What system uses infrared cameras to detect pedestrians or animals in low-light conditions?

A night vision system uses infrared cameras to detect pedestrians or animals in low-light conditions.

Automotive night vision extends the driver's view beyond the reach of ordinary headlights. Its sensors detect infrared energy, including heat emitted by people and animals, and the vehicle processes the image for a dashboard, navigation-screen or head-up display. Some active systems also project invisible near-infrared light onto the road and read the reflected image.

The first series-production automotive night-vision system appeared on the 2000 Cadillac DeVille. Toyota introduced a near-infrared system on the 2002 Lexus LX 470, while Honda's 2004 Legend added pedestrian detection and warnings. Later systems from BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz expanded detection to animals and collision-risk alerts.

Thermal imaging is a technology used by many night-vision systems, not the broader name for the vehicle feature. Lidar and radar can also detect objects, but they measure distance or reflected radio/light signals rather than presenting the characteristic infrared night-vision view. Availability remains largely an optional feature on premium vehicles.