Two weeks ago Nikon released a press release about a new in-vehicle camera system co-created with Mitsubishi Fuso:
The new camera technology combines a telephoto and wide-angle lens system into a single compact device, enabling users to see far away and also check their periphery at the same time. This technology allows drivers to simultaneously monitor distant objects and the immediate surroundings, reducing the number of cameras needed for a comprehensive 360-degree view. By utilizing a shared optical axis for both focal lengths, the system eliminates parallax errors, which is crucial for vehicle AI to detect and track distant objects accurately.
In collaboration with Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC), Nikon showcased this camera system at the 2025 CES in Las Vegas. The partnership, ongoing since 2020, focuses on equipping future trucks and buses with advanced camera technology. The integration of Nikon’s camera system into such vehicles represents a significant advancement in autonomous driving technology, potentially improving operational efficiency and safety in waste collection and other industries.
Here are two related videos in Japanese where you can see an autonomous garbage truck of the future following a worker at a close distance while emptying bins and avoiding obstacles and pedestrians without manual intervention:
Additional informtion from Nikon:
In-Vehicle Camera System
Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS*) and autonomous driving technology in the automotive industry are evolving every day. In addition, there is growing demand for methods to enhance visibility to prevent serious accidents caused by drivers not noticing signs or pedestrians. Nikon and Mitsubishi Fuso have developed an innovative in-vehicle camera system to create new value for future trucks and buses. The initiative led to developing an innovative camera featuring a single-lens system, which integrates telephoto and wide-angle functions to enable users to see far away and also check their periphery. Nikon is exploring a variety of possibilities to expand the use of this innovative technology not only in vehicles but also in other diverse fields.
Benefits of the in-vehicle camera system
Through video and image analysis, the system can detect events that would be difficult for the human eye to notice, and visualize them or notify the driver.
Single-lens system that integrates telephoto and wide-angle functions
The integration of telephoto and wide-angle functions in a single-lens system enables the camera to capture images both far away and in the close periphery simultaneously. The optical axes of the far-away and periphery shots are the same, which prevents parallax. As such, when used as an in-vehicle camera with the AI performing image recognition to collect road information that requires tracking signs or other vehicles in the distance, the camera system reduces the risk of losing track of an object or detecting a double image.
Reduced costs and failure rates due to effective positioning in the vehicle
When using this system as an in-vehicle camera, its effective positioning and integrated telephoto and wide-angle lens system means fewer cameras have to be installed in the vehicle. This innovation allows for uninterrupted 360-degree coverage while reducing common challenges like high system costs and failure rates.
