Hyundai, Kia develop tech to make self-driving cars safer

Hyundai's Rotator Cam technology [HYUNDAI MOTOR]

Hyundai Motor and Kia have developed a technology to effectively remove contaminants from camera sensors, key to improving the safety of self-driving cars.

The "Rotator Cam" technology rotates the cover glass which covers the camera lens to clearly remove contaminations with the washer fluid.

When the car detects any contaminants on the lens, the cover glass will automatically rotate so that the washer fluid clearly removes any substances with the wipers.

The conventional way to clean the sensor is to spray washer fluid through nozzles. But this way is risky in that washer fluid may remain on the surface of the lens, which could seriously impede the detection of objects or humans.

"Sensor cleaning is needed technology to advance automotive driving," the company said in Wednesday's statement. "If commercialized, it will contribute to securing the safety of self-driving cars with Level 4 autonomous technology."

A level 4 self-driving vehicle is able to operate on its own under ordinary conditions. Human intervention is rarely required.

BY SARAH CHEA [chea.sarah@joongang.co.kr]