This U.S. patented tag technology by scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory enhances the visibility of objects to vehicle radar systems by amplifying and retransmitting radar signals, thereby enabling earlier and more reliable detection to help prevent collisions — particularly in applications like autonomous vehicles, transportation, defense, and industrial automation. The Challenge: Modern vehicles, especially those with autonomous driving features or driver-assistance systems, rely heavily on radar to detect nearby objects. However, radar systems struggle with: Small or non-metallic objects like bicycles, motorcycles, pedestrians, or animals. Objects with a low radar cross-section, meaning they don’t reflect radar signals well. Poor weather or visibility conditions, which reduce radar accuracy even further. Because of this, important objects may not be detected until it’s too late—putting lives at risk and limiting the safety capabilities of smart vehicles. How it Works: When a radar-equipped vehicle sends out signals to detect what’s ahead, the tag receives those signals, filters and strengthens them using built-in electronics, and then sends them back out. This makes the object carrying the tag — such as a bicycle, person, or piece of roadside equipment — appear larger and easier to detect on the radar. The design of the tag ensures that the signals are amplified without causing interference, so it works smoothly with any standard automotive radar system. As a result, vehicles can recognize tagged objects from farther away. Key Advantages: Universal compatibility : Functions with any radar-equipped vehicle regardless of brand or radar type—no special software or calibration needed. Compact and lightweight : Small enough to be worn or attached to bikes, helmets, backpacks, traffic cones, or roadside equipment. Improved object detection: Makes small or low-visibility objects (like bicycles, pedestrians, or animals) easier for vehicle radar systems to detect. Extended detection range : Increases how far away a vehicle can "see" an object, giving more time to react and avoid collisions. All-weather reliability : Works effectively in low-light, fog, rain, or other conditions where visual sensors (like cameras) may fail. Market Applications: Automotive & Autonomous Vehicles Commercial Transportation & Fleet Vehicles Defense & Security Industrial Automation & Robots Consumer Safety & Outdoor Gear Development Status: TRL 6 US Patent No. 11448749-B1 LA-UR-25-29452 LANL Tech Partnerships: Unlock the Innovative Potential Los Alamos National Laboratory offers a wide range of cutting-edge technologies and capabilities that may provide your company with a competitive edge in the market and unlock the innovative potential that can enhance, refine, and revolutionize your products. LANL’s licensing program focuses on moving inventions developed by our researchers to commercial innovations. Patented and patent pending inventions and copyrighted software are available to existing and start-up companies through exclusive and non-exclusive licensing agreements. For specific discussions, please contact
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