Audi Taps Luminar for Lidar in Self-Driving Test Fleet

Audi AG’s Autonomous Intelligent Driving subsidiary is using Luminar Technologies Inc.’s lidar in prototype self-driving vehicles to identify and track surrounding objects.

The carmaker, which aims to launch a fully autonomous vehicle in 2021, praises Luminar’s technology as best-in-class in terms of range and precision. The partners are testing vehicles outfitted with the system on public roads in Munich.

Luminar says it has contracts with 16 carmakers and suppliers valued at $1.5 billion. Among the announced programs are deals with Toyota and Volvo.

Luminar demonstrated its patented technology, which uses receivers made of indium gallium arsenide rather than silicon, at last month’s Los Angeles auto show. The Silicon Valley-based supplier claims the system has a range of 250 meters (820 ft) and 50 times the resolution of current lidar.

Formed in 2012, Luminar has more than 400 employees worldwide. Earlier this year, the company said it had lowered lidar production costs by more than 80% to “well below” $1,000 at its facility in Orlando, Fla. The plant has annual capacity to produce as many as 20,000 devices.

View a video HERE for more information about Audi and Luminar’s partnership.