This Trendy Feature Is Becoming The Standard
Novelty? Not anymore...
Slowly but surely, more automakers and fleets are recognizing the importance of 360° camera systems in eliminating blind spots and improving daily operations.
While it may have been more of a niche product in earlier, less realized iterations, 360° systems have come a long way and might eventually be standard in most vehicles. Features like automatic triggers, instant reverse, the option to record, and auto-calibration have raised the bar high enough to pique interest and stoke demand.
Right now, automakers like Nissan, Dodge, Toyota, and GMC are offering bird’s eye view systems in their newer full-size truck models, because real-time feeds drastically improve the maneuverability of big-bodied vehicles and illuminate those difficult-to-see corners that often get damaged.
Emergency and commercial fleets are currently taking steps to implement 360° systems and video telematics into their vehicles, as we see regulatory, insurance, and best safety practices powering a 29% growth in video solution shipments by 2026, generating revenues exceeding US $8 billion.
In the near future, as we move closer towards innovations like autonomous driving and a shared cloud network for the road, the data and capabilities of 360° systems will play integral roles in those formative years. After all, that ecosystem would need thoroughly-detailed views of vehicle surroundings.
Despite all this impending growth, fleet operators shouldn’t run out to implement an aftermarket system before taking these crucial factors into consideration:
- The FMVSS-111 compliance of the system; that is, does it provide the same level of safety as the rearview mirror being replaced?
- Does the system offer recording, and if so, does your organization allow for that? If not, 360° systems without DVR recording are also available.
- Is the setup efficient? Calibration for some 360° systems can be cumbersome and take way too long. Finding one with seamless setup is a time-saver, and time is money when it comes to fleets.
- What’s your price point? Budgeting correctly for a premium product like this is critical, but there are less-expensive options coming to market soon…
Ready or not, 360° cameras are becoming more and more mainstream. Automakers and fleets are ready to invest, and it’s easy to see why!
