Advancements in In-Cabin Sensing: 3D sensing is the way, but radar or 3D cameras?
Author: Yulin Wang, Senior Technology Analyst at IDTechEx
In-cabin sensing technologies are reshaping the automotive landscape, driven by the need for enhanced safety, regulatory compliance, and personalized user experiences. In 2025, Tesla, Seeing Machines, and LG Electronics, introduced groundbreaking innovations in this space, leveraging radar, 3D cameras, and AI to redefine vehicle interiors. This article provides an overview of Tesla’s in-cabin radar activation, Seeing Machines’ 3D camera technology, and LG’s AI-powered solution, exploring their implications for safety, cost, and market trends, supported by industry projections. More details of relevant technologies, such as, radar, 3D cameras, and AI, are included in IDTechEx’s report “In-Cabin Sensing 2025-2035: Technologies, Opportunities, and Markets“.
Tesla’s in-cabin radar activation
In February 2025, Tesla activated its in-cabin radar in the Model Y via software update 2025.2.6, utilizing a 60-64 GHz millimeter-wave radar powered by Texas Instruments’ AWR6843 chip. Positioned above the passenger dome light, this radar enhances first-row cabin sensing, improving passenger classification by detecting size, position, and movement. This enables dynamic airbag deployment and precise seatbelt reminders, replacing less reliable seat sensors. The radar’s ability to detect vital signs, such as heart rate and breathing, supports Tesla’s upcoming “Child Left Alone Detection” feature, expected in Q3 2025, which restricts vehicle controls, activates HVAC, and alerts owners or emergency services if a child is detected.
Tesla’s strategy of retrofitting existing hardware, installed in Model Ys since 2022, demonstrates cost efficiency, reducing the need for new components. This aligns with Tesla’s broader vision of software-defined vehicles, where over-the-air updates unlock dormant hardware capabilities. Despite that the specific cost of in-cabin radar hardware is not disclosed, IDTechEx estimates that it costs around US$30-40 per module, and with volume adoption, it will decrease to US$20. A more detailed cost breakdown of radar modules can be found in IDTechEx’s research “In-Cabin Sensing 2025-2035: Technologies, Opportunities, and Markets“.
Seeing machines’ 3D camera innovation
In April 2025, Seeing Machines, in collaboration with Airy3D, launched a 3D camera technology for in-cabin monitoring, integrating 5MP RGBIR 2D and 3D sensing in a single module. Using Airy3D’s DepthIQ™ technology, the system employs a diffractive optical element on a 2D sensor, delivering cost-effective 3D vision. This supports precision eye-tracking and occupant monitoring across the cabin, enabling integration with passive safety systems like airbags and seatbelts. The technology addresses future safety standards, such as Euro NCAP’s 2025 requirements, which incentivize 3D sensing for child presence detection. One of the historic barriers hindering the adoption of 3D cameras is the cost. This innovation, however, makes 3D sensing accessible beyond premium vehicles, potentially increasing adoption in mid-range models. However, camera-based systems face privacy challenges, requiring robust measures like face-blurring or onboard processing. Additionally, their reliance on complex algorithms demands significant computational resources, posing integration challenges for smaller OEMs.
IDTechEx forecasts that the integration of AI, radar, and 3D cameras will accelerate, not only because of the regulatory requirements such as Euro NCAP’s 2025 protocols, but also due to the fact that leading players want to use their in-cabin hardware and features to differentiate themselves from others. Tesla’s radar adoption, Seeing Machines’ cost-effective 3D cameras, and many other players’ (e.g., LG, etc.) similar strategies align with this trajectory, but each faces unique hurdles. More details on technical and commercial barriers are included in IDTechEx’s “In-Cabin Sensing 2025-2035: Technologies, Opportunities, and Markets”.
Comparison of 3D ToF cameras and radars. Source: IDTechEx’s report “In-Cabin Sensing 2025-2035: Technologies, Opportunities, and Markets”
Conclusion
Tesla and Seeing Machines are pushing the boundaries of in-cabin sensing, each addressing distinct aspects of safety, cost, and user experience. Tesla’s radar activation exemplifies cost-effective innovation, and Seeing Machines’ 3D camera democratizes advanced sensing. As the in-cabin hardware market approaches around US$6 billion by 2035, IDTechEx believes that OEMs and component suppliers have significant opportunities to monetize this forthcoming trend. The synergy of radar, 3D vision, and AI will likely define the next generation of intelligent vehicles, ensuring safer and more personalized driving experiences.
For more information on the IDTechEx report “In-Cabin Sensing 2025-2035: Technologies, Opportunities, and Markets”, please see www.IDTechEx.com/InCabinSensing.
For the full portfolio of sensors, haptics & displays market research available from IDTechEx, please visit www.IDTechEx.com/Research/Sensors.
About IDTechEx
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