Key Component of Autonomous Vehicles

Superior Information Recognition Compared to Radars

Hyundai Motor Develops by Spinning Off as a Specialized Company

Volvo to Include as Standard Specification

Mando Divides the Autonomous Driving Division

원본보기

Part supplier Mando recently signed an agreement for the development of virtual reality-based autonomous driving technology, showcasing the simulated driving experience of its self-developed autonomous vehicle "Haki" within virtual reality. [Photo provided by Mando]

The automotive industry is fiercely competing to secure components for LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensors, which play the role of the "eyes" in autonomous vehicles. According to industry sources on the 1st, Volvo, GM, and Ford are solidifying their plans for adoption, and Hyundai-Kia is expected to actively introduce LiDAR technology in future models such as the upcoming Genesis luxury sedan, the 'G90.' Up until now, the industry has relied on foreign-made LiDAR components, but domestic companies are making long-term efforts to localize these components.

LiDAR is a portmanteau of "Light" and "Radar." While radar detects objects by sending and receiving radio waves, LiDAR uses light instead of radio waves, allowing it to perceive blind spots that radar might miss. Radar, with its longer wavelengths, may not detect objects that are too small, but LiDAR, with its shorter wavelengths in the nanometer range (10 billionths of a meter), can recognize objects with greater precision.

Currently, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in vehicles are mainly equipped with radar and cameras. However, many companies are looking to secure control technology for vehicle surroundings through LiDAR in the future. Particularly, as the level of autonomous driving advances, it becomes crucial to accelerate the implementation of technology through LiDAR rather than radar or cameras. Hyundai-Kia officials explained, "Currently, we are obtaining LiDAR from foreign specialized companies like Luminar, but we are developing the function to recognize objects based on the information output from LiDAR through our own software."

Hyundai Motor Group recently spun off its in-house LiDAR development startup, 'Otoel.' Otoel is developing a high-resolution LiDAR sensor for autonomous driving, securing competitiveness in performance, size, and price. The LiDAR products currently on the market are expensive, protrude from the vehicle's exterior, and have limited options for installation. However, Otoel's LiDAR is praised for its small size, precise environmental perception, and competitive pricing.

Volvo recently announced its future technology roadmap, stating that LiDAR sensors will be standard equipment on the electric vehicle 'XC90' to be produced from next year. This move demonstrates their commitment to taking the lead in safety in autonomous driving. Volvo plans to source related sensors and software through Luminar. If Luminar's LiDAR sensors, including cameras and radar already installed in Volvo vehicles, are standard equipment and mass-produced, there is potential for a reduction in the current high cost of $1,000 per LiDAR sensor. As Volvo begins to incorporate LiDAR as a standard feature, competition among automakers and component suppliers in the LiDAR sensor market is expected to intensify. GM, Ford, and Toyota are also actively introducing and developing LiDAR for autonomous driving and electric vehicles.

Among domestic component companies, Mando stands out. As a leading supplier of ADAS components related to autonomous driving in Korea, Mando has been known for producing ADAS components with radar technology. However, in the future, Mando is expected to actively pursue the introduction of LiDAR. To achieve this, they have engaged in collaboration with domestic startups.

Especially noteworthy is Mando's plan to establish a new subsidiary called Mando Mobility Solutions (MMS) in September. This new subsidiary will be dedicated to the development of advanced technology for autonomous driving.

[Reporter Seo Jin-woo]

View original article : https://n.news.naver.com/article/009/0004832208?cds=news_my