MicroVision‘s Solid-State lidar Poised to Accelerate Driverless Car Reality
SAN JOSE, CA – January 26, 2024 – A key obstacle to widespread autonomous driving – the cost of LiDAR sensors – may be on the verge of collapse. MicroVision, a Washington-based technology company, is rapidly advancing its solid-state LiDAR technology, with a target price point of under $200 per unit, potentially making driverless cars accessible to consumers far sooner than anticipated. This breakthrough could dramatically accelerate the deployment of self-driving capabilities in everyday vehicles.
For years,LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) has been a critical,yet expensive,component of autonomous systems,providing the detailed 3D mapping necessary for safe navigation.Customary LiDAR systems, often utilizing mechanical components, can cost tens of thousands of dollars. MicroVision’s approach, leveraging MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) technology, aims to drastically reduce both the cost and size of these sensors, paving the way for mass-market adoption. The company is currently focused on automotive-grade LiDAR,but anticipates applications extending to robotics and industrial automation.
MicroVision’s technology centers around a “Tri-Lidar” architecture, utilizing three LiDAR sensors to provide a wider field of view and enhanced perception. This system is designed to overcome limitations of single-sensor setups, particularly in challenging weather conditions or complex driving scenarios. The company demonstrated a working prototype of its lidar system in late 2023, showcasing its ability to accurately detect and track objects in real-time.
The potential impact is notable. Lowering the cost of LiDAR removes a major economic barrier to entry for automakers looking to integrate autonomous features. Analysts predict that widespread availability of affordable LiDAR could spur a rapid increase in the adoption of advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) and, ultimately, fully autonomous vehicles, transforming personal transportation and logistics. MicroVision is currently collaborating with several automotive manufacturers to integrate its technology into future vehicle platforms, with initial deployments expected within the next few years.
