By Lee Min-hyung, The Korea Times - Hyundai Motor Group has unveiled a camera sensor cleaning technology called Rotator-Cam which combines a rotational camera cover glass and a small wiper, the company said, Wednesday.

The company expects demand for camera sensor cleaning systems to grow at a rapid pace amid the simultaneous rise of autonomous driving. Even small particles on a camera sensor can diminish a device's ability to operate effectively.

The Rotator-Cam technology is one of the most effective sensor cleaning technologies that Hyundai is developing, as it can remove dust, mud and even water droplets quickly, the company said.

Hyundai focused on developing the rotational camera, as it does not block a sensor's view and washes away pollutants effectively, the company said. The Rotator-Cam consists of an electric motor, washer liquid supplying device and wiper blade.

An artificial intelligence-powered image analyzer detects any pollutants on the sensor and triggers the cleaning operation automatically, according to Hyundai. The process deactivates under rainy conditions.

"The Rotator-Cam is expected to help enhance the safety of driverless vehicles to a higher level at a time when more advanced sensing technology is required amid toughening market competition," a spokesperson of the automotive group said.

Hyundai will engage in more experiments under a range of weather conditions before its commercialization. The company has already lodged a patent application for the Rotator-Cam technology. After completing durability and function testing, the company will decide on whether or not to mass-produce the devices.

"Sensor cleaning systems are vital to sophisticating autonomous vehicle technologies," the official said. "We will continue placing a top priority on ensuring the safety of customers, and keep putting more efforts into developing better and more diverse mobility technologies."

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