The Chinese automotive manufacturer BYD has patented a new safety system designed to detect animals and other objects underneath a vehicle before it moves. Developed to prevent accidents, the technology addresses a common safety concern: domestic animals, such as cats and dogs, as well as wildlife, frequently seek shelter under parked cars.

The system utilizes specialized cameras and computer vision technology to capture images of the vehicle’s undercarriage. Each time the vehicle is started, the system captures fresh images and compares them against stored reference data. This process allows the technology to identify any unusual objects or unexpected movements before the car begins to drive, mitigating the risk of running over hidden animals.

To ensure reliability during daily operation and to minimize false alarms, the software includes advanced analysis capabilities. It is programmed to automatically ignore the vehicle’s permanent structural components, such as the suspension system and chassis. Additionally, the algorithm is capable of filtering out minor debris, mud, and dirt, ensuring that alerts are only triggered by genuine hazards.

According to AutoEsporte, this patent is part of a broader initiative by BYD to expand its vehicle safety and intelligent driver-assistance features. The company recently introduced a separate safety mechanism utilizing radar signal analysis to detect occupants, such as children or pets, who have been accidentally left behind in the back seats—a situation that can lead to severe heatstroke or fatalities.

BYD’s high volume of research and development supports these technological advancements. The automaker registers between 30 and 45 new patents daily in China. This continuous innovation is driven by a global workforce of more than 120,000 engineers and researchers, enabling the company to integrate new safety and automation features into each subsequent generation of its vehicles.

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