PALO ALTO, Calif. — Hesai Technology (Nasdaq: HSAI), the international technology company and global leader in lidar solutions, is sharing its vision on the role of lidar.
When it comes to autonomous driving, there are a lot of differing opinions. Some people are excited by the idea of robot cars, while others harbor a lot of doubt about the plausibility of autonomous driving. One of the best ways to combat doubt and misinformation is to provide clear information about what autonomous vehicles (AVs) are, how they work, and what the future has in store for them.
That’s why discussing the role of lidar in the future of autonomous vehicles is so important.
The Needs of Autonomous Vehicles
The future of autonomous driving hinges on systems that can operate safely, accurately, and responsibly in any condition. A car that navigates a controlled course might not necessarily be able to react to unexpected situations on the open road. Similarly, technology that can assist with low-speed applications, such as parking assistance, isn’t necessarily a solution for highway driving.
As a result, engineers within the automotive industry strive to create autonomous systems that work in all conditions. From a winding country road in the middle of the night to heavy city traffic in bright sunshine, autonomous vehicles must be able to navigate safely and accurately wherever their passengers want to go. Without versatile technological solutions, self-driving cars will remain experimental.
How Lidar Excels
Lidar technology delivers the versatility, accuracy, and safety that autonomous vehicles need to become a common part of everyday life. Lidar sensors generate a more precise and comprehensive image than radar, offer better range than sonar, and are more resilient in harsh lighting and weather conditions than cameras. Plus, lidar systems generate high-resolution point clouds, creating real-time visuals for autonomous vehicles.
All of these features make lidar an invaluable tool in autonomous vehicle navigation. Moreover, lidar integrates well with other technologies, including radar, sonar, and cameras. This allows engineers to create robust navigation systems that work together to develop the most comprehensive and reliable solutions possible.
The Full Potential of Autonomous Vehicles
Because of the critical role that lidar plays, the future of autonomous vehicles is wide open. Widespread autonomous driving will affect more than just how we travel; it will also play a role in city planning, supply chain processes, and so much more.
It’s easy to think of self-driving cars in terms of how they will impact daily life on an individual level. For many people, the first thing that comes to mind when they think of autonomous driving is the Batmobile—a sleek, impressive way to get around town in style. The potential of autonomous vehicles reaches far beyond the individual commute, though. Think about how different cross-country road trips will be when you don’t have to focus all your energy on the road every minute of the trip. Even carpooling changes completely when no one has to drive.
To view the entire announcement, click HERE.
