Smart Headlight System: Car Headlights that Automatically Follow Turns

Another final project by an ITB electrical engineering student deserves recognition. This product is called the Smart Headlight System, an adaptive car headlight system that automatically follows curves and adjusts high and low beams.

The three students who created it are Reinard Nathanael (22), Eggy Bond Ompusunggu (23), and Muhamad Abduh Taufan (22). "This is an adaptive car light that adapts to the car's behavior and the conditions in front of the car. When turning, the light moves in the direction of the turn. But the limit of the light movement is 20 degrees," said Reinard when met by Tribun Jabar at the EEDays 2018 event in the ITB East Hall, Jalan Ganesha, Bandung City, Wednesday (23/5/2018). "In addition, this light also automatically switches to high beam or low beam. Switches to low beam if there is a car in front."

Reinhard said, there are several important components why the Smart Headlight System can automatically move and regulate itself.

"To move it, we use a servo motor. This motor can be controlled in direction to how many degrees to move the lights. We also use a gyroscope (as a sensor) in it," he said. "To detect the presence of a car in front, it uses a sensor like a camera. What is processed is light but captured by the camera. If the car's light will be detected, if the normal lights will not be detected. So, if there are car lights in front, then our car lights will automatically dip to low beams."

Reinhard explained that the idea for the Smart Headlight System stemmed from the many dark and sometimes sharp corners in Indonesia. Therefore, regular car headlights wouldn't be able to illuminate these corners optimally because their light only shines in a straight line. Furthermore, the idea for the Smart Headlight System stemmed from the numerous drivers who were bothered by the high beams of cars in front of them, which sometimes dazzled their eyes.

"We hope all cars will use adaptive headlights like this. Many drivers use their high beams carelessly, dazzling others. Furthermore, the dangers of corners, such as dark mountain bends, must also be addressed," said Reinhard.

Unfortunately, the Smart Headlight System is still a prototype. Reinhard said the project still needs further development before it can be implemented in cars.

"Even though, for example, we might develop it further, we remain committed to our initial commitment to create affordable adaptive lighting. The development cost alone is around Rp 3 million," said Reinhard.

At the event, the Smart Headlight System was on display at a booth. The adaptive headlights were positioned in front of a table. Behind the bright lights, a servo motor was hidden under a black cover. Several cables were visible connecting to a box beneath the two lights.

Due to its striking appearance, several visitors even took a look at the adaptive headlights. A video explaining the Smart Headlight System was also displayed on a monitor to help visitors understand its function.

This article has been published on tribunjabar.id by title Smart Headlight System Created by ITB Students: Car Headlights that Automatically Follow Turns

Penulis: Yongky Yulius

Editor: Seli Andina Miranti