Ford And Baidu Invest US$ 150 Million In LiDAR Tech For Autonomous CarsWith American car manufacturer Ford and Chinese search engine giant Baidu working on their self-driving technology, they also know when it's time they take in help.
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With American car manufacturer Ford and Chinese search engine giant Baidu working on theirself-driving technology, they also know when it's time they bring in help. And that they did, as Ford and Baidu made a joint investment of US$150 million to LIDAR tech company Velodyne. Using its proprietary software and algorithms in its LIDAR systems, Velodyne analyzes data accumulated from its surroundings through laser-based sensors.
It works like radar, bouncing signals to determine distance (think triangulation). Instead of radio waves, LIDAR utilizes light waves, giving a more detailed version in 3D images for mapping, object identification andavoiding potential collisions. The investment will allow Velodyne to reduce the company's sensor production costs, and simultaneously scale its production - ultimately enabling the cost reduction of self-driving tech.
Both new investors are primed for its new tech; according to a statement Baidu is already testing self-driving vehicles and plans to form a 100-person team in Silicon Valley. And of course, along with other major carmakers, Ford is developing its autonomous tech and plans to triple the size of its U.S. test fleet.
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