Velodyne LiDAR, Ford Develop Advanced Driver Assistance Sensor

Velodyne has entered a supply agreement with Ford for its next-generation advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) LiDAR sensor.

Velodyne’s new Solid-State Hybrid Ultra Puck Auto is designed to combine the functionality of the company’s 3D LiDAR sensors in a miniaturized form factor while extending sensing range to 200 meters. Velodyne set target pricing of less than $500 per unit in automotive mass production quantities. The Solid-State Hybrid Ultra Puck Auto will be the first affordable ADAS sensor capable of supporting ADAS levels 1-4/5, including fully autonomous driving, a company press release states.

“We’re pleased to supply industry innovators such as Ford with the most advanced 3D LiDAR sensor in order to improve vehicle safety and transportation convenience as soon as possible,” said Mike Jellen, Velodyne president. “This sensor was developed from Velodyne’s broad customer experience from millions of roadway miles. Only the Velodyne Solid-State Hybrid Ultra Puck Auto will deliver the data quality, form-factor and mass production pricing required for full autonomy and ADAS safety levels 3 and 4.”

For more information, visit Velodyne.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.