DRI launches new adaptive driving beam testing service

We are pleased to announce our new testing capabilities for Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) headlights, with recent legislation changes now permitting their use in the US.  

A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) revealed a 56% increase in pedestrian deaths after dark between 2009 to 2016. The study suggested better headlights as a potential solution to this problem. ADB allows a vehicle’s high beams to be used continuously while automatically adjusting the direction and intensity of the light beam to prevent glare for surrounding traffic. This technology not only improves visibility for the driver but also better illuminates Vulnerable Road Users (VRU), such as pedestrians.

With the revision of the FMVSS 108 headlight standard by NHTSA, vehicles in the US can now use with ADB technology. This change has been accompanied by a new test procedure to evaluate the performance of these headlights. “OEMs that have invested in ADB technology will be keen to exploit it in the US market and we have already seen a significant increase in demand for ADB testing in the region,” said Nadine Wong, Director of Track Testing.

To meet this demand, we have developed new testing capabilities, including an in-house designed lighting and sensor rig, to conduct the dynamic test procedure at our California proving ground. The vehicle under test is precisely driven through a series of turn radii and speeds using AB Dynamics driving robots while the lighting rig mimics surrounding vehicle headlights and taillights. The rig is also equipped with luminance sensors positioned to represent where the driver would be, with the resulting lux measurements showing how effectively the ADB technology is adjusting its beam to reduce glare. We have also developed a post-processor software to evaluate if the vehicle successfully passes the test, providing an end-to-end test solution.

Our California test facility is sufficiently large to accommodate the various driving paths dictated by this latest standard. Our track also features high-quality surface grade pavement, which is essential for ADB testing as it minimizes the variation in vehicle pitch caused by bumps, improving the consistency of results. We offer comprehensive testing and validation services for adaptive headlight systems and have already successfully completed the latest test protocols for European and Japanese OEMs.

As we continue to innovate and expand our services, we invite all interested OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers to reach out to us for more information or to schedule a test. Together, we can contribute to safer roads for everyone.