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 lasers. The company is developing an array of sensors for use in self-driving cars, including one called LIDAR-X, which uses lasers instead of radar or cameras. The device is more robust, much cheaper and, unlike current designs, small enough to be integrated into wing mirrors or fenders.
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 lasers. Velodyne's new design employs a single sensor using an electronic beam steering system, which is capable of a 120-degree-view. The device is more robust, much cheaper and, unlike current designs, small enough to be integrated into wing mirrors or fenders.