TYPES OF SENSORS

Driving sensors are the unsung heroes behind modern vehicle intelligence, especially in advanced driver-assistance
systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving. Here's a breakdown of the key types:

1. Perception Sensors
These help the vehicle "see" its surroundings:

• Cameras: Used for lane detection, traffic sign recognition, and pedestrian detection.
• LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging): Creates 3D maps of the environment using laser pulses.
• Radar (Radio Detection and Ranging): Excellent for detecting objects at long range and in poor weather.
• Ultrasonic Sensors: Common in parking assist systems for short-range object detection.
• Infrared/Thermal Cameras: Detect heat signatures, useful for night driving and spotting animals or pedestrians.

2. Localization Sensors

These help the vehicle know where it is:

• GPS: Provides global positioning data.
• Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs): Track acceleration and rotation to estimate position when GPS is unavailable.

3. Environmental Sensors

These monitor driving conditions:

• Rain Sensors: Automatically activate wipers.
• Ambient Light Sensors: Adjust headlights or dashboard brightness.
• Temperature Sensors: Monitor road and air temperature for traction control.

4. Proprioceptive Sensors

These monitor the vehicle’s internal state:

• Wheel Speed Sensors: Crucial for ABS and traction control.
• Yaw Rate Sensors: Measure the car’s rotation to help with stability control
• Steering Angle Sensors: Determine the direction the driver intends to go.

Each of these sensors plays a role in making driving safer, smoother, and more automated. Want to zoom in on how LiDAR compares to radar,
or how these sensors work together in self-driving cars? I’ve got plenty more where that came from.