Beyond companies like Tesla who are developing self-driving cars, a set of automakers are investing heavily over the development of advanced vehicle parts. Tech firms working in the automobile sector are attracting record levels of deals, funding as well as partnerships to further develop of next-generation products.

Hyundai Mobis is one such leading suppliers of car parts that has reportedly invested USD 50 million in San Jose-based Velodyne Lidar, for mass production of new automotive lidar system by 2021. Closely affiliated with the Korean automaker Hyundai and Kia, Hyundai Mobis is planning to combine Velodyne's laser-based sensors with its "cognitive" software.

According to reports, Hyundai and Velodyne would develop their first lidar system for level three self-driving automation by 2021 through this partnership. Moreover, the companies will initially supply systems to Asia before offering it to Europe and North America.

Sources cite that, by acknowledging shifts towards autopilot cars, Hyundai Mobis will finalize its sensor technology services for level 3 automation and above.

According to the company, it has developed a short-range radar and by next year, is planning to have high-performance radar and secured deep learning camera technology.

Speaking on the partnership, Ko Youngsuk, Hyundai Mobis’ Head of Strategic Planning, said that the company is delighted to collaborate with Velodyne Lidar to develop the lidar system which is essential in high-level self-driving cars. He assured that Hyundai Mobis will continue to develop strategic partnerships with numerous innovators to speed up open innovation for key technologies.

Reportedly, Velodyne is one of the early trendsetters in the development of lidar for autonomous cars and has attracted $150 million in investment from leading companies including Ford and Chinese search engine giant Baidu back in 2016.

In late 2018, Japanese camera firm Nikon also invested $25 million in Velodyne. While, by the end of this year, the two companies are said to start mass production of lidar sensors.

Source Credit - https://optics.org/news/10/10/37