GM is developing a lidar system.
With better sensing capabilities than cameras and radar, lidar is a technology that improves driver assistance systems and is generally regarded as essential for self-driving vehicles. Currently, General Motors appears to be developing its own lidar system.
GM's patent application titled "Lidar Vision System," filed on December 12, 2019, was published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on February 28. In the document, GM claims improved range over current lidar sensors.
Lidar relies on light waves that are projected from the sensor and bounce off nearby objects. The pattern of light scattered or returned to the sensor allows the system to determine the shape and distance of the object. In the automotive industry, lidar is typically combined with radar and cameras to help autonomous vehicles and driver assistance systems "see" the environment.
GM notes in the document that lidar units may have difficulty detecting objects outside a certain range from the vehicle. The document explains that this is compensated for by placing a lens assembly around the sensor and angling the individual lenses to capture more light.
While Tesla CEO Elon Musk claims that Lidar is a waste of money, other automakers have already begun adding Lidar to their production vehicles. The Xpeng P5 electric sedan for the Chinese market was claimed by the manufacturer to be the first production car with built-in lidar when it was unveiled in 2021; the P5 uses two lidar sensors, one on each side of the front mask, for obstacle detection as part of its driver-assistive technology suite.
Mercedes-Benz and Volvo have invested in Silicon Valley firm Luminar, which plans to use its Lidar sensors in future vehicles. Volvo is integrating the Lidar sensor into the roof of its vehicles, starting with the 2024 EX90 electric SUV, which is expected to begin deliveries early next year; GM has also confirmed that Lidar will be available in its vehicles starting with the 2024 Cadillac Celestic, but initially Rider will be sourced from supplier SEPTON.
