Advancing Automotive Imaging and Thermal Testing Insights from AutoSens USA 2026 

AutoSens USA brought together engineers, developers and researchers to shape the future of the automotive industry. Our team was onsite in Detroit, where we engaged with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) specialists and presented new insights in optical testing. We also shared updates on the upcoming ISO standard for thermal cameras. However, the most important theme throughout the week was the growing need for accurate and dependable image quality testing. This has become crucial as vehicle perception systems continue to advance.

High Interest in Optical Metrology Tools and Imaging Performance

A lot of great conversations started right at the demo tables. Visitors spent time getting hands‑on with the two systems we brought to Detroit. The feedback was both thoughtful and enthusiastic.

Meridian® Starfield System

People were especially drawn to the Meridian Starfield. The compact size surprised a lot of engineers who are used to much larger setups for full field Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) testing. Once they saw how the system handles end‑of‑line camera measurements with the precision needed for high volume manufacturing, it sparked real discussion. The conversation focused on production workflows and practical implementation on the line.

LWIR Static Target Projector

Thermal imaging teams gravitated toward the Long Wave Infrared (LWIR) Static Target Projector. Many were evaluating long wave infrared options for nighttime and low visibility perception. They appreciated being able to see a flexible setup in person. The ability to swap optics, change targets easily, and work with intuitive controls resonated with attendees who are actively planning their next generation testing strategies.

Conversations throughout the event reflected a need for test equipment designed for durability, accuracy and repeatable results under demanding engineering workflows. Several attendees shared that they are reevaluating existing approaches and seeking more dependable optical and thermal testing solutions to support their development programs. As Savannah Labounty, Applications Engineer, noted, “People were openly saying that they’ve had (their test equipment) for a couple years and they need replacements because it just has not held up well over time.”

Stray Light Performance as a Major Topic of Discussion

The expo floor was abuzz with discussions on stray light and its effect on image quality. We heard from engineers and system designers that understanding glare, contrast loss, and veiling artifacts in real-world environments are paramount to their strategies. When it comes to safety, every advantage to visibility could mean the difference between life or death.

This interest mirrored the technical session delivered by Hillary Balonek, Product Line Manager for Lens Metrology Products. Her presentation, “Stray Light as a Critical Performance Limiter in Automotive Imaging Systems: Measurement, Quantification, and Mitigation”, covered Veiling Glare Index (VGI) and Glare Spread Function (GSF) measurements. It also addressed the impact of stray light on ADAS decision making and why accurate characterization is essential for safety critical camera systems.

“The audience really responded to seeing how our lab measurements lined up with the real-world images. Even relatively dim features in the lab showed up as bright and distracting ghost images in real scenes, which surprised even me. They asked questions that were very focused on stray light problems and made it clear that teams are becoming more concerned about how to diagnose and resolve these issues.”

— Hillary Balonek, Product Line Manager for Lens Metrology Products

Insights into Automotive Sensing Trends and Market Direction 

So, what trends did our engineers pick up at the show?

• Growing interest in long wave infrared imaging for nighttime and low-light detection
• Increased attention to durability and long-term reliability of image quality test systems
• A shift toward measurement methods that capture real environmental challenges
• Expanding use of multi spectral sensing strategies that combine visible, near infrared and thermal data

It’s great to see these trends aligning closely with the technical work underway in the standards community. This is especially true for thermal imaging.

ISO Standards Development is Accelerating Thermal Camera Adoption 

A major highlight for our team this year was the expanded role Optikos is playing in the development of international automotive perception standards.

“They essentially gave (Optikos) the leadership position because of our track-record as a leading manufacturer of thermal camera testing equipment for the past twenty-five years.”

— Kevin Sweeney, Product Line Manager at Optikos

Kevin Sweeney, Product Line Manager at Optikos, was recently appointed to lead the United States Technical Advisory Group supporting the ISO Working Group for Automotive Perception Sensors. His work contributes to the first global standard for thermal camera performance in road vehicles. This is scheduled to align with upcoming U. S. pedestrian detection regulations taking effect in 2029.

Through more than a decade of building, installing and refining thermal camera test systems, Kevin brings practical experience to a process that must balance scientific rigor with real world implementation. His involvement ensures that the emerging standard reflects achievable, meaningful test protocols that automotive manufacturers can adopt efficiently.

The combination of regulatory timelines and technical necessity has created an important inflection point for thermal imaging. AutoSens reinforced how critical it is for the industry to converge on reliable testing methods for Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference (NETD), MTF and contrast performance in background rich thermal environments.

Looking Ahead

Thank you to everyone who visited our booth, engaged with our demos, and stopped into our sessions. We’re especially grateful for the meaningful discussions that followed. The momentum around thermal imaging, stray light characterization and camera test methodology continues to grow. We look forward to supporting the community with both technology and leadership in standards development.

To learn more about our optical metrology solutions or to connect with our engineering team (like Kevin, Savannah & Hillary), contact us at [email protected].

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