In current discussions about autonomous mobility in conjunction with safety, it rapidly becomes clear that these two topics have entered an inseparable symbiosis. Ethical questions and moral dilemmas determine the discussions on whether and under which conditions autonomous vehicles can and may be registered in road traffic.
Why is everyone talking about LiDAR Systems?
Safety for all concerned – this aspect is constantly the focus of attention. The debates focus primarily on the field of AI. But mostly unrecognized in the public discussion is that – based on electronical as well as technical aspects – soon nothing will stand in the way of autonomous driving and any other autonomous mobility. This is made possible using LiDAR sensors, which inter alia replace human vision respectively eye. Accordingly, LiDAR sensors are offering optical depth information so that in combination with other surrounding sensors AI is able to replace the human experience knowledge.
In the near future, nothing will stand in the way of autonomous driving and other autonomous mobility
LiDAR sensors are able to take over human functions and even exceed the capabilities – for instance in speed of reactions. Nevertheless, systems currently on the market are reaching their borders. They are limited in resolution (due to technical applications) but also in range. Poor weather conditions prevent a sufficiently specific data situation, which results in the fact that LiDAR-supported vehicles still face some challenges. However, this may change soon.
Hybrid Lidar Systems develops a 4D ultra-high-resolution pure solid-state LiDAR
It all began with the doctoral thesis by one of the three founders, which primarily addressed a new algorithm. This new algorithm, the hybrid measurement method – that was decisive for the naming of the company – enables:
- reduction of sampling rates,
- reduced computing effort & thus usage of less expensive computers,
- a (high) resolution not previously achieved by the competition,
- and a significantly improved property classification.
The use of the solid-state approach (no use of moving parts) supports a high resolution and leads to reduced susceptibility to interference. In addition, this approach enables a greater range, which is highly relevant for different applications for moving vehicles. To name just one example: During a car journey in passenger traffic. A greater range and thus a larger field of view lead to faster detection and classification of objects in the driving range. Faster recognition leads to safer driving, as obstacles on the road can be detected early and the systems can react accordingly.
But what happens in bad weather conditions? Hybrid Lidar Systems has a solution for this as well. The use of another new approach – an application concerning wavelengths – allows the simultaneous detection of different angles and a scan of different distances when viewing a scene or the surrounding conditions. Redundancies can be used so that even in weather conditions such as rain, snow, or fog an improved detection or classification can be achieved.
Applications of the innovative technologies of Hybrid Lidar Systems
In general, sensors for environment detection and recognition are essential for every autonomously acting and moving object in a dynamic circumstance. Currently, Hybrid Lidar Systems AG is in exchange with different industries like:
- Automotive
- Aerospace
- Wind Energy
- Health Care & Sports
- Safety Solutions
- Autonomous Logistics & Transport
- Smartphones
The industrial product (only one possible variant of the various portfolio), can already be ordered and will be delivered to the first customer in the logistics sector at the end of this year.
