spot detection uses short-range radar to alert drivers of unseen vehicles. As vehicle automation advances, radar systems are becoming more sophisticated to support improved safety and efficiency.
Radar Placement and Performance Considerations
Automotive radar systems consist of several key components, including radomes, antenna arrays, and shielding. Front-mounted radars prioritise angular resolution and range, supporting adaptive cruise control and collision prevention. Side radars, which are integral to blind spot detection, lane change assistance, and cross-traffic alerts, require a wider field of view rather than extended range. Automakers such as Honda have incorporated additional short-range radars (SSRs) to enhance pedestrian safety and enable features like front cross-traffic warnings and motorway lane change assistance. IDTechEx predicts that such capabilities will become increasingly mainstream as manufacturers prioritise accident prevention.
The Future of Radar in Autonomous Vehicles
While some manufacturers, such as Tesla, have explored camera-based alternatives for ADAS, radar technology continues to evolve, offering improved imaging performance and reliability. As autonomous vehicles become more prevalent, multiple radar sensors will be essential to provide redundancy in case of sensor failure. The decreasing cost of radar technology is expected to drive wider adoption across the industry. According to IDTechEx, the automotive radar market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% between 2024 and 2034, with continued advancements in radar frequencies and emission waveforms shaping the future of vehicle automation.
For more insights, IDTechEx’s full report provides a detailed analysis of the automotive radar market and its technological developments.
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