Velodyne , a leading lidar sensor manufacturer , has announced the development of a new kind of solid - state lidar sensor that will be significantly cheaper and smaller than current designs . Velodyne, meanwhile, plans to deliver sample units to customers by the end of this year and swing into full production by the end of 2018. Lidar rigs are critical to autonomous vehicle guidance , and map physical space around the car using sensors . Velodyne 's new design employs a single sensor and an electronic power steering system , which is capable of a self - rotation . The device is more robust , much cheaper and , unlike current designs , small enough to be integrated into wing mirrors or headlights .
Velodyne , a leading lidar sensor manufacturer , has announced the development of a new kind of solid - state lidar sensor that will be significantly cheaper and smaller than current designs . Lidar rigs are critical to autonomous vehicle guidance , and map physical space around the car using sensors . Velodyne 's new design employs a single sensor and an electronic power steering system , which is capable of a self - rotation . The device is more robust , much cheaper and , unlike current designs , small enough to be integrated into wing mirrors or headlights .