A far-fetched reality for most, Japan has legalised the use of cameras in place of rear-view mirrors. We’ve all come across quite a few concept cars, at various auto shows that sport cameras instead of mirrors.
Thanks to the UN clearing this tech late last year, companies can now shift to cameras if they meet certain specifications. Such cars that have dumped the exterior mirrors and incorporate cameras have been on car designer’s wish list for some time now. For one, it added to the sleeker style quotient and secondly, improved safety and aerodynamics considerably.
Cameras have the ability to capture a wider angle of view and can also highlight blind spots. They also weigh lesser than a conventional mirror. Some examples use a 1.3-megapixel camera which offer a 160 degree view with notable clarity. Being the start of things to come, fine tuning of this tech along the way is of utmost priority.
Japan's Ichikoh Industries and Germany's Robert Bosch GmbH have shown keen interest to supply this technology. Several countries like the USA and China are slated to indulge in this tech in the next few years. Initially, cost is expected to be seen as a challenge, however going by the benefits, it looks like it’s here to stay.
