Conti Buys ASC’s Laser-Imaging Sensor Unit

Continental AG has acquired the 3-D laser-imaging sensor unit of California-based Advanced Scientific Concepts Inc. for an undisclosed amount.

The sale enhances Conti’s array of driver-assist and autonomous driving system technologies. Lidar (light detection and ranging) devices are expected to play a key role in tomorrow’s autonomous vehicle systems.

ASC’s Hi-Res 3-D Flash technology provides both real-time vision and environmental mapping functions. Conti says an array of ASC sensors, which have no moving parts, enables a significantly more detailed and accurate 360° view around a vehicle, day or night and in adverse weather conditions.

Conti will absorb 22 engineers from ASC and says it eventually will expand its staff for lidar systems to 100.