Mexican Media Brands
Velodyne Readies $100 Lidar
Scaled-down unit targets low-speed applications
Share
A key enabler for autonomous driving systems is about to get a lot more affordable. At least for some applications.
Velodyne, the longtime leader in lidar technology, is launching a scaled-down system that it plans to sell for just $100 per unit. Dubbed Velabit, the new sensor will be available this summer.
Wait, How Much?
For those wondering how significant this is, here’s something to consider: A Velodyne lidar sensor cost as much as $75,000 in prototype autonomous vehicles in 2017. That’s a staggering 99.7% reduction in three years!
Granted, it’s not exactly apples to apples. The earlier systems were for prototypes—i.e., ultra-low production runs. As volumes increased, costs have dropped dramatically.
Technology improvements, such as lower-cost solid-state devices, also have helped drive prices down. The latest lidar used in self-driving test fleets runs from about $1,000 to $10,000, making Velabit still at least an order of magnitude cheaper.
Sizing Down Performance
Source: Velodyne
Velabit fits into a box that measures 2.4 x 2.4 x 1.38 inches, making it Velodyne’s smallest lidar ever. Not only does this enable greater in-vehicle packaging flexibility, it also could lead to applications in a variety of other devices—such as robots and drones—the supplier notes. (Waymo also is targeting non-automotive uses for its lidar.)
But don’t expect Velabit’s performance to equal that of roof-mounted 360ﹾ spinning arrays. Velodyne calls it a mid-level system with a range of about 320 ft—half that of a top-end unit—and fields of view of 60ﹾ (horizontal) and 10ﹾ (vertical).
Velabit can serve as a stand-alone sensor for low-speed functions, including cross-traffic detection and automatic emergency braking. High-speed functions require it to be paired with other lidar and/or radar and cameras.
RELATED CONTENT
-
On Automotive: An All Electric Edition
A look at electric vehicle-related developments, from new products to recycling old batteries.
-
Jeeps Modified for Moab
On Easter morning in Moab, Utah, when the population of that exceedingly-hard-to-get-to town in one of the most beautiful settings on Earth has more than doubled, some people won’t be hunting for Easter eggs, but will be trying to get a good look at one of the vehicles six that Jeep has prepared for real-life, fast-feedback from the assembled at the annual Easter Jeep Safari.
-
GM Seeks to Avert U.S. Plant Shutdowns Linked to Supplier Bankruptcy
General Motors Co. says it hopes to claim equipment and inventory from a bankrupt interior trim supplier to avoid being forced to idle all 19 of its U.S. assembly plants.
