How important is lidar for autonomous driving?

According to recent reports, Quanergy Systems is set to become the first autonomous driving startup to file for an initial public offering (IPO). This move could mark a significant milestone in the rapidly evolving self-driving industry. Let’s dive into what this means and explore the technology behind it with our automotive electronics editor.

Quanergy has reportedly begun working with investment banks to prepare its market profile and initiate the IPO process. The company aims to complete its public offering by 2018. Based in Sunnyvale, California, Quanergy has not yet publicly commented on the development, but insiders suggest that the timing aligns with growing interest in autonomous vehicle technologies.

The company specializes in developing lidar (light detection and ranging) systems and laser sensors, which are essential components for autonomous vehicles. These systems use laser beams to create real-time 3D maps of the surroundings, enabling vehicles to detect obstacles and navigate safely. While Quanergy's current lidar products are priced around $4,000—relatively low compared to some competitors—the company plans to bring the cost down to just $100 within the next two to three years, making the technology more accessible for mass production.

As autonomous driving continues to gain traction, the automotive sector is experiencing a surge in innovation. Major tech players like Alphabet (Google) and Apple are heavily investing in self-driving solutions. Meanwhile, traditional automakers such as Tesla, Volkswagen, and Audi have already introduced models with partial autonomous features. In July, Audi—part of the Volkswagen Group—launched its first production vehicle equipped with a lidar system, signaling a major step forward in the industry.

Quanergy has attracted significant backing from industry leaders, including Daimler, Delphi, Samsung Electronics, and billionaire Alisher Usmanov. Notably, Usmanov was one of the early investors before Facebook and Alibaba went public, indicating confidence in the company's long-term potential.

In 2016, Quanergy raised private funding that valued the company at $1.5 billion. CEO Louay Eldada highlighted the company’s vision during an interview in February, emphasizing their commitment to advancing lidar technology and supporting the future of autonomous mobility.

So, how crucial is lidar technology for the future of self-driving cars? As the industry moves toward full autonomy, lidar remains a key enabler, offering high-resolution environmental data that other sensors cannot match. For more insights into the role of lidar and other automotive technologies, stay tuned. Electronic Engineering will continue to bring you comprehensive, up-to-date, and in-depth coverage on the latest developments in the field.