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From its use in metrology and topography, lidar (light detection and ranging) technology has come a long way to quickly become one of the key technologies in autonomous vehicle (AV) advancements. Chaimaa Aarab from Keysight Technologies gives you the lowdown on lidar for AVs.

As automakers progress with real-world testing, it’s clear that next-generation sensors offer intriguing features but differ from the silver bullet many thought they’d be at first.

Without driver/human inputs, AVs require sensors and computers to work together to read the road and surrounding environment.

Most advanced driver aids in the world today use a combination of radar (microwave) and sonar (sound) to warn about unseen threats and help stop a vehicle before a collision occurs.

About the Author: Chaimaa Aarab is a market initiative manager at Keysight Technologies.

Lidar can perform similar functions, developing an image of the environment around it while still representing the best option for AVs to see the light.

Lidar technology in automotive

The automotive industry is undergoing an existential transformation with autonomous driving (AV) and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

To achieve a fully autonomous driving experience, sensor fusion is positioning itself as the key enabler in the automotive industry.

While sensor fusion focuses on software algorithms combining the data collected from cameras, radar, and lidar to obtain meaningful decision-making information, data quality is paramount.

While there’s still a long way to go in mimicking the human senses and brain for level 5 driving automation, sensor fusion is a further step in that direction.

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