Dimitrakopoulos G. The Future of Intelligent Transport Systems 2020

Sensing and perception systems for ITS Chapter | 1 7

1.3 Small, affordable, and robust LIDAR sensors will enable
highly automated vehicles

LIDAR sensor technology requires the biggest push among all sensors in order
to provide an economic solution. Presently, many demonstration vehicles use
the HDL-64E-Laser-Scanner from Velodyne (priced at $80,000) for 360 degree
scanning (in good weather conditions), which is mounted on the vehicles’ roof.
Even smaller LIDAR modules are available, although not fully fulfilling re-
quirements for ADAS, and far too expensive to form a viable, scalable solution.
Therefore a low-cost $100 LiDAR sensor technology will be the major driv-
er and enabler for robust and safe automated driving.
Fig. 1.2 depicts market estimations for the LiDAR sensor technology in the
year 2021. According to Frost & Sullivan, a total of approximately 2.2 mil-
lion passenger vehicles implementing LiDAR sensor technology will be sold in

TABLE 1.3 Forecast of OEMs using sensor fusion technologies.

OEM

Expected year

for AD Level 3

launch Key market

Other sensors fusion with

LIDAR

AUDI 2017 onwards Europe, North

America, China

Stereo

Camera + LRR + SRR + LIDAR

BMW 2018 onwards Europe, North

America, China

Stereo Camera + LRR + SRR

CADILLAC 2020 onwards North America,

China

Radar + Mono Camera (LIDAR

expected)

FORD 2019 onwards North America Mono Camera + LIDAR + Radar

MERCEDEZ-

BENZ

2019 onwards Europe, North

America, China

SRR + LRR + Stereo

Camera + LIDAR

TESLA 2019 Europe, North

America

SSR + LRR + Stereo Camera

VOLVO 2020 onwards Europe, North

America, China

SSR + LRR + Stereo

Camera + LIDAR LRR, long

range radar; SRR, short range

radar

Source: Frost & Sullivan).

TABLE 1.4 Specific strengths of sensors.

Sensor type RADAR LIDAR 2D camera

Measures Motion, velocity 3D mapping Texture

interpretation