Lidar Sensors: Key Technology of the Future
- Short-range and long-range lidar sensors are a prerequisite for autonomous driving
- New development detects vehicles and obstacles at a distance of more than 300 meters
Continental is presenting the latest generations of lidar at the TechShow. In addition to cameras and radar, lidar sensors are among the key technologies for automated and autonomous driving. Using laser technology, they detect objects around the vehicle and thus draw an accurate picture of the traffic environment. Continental manufactures both short-range and long-range sensors for both passenger and commercial vehicles. The product portfolio includes, for example, a short-range lidar sensor (HFL 110 – Solid-State 3D Flash Lidar), which is already used in series by a premium manufacturer. The short-range lidar provides precise object recognition around the vehicle and thus enables safe, automated lane changes.
An innovative lidar sensor for the long range (HRL 131 – MEMS Scanning Lidar) is also under development at Continental – in cooperation with the US company AEye. The new high-tech component makes it possible to detect other vehicles more than 300 meters away. Even small, weakly reflective objects such as stones on the road are detected from a long distance. This is made possible by agile MEMS scanning technology that provides precise image data even in adverse weather conditions. This is particularly important for applications at high speeds, such as automated driving on the motorway. The product will be ready for the market from 2024.