Investigation for the Need of Traditional Data-Preprocessing when Applying Artificial Neural Networks to FMCW-Radar Data

Robust functionality of autonomous driving vehicles relies on their ability to detect obstables and various scenarios on the road. This can be only achieved by applying robust, fast and efficient AI-based signal processing to radar data. In this work we present an empirical investigation on the question, whether one can apply artificial neural networks (ANNs) directly to frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar raw data. We show that preproceessing is not necessary if one has enough raw data. In our experiment we have data of 153 648 frames collected with a 60 GHz FMCW radar. We compare systematically the options of preprocessing the data using variational autoencoder, applying traditional preprocessing or omit data-preprocessing and apply ANN directly to raw data. We show that the last option results in 28% faster signal processing and highest accuracy. This is a promising result, since it enables edge computing and direct signal processing at the sensor level.