Everything You Need to Know About ADAS in Commercial Vehicles Industry
- Mrunal Upadhye
- Mar 14, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: Jul 21
Table of Contents:
Commercial vehicles aren’t only about power or payload anymore. They now come equipped with smart features that make them safer and more efficient. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) play a big role in this shift. These systems rely on real-time data to help drivers on the road. They lower the chances of accidents and help fleets perform better overall.
A survey by HERE Technologies found that 91 percent of respondents see ADAS as essential. And 82 percent said they’re ready to invest in vehicles that include these features.
This blog examines how ADAS is transforming the landscape for commercial fleets. It also explains why more companies now see it as a must-have across the industry.
What Is ADAS in the Automotive Industry?
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) work like a vigilant co-pilot. They help drivers stay alert, react faster, and avoid mistakes. These systems use radar, ultrasonic sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence. Together, they support human decision-making on the road. ADAS spots danger early and steps in to help avoid a crash.
ADAS bridges the gap between conventional driving and full autonomy. It doesn’t take control away from drivers. Instead, it sharpens their awareness and gives them better control. The result is safer roads and more efficient driving.
Key ADAS Features:
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Maintains a steady speed and safe distance from the vehicle ahead. It adjusts the throttle and braking based on traffic flow.
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Detects sudden obstacles or quick braking by the vehicle in front. It applies the brakes to prevent or lessen the impact.
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): Alerts the driver when the vehicle drifts out of its lane without signaling. Then it adjusts the steering to stay centered.
Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection Spots people or bicycles near the road. Sends alerts or brakes to avoid a crash.
Blind Spot Monitoring: Detects vehicles in nearby lanes that the driver may not see. Warns the driver before an unsafe lane change.
Collision Avoidance System (CAS): tracks the vehicle’s path, speed, and nearby objects. If a crash looks likely, it warns the driver and can steer or brake to avoid it.
Driver Monitoring System (DMS): watches driver behavior using sensors or cameras. If it detects drowsiness or distraction, it prompts the driver to refocus.
These features work together as a smart safety layer. They support both routine driving and sudden emergencies in real time.
Why Commercial Vehicles Need ADAS?
In commercial transport, safety means more than protecting one driver. Trucks, buses, and delivery vans often carry valuable cargo or dozens of passengers. One crash can cause major financial losses, legal trouble, or even loss of life. That’s why ADAS is essential for commercial vehicles.
The Road Safety Crisis:
"Road accidents pose a major public health challenge in India. In 2022 alone, more than 450,000 crashes led to over 150,000 deaths."
90% of these accidents are preventable. ADAS helps address the problem by adding safety features where they matter most. It eases the load on drivers and sharpens their awareness on the road.
How the ADAS Market Is Shaping the Future of Commercial Vehicles
The Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) market is no longer a future promise. It already shapes how companies design, operate, and manage commercial vehicles. Automakers build with safety in mind. Fleet owners rely on tech to meet performance goals. Regulators push for smarter standards.
Market Growth: Rapid Expansion Backed by Strong Forecasts
A report by CMI Market Research shows strong growth in India’s ADAS market. It projects a compound annual growth rate of 18.8 percent. The ADAS market will grow from $1.24 billion in 2022 to $9.98 billion by 2032. This sharp rise reflects greater use in both passenger and commercial vehicles. Commercial fleets see the biggest gains. ADAS makes them safer and helps streamline logistics.
Technological Advancements: AI Is Making ADAS Smarter
Artificial intelligence and machine learning have taken ADAS beyond basic warnings and alerts. These technologies now power advanced systems that react in real time. They pull data from cameras, radar, lidar, and other sensors. Then they process it while the vehicle is on the move.
These systems do more than spot threats. They also predict how others will behave. That enables features like adaptive cruise control and predictive braking. They also support driver condition monitoring. This kind of intelligence is crucial in commercial transport. Vehicles face rough conditions and carry a serious risk.
Regulatory Push: Policy Drives Safety Compliance
Governments in India and abroad now require safety features in commercial vehicles. Some rules are already in effect. Others will roll out in phases.
Regulatory bodies are now pushing for stronger safety technology in commercial vehicles. They call for emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and pedestrian detection. These features should come standard. ADAS is no longer a premium upgrade. It’s now a requirement for selling in many markets.
Fleet Operators’ Adoption: Safety as a Competitive Advantage
More fleet owners now see ADAS as a strategic investment, not a cost. Safer fleets win bigger logistics contracts. They also cut insurance costs and meet client demands for responsible transport partners. Reputation and uptime matter in this sector. ADAS helps operators stand out and stay ahead of industry standards.
Challenges of Integrating ADAS in Commercial Vehicle Fleets
The benefits of ADAS are clear. But rolling it out across a commercial fleet brings real challenges. Operators face both operational and financial hurdles. Solving these takes careful planning. It also takes support from system providers who understand how fleets work on the ground.
High Initial Investment: A Barrier for Smaller Fleets
One major hurdle is the upfront cost of ADAS hardware, software, and installation. Small and mid-sized fleet operators often work with tight margins. Many struggle to justify the spend, especially when the return isn’t visible right away.
Costs cover advanced sensors, wiring, displays, control units, and calibration tools. Many small operators lack access to subsidies or flexible pricing. Without those options, they may delay adoption and fall behind the competition.
Driver Training: The Human Role Still Leads the Way
Even the best systems only work when drivers use them well. Drivers need to know how each ADAS feature works. They should understand what the alerts mean and how to respond. They also need to know when to trust automation and when to take control.
Some experienced drivers resist ADAS. They see it as a threat or as added complexity they don’t need. Training plays a key role in changing that view. A strong program should guide new users and build long-term trust. It also keeps drivers safe and confident as the tech evolves.
Retrofitting Challenges: Compatibility with Legacy Vehicles
Most fleets run a mix of newer and older vehicles. Adding ADAS to older models often means custom retrofitting. That process can get complex and expensive. Many legacy vehicles lack the electronics needed. They can’t support modern safety tech.
Some installations need changes to the vehicle’s structure or electrical system. This adds time to the process and drives up the cost.
Regulatory Complexity: Evolving Standards Create Compliance Gaps
Staying compliant with safety rules is a moving target. New certifications and test protocols keep coming. Software requirements also change often. Many fleet operators work across borders. Some run in high-risk sectors like mining or hazardous materials.
These teams must keep up with every rule. Compliance takes time, legal know-how, and solid technical checks. Mistakes or delays can slow operations or even force a vehicle off the road.
Starkenn’s ADAS Advantage for Commercial Fleets:
Starkenn builds ADAS solutions for Indian roads and vehicle conditions. These systems use rugged hardware and AI-driven software. They respond in real time. Operators can deploy them across modern fleets. They also work with older vehicles without added setup or system strain.
Each product meets the needs of real fleets. Starkenn designs them to stay affordable, work at scale, and fit daily operations. They tackle the roadblocks that slow ADAS adoption in transport and logistics.
Starkenn Attention: Driver Monitoring System
Starkenn Attention is a vision-based system placed inside the cabin. It uses AI and facial recognition to detect:
Drowsiness
Distraction
Phone and smoking use
Overspeeding
It connects to both front and driver-facing cameras. If it spots unsafe behavior, it can trigger an accelerator cut-off.
How It Works: The system gives real-time audio and visual alerts to the driver. If it detects unsafe conditions, it can stop the vehicle from starting. It also blocks acceleration until the driver corrects the issue.
Proven Results: Starkenn Attention has helped prevent more than 350 accidents. It has also saved over 1,200 lives.
Starkenn BrakeSafe: Collision Avoidance System
BrakeSafe is a robust Collision Avoidance System (CAS). It includes an emergency braking feature that activates when a crash is about to happen.
Its features include:
Obstacle detection (moving and stationary objects)
Front and rear proximity alerts
Dual-mode operation (CAS and CWS)
Double redundant brake pass mechanism
Government-compliant (AIS 162 and 172)
All-weather and low-visibility performance
Three levels of visual and audio warnings
BrakeSafe was recently showcased at the ADAS Show 2025. It drew strong interest from safety regulators, fleet operators, and industry leaders. They recognized its reliability and real-world use.
Starkenn Sober: Alcohol Detection Sensor
Starkenn Sober keeps vehicles running only under safe conditions. It checks the driver using facial recognition and breath analysis.
System highlights:
Over 98 percent accuracy
Quick-response breathalyzer with driver ID validation
The system cuts off acceleration when it detects alcohol.
Periodic rechecks while driving
Video evidence access for audits and compliance
This solution helps operators enforce strict no-alcohol policies without disrupting fleet schedules.
Starkenn Load: Fuel and Load Monitoring:
Starkenn Load delivers deep visibility into fuel usage and cargo conditions.
It offers:
Real-time mileage and fuel refill tracking
Fuel theft detection
Loading and unloading data
Overloading alerts
System accuracy of over 97 percent
The platform delivers insights that cut operational losses. It also helps improve route planning and makes compliance easier.
Starkenn Radar: Automotive Grade Radar
Starkenn Radar provides advanced object tracking and speed detection with long-range coverage.
Core features:
Detection from 0.5 m to 150 m
Intelligent object identification
Velocity and direction monitoring
The system is software configurable from end to end.
All-weather, night-capable performance
This radar works with multiple ADAS modules. It supports systems like BrakeSafe. It boosts environmental awareness and adds intelligence to the vehicle.
R&D Collaboration with IIT Kanpur
Starkenn has taken a major step forward by partnering with IIT Kanpur. Together, they are building custom mmWave antennas. This effort aims to improve radar accuracy in complex and high-risk settings. The partnership moves Starkenn closer to smarter safety systems. It also supports the shift toward more adaptive commercial fleets.
What’s Ahead for ADAS in Commercial Transport?
Three major trends will shape the future of commercial ADAS.
AI-led Risk Prediction: From reacting to preventing through behavioral and environmental modeling
Autonomous Readiness: A move toward driverless logistics supported by Starkenn’s tech stack
Sustainable Driving: Reducing fuel waste and emissions through optimized driving behavior
Starkenn now plays a leading role in shaping these trends. It brings deep expertise in product design, field deployment, and AI engineering.
Let’s Build Safer Roads Together
ADAS is no longer optional. It’s the backbone of modern fleet safety and operational excellence.
Ready to upgrade your fleet?
Connect with us at www.starkenn.com to discover how Starkenn can customize an ADAS solution for your vehicles.
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