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Photonfocus AG presents Hyperspectral Imaging for More Reliable ADAS Systems

In a world where the future of mobility is increasingly autonomous, the reliability of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) is becoming a central focus of technological innovation. As an active member of the SpectroNet cluster, Photonfocus AG exemplifies this transformation with its cutting-edge hyperspectral imaging solution. Together with the research center imec, Photonfocus is developing a new generation of camera systems that go far beyond the visible spectrum – with the goal of making perception in autonomous vehicles more robust, intelligent, and safe.


Seeing What Others Can’t: Hyperspectral Imaging for ADAS

Conventional vehicle camera systems quickly reach their limits in poor lighting, rain, fog, or complex road surfaces. Hyperspectral imaging, on the other hand, opens up entirely new possibilities: it doesn’t just capture images, but full spectral signatures – revealing subtle differences in materials and surfaces that would otherwise go unnoticed. This is precisely where Photonfocus’s latest innovation comes into play.


Compact Camera System with 25-Band NIR Hyperspectral Sensor

In close collaboration with the renowned research center imec, Photonfocus has developed a miniaturized snapshot camera system equipped with a 25-band hyperspectral sensor in the near-infrared (NIR) range. The advantage: the system captures all spectral bands simultaneously – without mechanical scanning – making it ideal for dynamic applications like autonomous driving.


The technology is validated using the HSI-Drive dataset developed by the Group of Data Engineering and Decision-making (GDED) at the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU). This open dataset offers realistic, challenging driving scenarios – from changing weather conditions to complex traffic environments.


Key Benefits at a Glance:

  • More reliable perception for ADAS systems: Hyperspectral data enables improved object recognition and classification, even in poor lighting or highly reflective environments.

  • Better material differentiation: Thanks to its spectral depth, the system can precisely distinguish between materials – for example, dry vs. wet asphalt, or road markings on dirty surfaces.

  • A new standard for autonomous driving: This technology opens up innovative pathways for developing robust AI-based perception models, ultimately leading to safer and more efficient traffic systems.


See for Yourself: Hyperspectral ADAS in Real Driving Scenarios

Photonfocus invites everyone to experience the technology in action. Real-world driving videos demonstrate how hyperspectral imaging delivers clear and reliable information – even under challenging conditions.



Photonfocus clearly demonstrates how cutting-edge technology developed within the SpectroNet cluster is delivering real solutions to the challenges of tomorrow. With its focus on hyperspectral imaging for ADAS, the company is driving innovation that is not only technological but also socially relevant. Autonomous driving is becoming safer – and the view into the future, a whole lot clearer.

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