FCC approves consumer use of 60 GHz spectrum

US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) gave the green light expanding the use of short-range radars in vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles and medical equipment. This landmark decision will revolutionize many sectors of human life.

The innovative technology will help save children left in hot cars for a long time, effectively detect people under rubble, and be used to track the breathing of premature babies in intensive care units. The list of useful applications, of course, does not end there, but the FCC itself emphasized this.

Regarding the application of technology in cars, a function that uses short-range radars has already been developed by Japanese Toyota engineers and is called “Interior Awareness”. The function has the ability to capture even the slightest movement inside the car and notify the driver that someone has been left unattended in the cabin. Soon, other automakers should introduce similar features in their vehicles.

Automotive Innovation Alliance (AAI), automakers and child rights advocates have long pushed for FCC approval for the use of the 60 GHz spectrum. Starting from when major automakers agreed to equip American cars by 2025 with systems that remind drivers of passengers or animals left in the back seats.

“Today, the FCC approved new rules for 60 GHz frequency spectrum that enable short-range radars for technologies such as hot vehicle sensors, health monitoring, and emergency drones.” reported FCC.

According to the non-profit group Kids and Car SafetySince 1990, more than 1,000 American children have died in hot cars, 88% of them under the age of three. In more than half of the cases, the child was abandoned due to carelessness of the guardian. And although most people are sure that they would never get into such a situation, representatives of the group argue that denial is the main mistake. Circumstances can be completely different, and it is quite possible to forget a small child in a car.

Jessica Rosenworzel, co-chair of the FCC, said short-range radar could also be used to effectively manage vehicle traffic, which could reduce congestion and improve safety for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians alike.