Video: Hyundai and Kia Reveal Safer Mobility with ‘Vision Pulse’ Technology

Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation have introduced Vision Pulse, an advanced safety solution capable of detecting hazards even when they are concealed from view. Using ultra-wide band (UWB) technology, the system identifies the precise location of surrounding objects in real time, offering drivers an additional layer of protection on the road.

At its core, Vision Pulse uses UWB transmitters fitted to vehicles. These interact with UWB-enabled devices carried by pedestrians, cyclists, or occupants of nearby vehicles—such as smartphones, wearable devices, or tracking tags—to measure signal travel times and determine exact positions. When the system anticipates a possible collision, it immediately issues warnings to minimise the risk of an accident.

Vehicles already equipped with Hyundai and Kia’s Digital Key 2 feature include UWB modules as standard, meaning the technology can be activated without any additional equipment. This built-in compatibility supports wider adoption and helps streamline integration across future vehicle platforms.

Enhancing Situational Awareness

Unlike traditional blind-spot systems that rely on fixed sensors or slower communication networks, Vision Pulse achieves rapid and precise detection by transmitting information via UWB radio waves. This reduces dependence on high-cost sensors such as LiDAR and radar while still maintaining strict safety performance.

UWB’s ability to operate across broad GHz frequencies ensures low interference, strong penetration of obstacles, and reliable performance in challenging environments. As a result, Vision Pulse can detect objects within 10 centimetres at distances up to 100 metres, and it maintains more than 99 per cent accuracy even in darkness or adverse weather. Communication speeds of as little as one millisecond allow the system to respond instantly to sudden changes nearby.

Advanced algorithms enable Vision Pulse to track several fast-moving objects at once, supporting real-world scenarios where multiple hazards may emerge simultaneously.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RU9yGQeBY74

Broader Uses Beyond Driving

Hyundai and Kia anticipate that Vision Pulse will prove valuable in industries where situational awareness is essential. In workplaces such as warehouses, the system can help prevent collisions involving machinery and staff. It may also support rescue operations by identifying individuals trapped beneath debris.

A recent promotional film, Sight Beyond Seeing, demonstrated the technology in use on school buses, supported by child-friendly UWB keyrings designed as guardian angels. These keyrings also function as soft nightlights, encouraging daily recharging.

Trials are ongoing in industrial settings including Kia’s PBV Conversion Centre and the Busan Port Authority, where the technology is being validated in busy operational environments.