Collision Avoidance
Advanced MIMO radar systems for precise collision avoidance
With over 35 years of radar design experience, Plextek has delivered cutting-edge radar systems across automotive, aerospace, and industrial applications. Our custom Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) radar solutions provide the precise range, velocity, and angular measurements needed for reliable real-time collision detection in the most demanding environments.
With collisions causing devastating loss of life, serious injuries, and billions in economic costs annually, Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) play a vital role in preventing accidents by detecting dangers and initiating emergency braking. Unfortunately, they are not perfect and sometimes stop unnecessarily or they can fail to detect hazards, creating safety risks and reducing driver confidence in autonomous systems.
Our extensive radar development experience positions Plextek to address the critical challenge of collision avoidance. Some of Plextek’s radars are based on mechanically scanning a narrow beam across a scene while others involve simultaneously using multiple antennas to calculate angular position.
MIMO radar designs, especially in the mmWave frequency range, produce systems with improved angular discrimination capabilities in both azimuth and elevation angles. Combined with the standard radar capability to measure range and velocity this has produced radars capable of improved situational awareness.
Why collision avoidance matters
High-performance MIMO design are ideally suited as collision avoidance radars since they provide accurate angular and range information to hazards. The direct measurement of velocity via Doppler then allows time-to-collision calculations without computationally intensive processing. Since they can provide elevation as well as azimuth information, they have 3D awareness and can also be used for airborne applications.
Every sensor has advantages and disadvantages, but radar is ideally suited for efficiently measuring time to collision across a range of adverse environmental conditions
Dr Damien Clarke
Head of Data Science
What sets Plextek apart
Unlike standard radar suppliers, we can provide end-to-end collision avoidance solutions from concept to volume manufacturing.
Our unique combination of RF engineering expertise, advanced signal processing algorithms, and embedded systems integration delivers:
- Custom antenna designs optimized for your specific detection requirements
- Proprietary MIMO processing algorithms for superior angular discrimination
- Real-time embedded processing reducing system response times
- Proven track record across automotive, aerospace, and industrial markets
Talk to the experts
Why radar should be on your radar
Space missions demand sensors that work in brutal conditions - and radar works when everything else fails.
Driving Radar Innovation for Space in the CLEAR Mission
Plextek Supports ClearSpace in Completing Phase 2 of Mission CLEAR, Strengthening UK’s Leadership In Orbit Services.
Why Radar is Becoming Essential in Mission Assurance
Recent high profile reports of lunar lander failures due to loss of altitude and doppler sensing data show the necessity for a suite of sensors, making radar now essential for mission assurance.
Measuring Micro-Debris in LEO with Next-Gen Space Radar
Detecting micro-debris in real-time is key to safer space operations. Next-gen mmWave radar technology enables high-resolution tracking of even the smallest fragments in LEO, reducing collision risks and enhancing space situational awareness. Discover how this innovation supports a more sustainable orbital future.
Optimizing mmWave radar capabilities with Texas Instruments
Plextek and Texas Instruments: Optimizing mmWave radar capabilities to solve key design challenges
Urban Challenges: Rapid RF Propagation Modelling
Discover the challenges and solutions for accurately modelling RF propagation in urban settings. Explore the innovative neural network model revolutionising urban RF systems.
mmWave Technology for Space Sensing and Operations
Discover our advanced mmWave radar platform for safer and more efficient space missions.
Enhancing communication and safety in mining: the role of custom RF system design
We explore the role of custom RF system design in communication and safety within the mining industry, ensuring robust data handling and operational efficiency in challenging conditions.
Continuing to Lead in Radar Development for Pioneering CLEAR Mission
We continue to advance radar technology for the CLEAR mission, reinforcing the partnership with ClearSpace and the UK Space Agency for sustainable space safety and debris removal.
Revolutionising chronic pain management
Fusing mmWave technology and healthcare innovation to devise a ground-breaking, non-invasive pain management solution, demonstrating our commitment to advancing healthtech.
Pioneering Advanced In-Orbit Servicing
Pioneering a ground-breaking collaboration in advanced in-orbit servicing, setting new benchmarks for space debris removal and satellite maintenance.
SSL: The Revolution Will Not Be Supervised
Exploring the cutting-edge possibilities of Self-Supervised Learning (SSL) in machine learning architectures, revealing new potential for automatic feature learning without labelled datasets in niche and under-represented domains.
Machine Learning for Rapid Propagation Assessment
Developing a groundbreaking ML model for swift and efficient coverage prediction in complex urban environments, enabling rapid optimisation of transmitter locations on standard computing hardware.
Read More
Cost-Effective Improvement in mmWave Intensity
Enhancing the mmWave antenna design for Remedee Labs, significantly boosting RF radiation efficiency and cost-effectiveness in non-pharmaceutical chronic pain treatment.
Read More
Game-Changing Radar for the CLEAR Mission
Developing vital radar technology for the CLEAR mission, advancing space debris removal techniques to safeguard operational satellites and spacecraft.
Read More
Millimetre-Wave Radar System
Expertly engineering a compact, high-performance 60 GHz millimetre-wave radar system using innovative Substrate Integrated Waveguide technology, achieving significant advancements in target detection up to 100 metres.
Read More
mmWave Radar for Foreign Object Debris Detection
Collaborating with WaveTech to develop an advanced mmWave radar system, enabling the rapid and automated detection of foreign object debris on runways, enhancing safety and operational efficiency at a South Korean airport.
Read More
Immersive Technology for Complex Systems Training
Using the latest immersive technologies to deliver realistic and engaging training solutions for complex systems, ensuring specialist procedures are effectively imparted and measured within any environment.
Read More
Intelligent Mobility
Advancing intelligent mobility by integrating cutting-edge electronic-scanning radar technology to ensure the safe and efficient operation of autonomous vehicles in complex real-world environments.
Read More
Drone Inspection of Solar Farms
Enhancing solar farm efficiency through advanced drone inspection and automated analysis of diagnostic data.
Read More
Microwave Camera for Detecting Hidden Objects
Developing a groundbreaking microwave camera technology, enabling real-time detection of concealed items in a non-intrusive manner, improving airport security with minimal passenger disruption.
Read More