How LiDAR Contributes to Autonomous Vehicles

By Embedded Advisor | Thursday, March 05, 2020

The introduction of LiDAR will equip the autonomous vehicles with object detection and safe driving capabilities.

FREMONT, CA: Fully autonomous vehicle was once just a technology described in science fiction. Now, we are not far from the day when the technology becomes a commercial reality. In order to further improve the self-driving vehicles, automakers are providing them with sensing technologies, such as Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR). LiDAR offers high-resolution, three-dimensional information over the surroundings. This has paved the route for the safe functioning of autonomous vehicles. Read further to know more about this.

There are various technology approaches offered by the LiDAR supplier. The high-performance features to use could be the range, resolution, field of view, and rotation rate. These are the capabilities required to navigate an autonomous vehicle safely and reliably through the complex driving conditions on the road. The 360-degree horizontal view is not feasible for a human driver, but it is essential for the safe operation of autonomous vehicles. LiDAR sensors that revolve are optimal for this application as it is able to capture the 360-degree view. To assist in responding to roadway events, LiDAR offers 3D images of surroundings with precise measurements of the distance between vehicles and objects.

LiDAR can analyze the road to identify the driveable area, avoid debris and objects, and turn at intersections or change lanes whenever needed. LiDAR beams in autonomous vehicles can detect road signs, overhangs, tall objects, as well as navigating up or down slopes. The above capability contributes to safety while driving. The high-resolution performance functionality of LiDAR is also critical for collision avoidance and object detection at all speeds. The finer resolution enables the vehicle to more accurately determine the shape, size, and location of objects. This enables advanced sensors in the autonomous vehicles to identify objects within 3 centimeters and some coming closer to 2 centimeters.

The fully autonomous car points to a technological leap beyond current vehicles. LiDAR is already considered to be the essential sensing technology required for enhancing the safety of autonomous vehicles.