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In recent years, as innovations in the automotive industry such as CASE and MaaS have attracted much attention, automakers have invested in the research and development of autonomous driving systems and driver assistance systems, and have conducted demonstration tests in many places in Japan to commercialize autonomous driving technology. One of the autonomous driving technologies that is becoming increasingly popular involves a sensor technology called LiDAR (light detection and ranging). LiDAR enables autonomous driving of vehicles by detecting obstacles and determining the location of the vehicle through map matching. However, LiDAR cannot quickly identify dark objects such as asphalt roads. Nippon Paint’s Target Line Paint system uses technology that controls the intensity of reflection depending on the wavelength of light, allowing LiDAR to detect dark objects such as paint used on asphalt roads.

The target line paint allows LiDAR to identify objects anywhere. Unstable GPS connections, which affect LiDAR recognition and map matching accuracy, are a challenge for autonomous driving. Unstable conditions can occur in areas with uniform terrain, such as under roadside trees, under bridges, and in tunnels. Our target line paints are designed to be easily recognized by LiDAR. This means that the product can be used anywhere, such as on roads and road barriers, without compromising LiDAR sensitivity. In areas where the terrain does not change, such as inside tunnels, the paint’s properties can be used to mark the road at fixed intervals, thereby improving map matching accuracy.

Visible road and barrier markings can be confused with important sidewalk markings or look unsightly in scenic areas. LiDAR is not sensitive to black or dark colors, but the target line color can be recognized by LiDAR even in these colors. Therefore, by choosing a color of a similar shade, you can use this paint on asphalt roads and dark road barriers.

The Japanese government is developing a roadmap to expand the use of driverless cars in Japan. However, the actual use of autonomous vehicles is expensive, as it requires technological upgrades to vehicles, as well as roads and other infrastructure to improve driving conditions. Painting target lines on roads and barriers can help create the infrastructure needed for autonomous driving. In addition, the product can reduce the cost, construction time, and maintenance of these infrastructures.

Thanks to its properties, Target Line Paint can be used in a wide variety of locations and on a wide range of objects. Its versatility makes it ideal for meeting the requirements of autonomous driving technologies and other elements of the transition to a smart society.