LeddarTech showcasing 2D and 3D solid-state LiDARs for mass-market autonomous driving deployments; Leddar Ecosystem
16 December 2016
At CES 2017, LeddarTech will be showcasing 2D and 3D high-resolution LiDAR solutions for autonomous driving applications based on its next-generation LeddarCore ICs and developed with the collaboration of leading-edge suppliers and partners from the newly-established Leddar Ecosystem. (Earlier post.)
Presented publicly for the first time, these systems demonstrate the scalability of Leddar technology and its ability to meet the high levels of performance, resolution, and cost-effectiveness required by Tier-1 and OEMs for mass-market autonomous driving applications. These LiDAR systems’ production versions will offer resolutions of up to 512×64 on a field of view of 120×20 degrees, and detection ranges that exceed 200 m for pedestrians and over 300 m for vehicles.
Founded in 2007 as a spin-off of Canada’s leading optics and photonics research institute, LeddarTech is the developer, owner and supplier of the Leddar technology, a unique LiDAR technology that performs active time-of-flight measurement using pulses from infrared light processed through innovative algorithms, accurately detecting a wide range of objects under various environmental conditions. This novel LiDAR technology delivers the best range-to-power ratio.
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| Where Leddar fits in remote sensing technologies. Source: LeddarTech. Click to enlarge. |
Leddar works by emitting invisible pulses of light, reading the return echo of these pulses, and digitally converting and processing the signal to assess the presence and position of objects in its field of view. The shape, range and resolution of the detection zone can vary depending on the optical components (e.g., lenses) used to build the sensing device.
All Leddar sensors are built around the LeddarCore ICs, which contain LeddarTech’s patented signal processing technology. In addition to the IC, all Leddar sensor modules need a light source (e.g., LED, VCSEL or laser), a photodetector and optical components.
LeddarTech also announced that it has established the foundation of the Leddar Ecosystem, which comprises specialized component suppliers and partners with leading-edge expertise. This Ecosystem, which contributes to the achievement of significant development milestones, includes companies such as Texas Instruments (TI) for microprocessors; Hamamatsu, Excelitas, OSRAM and TriLumina for optical components; PolySync and Intempora for software development tools; and Global Sensing and AKKA Technologies for perception and navigation intelligence software.
During CES, Leddar sensing solutions for automotive applications will also be showcased by various high-profile exhibitors, including Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), Magneti Marelli, OSRAM, FEV, TI, DLH Bowles and TriLumina. Additionally, automotive supplier Valeo will be demoing their Leddar-based solid-state LiDAR sensor at their booth on the Central Plaza.
LeddarTech’s latest advances in solid-state LiDAR technology, which deliver both high resolution and long range in a small, robust package make LiDAR sensors available at volume pricing below the $100 threshold, meeting cost levels, which will enable the successful commercial deployment of semi-autonomous and autonomous vehicles, the company suggests.
At CES, LeddarTech will be accepting orders from select automotive clients for delivery of development samples starting in May 2017. These sample LiDARs feature the capabilities of the new generations of LeddarCore ICs: the LCA2, which is scheduled for volume commercial availability in 2018, and the LCA3, planned for 2019.
That's so ridiculous because a human know where to park way better than a stupid computer. Green is the realm of the unproductive nerd. Im looking for a cheap high mpg car here since years and there is not a single one to sale, only costly junk.
Posted by: gorr | 16 December 2016 at 06:58 AM
This is a needed component for future high accuracy all weather ADVs. Coupled with other dual sensors and enough on board computing capabilities, ADVs should operational by 2025 or so.
Posted by: HarveyD | 16 December 2016 at 08:56 AM