We have previously written about many technical aspects of laser diode design, such as cooling systems, electrical power sources, and diode structure. It is critical to remember that automotive lidar systems operate outdoors, meaning a vital consideration is the surrounding environment. When selecting and designing the laser diode, you should consider four main factors for the automotive lidar system.

Leonardo Electronics US Inc. (LEI), a leading manufacturer of semiconductor lasers and systems for automotive, defense, security, medical, and industrial applications, and US subsidiary of Leonardo, announced today that it has obtained the automotive IATF 16949 certification. Leonardo is now one of a select few automotive certified manufacturers of both Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) arrays and edge-emitting laser sources for lidar, Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) and other sensing applications.

Every year we look forward to seeing the new, exciting technology hitting many markets at CES in Las Vegas. Last year, we were able to walk the show floor and stand next to amazing advancements in lidar integrations in the automotive industry like Hyundi Motor Group’s air taxi and the front sensing 3D-lidar headlamp from Pioneer’s Smart Sensing Innovations.

In the last several years, there has been a growing demand for technology to support smart city applications. The idea being that a city empowered by data allows for greater efficiency in almost any aspect. Benefits range from ensuring faster, more accurate response times for first responders to analyzing traffic patterns for better infrastructure design. Big data, artificial intelligence, and reliable sensing technology are all essential for this to be successful.

Light Detection and Ranging technology, commonly known as lidar, is one of the fundamental sensing technologies that is advancing autonomous vehicle design—and for good reason. Compared to other sensing technologies, such as radar, cameras, ultrasonic sensors, and infrared sensors, lidar is a comprehensive solution that can meet the need for range, accuracy, and precision as well as for functionality in a variety of driving conditions, as illustrated in the chart below:

The laser solutions team recently had the opportunity to take in the future of transportation and consumer electronics at CES 2020. Below are a few of the highlights from their time on the show floor.

In a recent webinar VP of Sales and Marketing, Robert Walker, discussed the many advancements in the autonomous vehicle market, including increasing requirements, new technology options, and the questions remaining for engineers.

Our team recently returned from another year at CES in Las Vegas. Similar to last year's show, we came back inspired by the innovative technology and advancements in the consumer technology space. We saw vast uses and applications for machine intelligence, AI, robotics and cameras galore! Remember the old carnival game of guess your age or weight? They have cameras for that now! There were tools that did 3D mappings of people on large stages, utilizing lasers. Attendees wandering the show floor had age range determined by a camera and got to explore the latest advancements in recognition software.

Eyal Levi leads the development of night vision systems for improved driver safety and is working on enhanced vision for both driver-operated and levels 4 and 5 autonomous vehicles for major automobile manufacturers. Today, he shares his perspective on lidar and night vision technologies and the challenges and promise of laser systems for automotive lidar.

At CES 2018 in Las Vegas this January, Robert Walker met with lidar customers and previewed major automotive customers’ exhibitions. This year, autonomous vehicles from manufacturers such as Hyundai, Ford, and Mercedes, were at the forefront of the tradeshow floor. Here are their impressions.