As autonomous vehicles evolve, the integration of lidar alongside radar and cameras becomes pivotal in achieving robust and foolproof autonomy. Near-range lidar technology is revolutionizing automated driving capabilities, offering precise environmental sensing that is crucial for safe and efficient operation.

The complexities of lidar technology underscore the critical interplay between many key specifications. While advancements in lidar architecture continue to refine these metrics, achieving optimal balance remains paramount for manufacturers. Usable and scalable lidar solutions should address challenges such as size, power consumption, and cost alongside performance metrics.

When lidar companies market the performance of their products, they often use a list of key specifications and claim leadership with one or two very impressive numbers. This can sometimes be misleading, as lidar specifications are interrelated, and performance is not determined by a single metric or two. How do we know if a lidar delivers the performance needed for its intended use case? We focus on data – real data, real results.

Understanding lidar specifications is crucial for grasping its capabilities and limitations in various applications. While specifications like Maximum Detection Range may seem straightforward at first glance, nuances in measurement methods and target conditions can significantly impact their interpretation. Let's delves into the complexities of lidar specifications, shedding light on what they truly signify and what crucial details they might not reveal.

What are the three building blocks of lidar technology? What advancements have been made in beam steering technologies to increase lidar’s scalability? Is 1550nm lidar better than 905nm lidar? What’s the difference between ToF and FMCW?

What is lidar? Where is lidar being used? Autonomous driving is not happening soon – why do we still need lidars in cars? In what driving scenarios is lidar most helpful? Are lidars safe for the human eye?

What’s the difference between lidar and radar? With camera and AI, why is lidar still needed in vehicles? Why is it taking so long for lidar to go into passenger cars? How far does a lidar need to see for ADAS? What about fully autonomous driving? Why does power consumption matter for automotive lidar? Why does an automotive lidar need to be as compact as possible?

Where has lidar been used in smart infrastructure? What types of data does lidar capture? Can lidar fully replace camera in smart infrastructure applications? Are lidar-based perception solutions for smart infrastructure the same as those for automotive applications?