Velodyne Lidar’s new sensor to aid AVs

Velodyne Lidar has debuted its latest innovation in its broad array of lidar sensors, the Velarray H800, for autonomy and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

With combined long-range perception and a broad field of view, this sensor is designed for safe navigation and collision avoidance in ADAS and autonomous mobility applications.

The solid state Velarray H800 is built for automotive grade performance using Velodyne’s breakthrough proprietary micro-lidar array architecture (MLA).

Its compact, embeddable form is designed to fit neatly behind the windshield of a truck, bus or car, or be mounted seamlessly on the vehicle exterior.

The Velarray H800 will be available at high-volume production levels with a target price of less than US$500 to drive broad adoption in consumer and commercial vehicle markets.

“Velodyne’s launch of the Velarray H800 lidar sensor, which is the first in a family of solid state lidars we will be releasing publicly, is important to automakers for three reasons,” Velodyne Lidar chief executive Anand Gopalan says.

“First, the Velarray H800 was specifically designed for high volume automotive applications with feedback from leading OEM customers. It uses Velodyne’s global network of high-quality manufacturing partnerships that provide the high quantity automakers need.

“Second, Velodyne’s proprietary technology and experience, combined with our manufacturing capacity, allow us to offer the sensor at a price that makes economic sense for automakers.

“Third, the world needs enhanced safety in consumer vehicles and the Velarray product line makes that available to end consumers creating safer roadways and cars for all.”

The Velarray H800 can help automakers design ADAS solutions to reduce traffic accidents as well as injuries and deaths of drivers, passengers, cyclists and pedestrians.

The World Health Organisation reports that annual deaths caused by traffic crashes have reached 1.35 million globally.

“We want to help build the public’s trust in automated vehicle systems,” Velodyne founder and chief marketing officer Marta Hall says.

“We believe the Velarray H800 is the first of many lidar sensors that will be used in systems for powerful vehicle safety.

“Velodyne is introducing it as a key sensor for systems designed as building blocks for vehicle safety,” Hall adds.

“Once the public experiences the benefits of reliable automated safety systems, they will welcome more products like this. We can save lives with ADAS.”

The Velarray H800 boasts outstanding range, field of view and resolution to support advancements in autonomy and ADAS, from Level 2 to Level 5. This spans the entirety of ADAS features from Lane Keep Assist and Automated Emergency Braking, all the way to the top levels of automated driving. The compact, low cost sensor can be paired with Velodyne’s Vella software suite, enabling the full spectrum of safety features.

The Velarray H800 is Velodyne’s first new sensor to be launched since the company went public on September 30, 2020.

Visit www.velodynelidar.com for more information.