Continental has acquired a minority stake in lidar company AEye. Through this step the technology company aims to consolidate its leadership position in the field of assisted and automated driving. Along with cameras and radars, lidar sensors count among the key technologies for automated driving.
AEye, headquartered in Dublin, California, USA, is known for precision, long-range lidar technology. The lidar from the company is characterized by high performance in long-range detection. Vehicles are detected at a distance of over 300 meters and pedestrians at over 200 meters. Furthermore, even small, low-reflecting objects like bricks are reliably detected at a distance of up to 160 meters.
Continental plans to industrialize this for passenger cars and trucks. The volume production launch is scheduled for late 2024. With its stake in AEye, Continental is thus complementing its existing close-range lidar technology. In late 2020, it will start volume production of the sensor for a well-known vehicle manufacturer’s premium vehicles worldwide. The two companies have agreed not to disclose the proposed investment amount.
