Velodyne Lidar, Inc. is partnering with the University of Nevada, Reno to advance research in transportation infrastructure. The university’s Nevada Center for Applied Research purchased and, in conjunction with the Nevada DOT and Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development, is using Velodyne’s lidar sensors in its Intelligent Mobility initiative to collect data aimed at making transportation more efficient, sustainable and safe.

The program has integrated Velodyne Ultra Puck lidar sensors with traffic signals to detect, count and track pedestrians, cyclists and traffic to help improve traffic analytics, congestion management and pedestrian safety.

These lidar sensors have been placed at crossing signs and intersections in the city of Reno, Nevada, and because lidar used today does not allow for facial recognition, these smart city applications can preserve trust and anonymity among the public.

“Lidar-enhanced” roads can also communicate data to connected vehicles to support eco-drive and collision avoidance applications. To address roadway congestion monitoring, university researchers have developed speed measurement, and delay and queue length measurements using lidar data.

The program also has an electric bus operated by the Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County. The bus is equipped with an Ultra Puck and other sensors to collect data to assess mass-transit routes and feasibility of mass-transit automation in city segments with a connected infrastructure.

The Velodyne Ultra Puck provides a full 360-degree environmental view to deliver accurate real-time 3D data. It is a small, compact lidar sensor that delivers 200 meters range. The sensor’s reliability and power efficiency make it an ideal solution for smart city applications such as pedestrian safety, vehicle traffic and parking space management, and more. The Ultra Puck does not identify individuals’ facial characteristics, addressing a growing concern for civic applications.