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Once considered as "the Son of Heaven" in terms of cost, today it's hard to even be a "grass" — that's true! In the past, the application of LiDAR was described as "tall." LiDAR, a product of radar and laser technology, was born in the early 1960s and was first used in meteorology. The National Center for Atmospheric Research employed it to measure clouds. However, it wasn't until the Apollo 15 mission in 1971 that LiDAR entered the public eye when astronauts used a LiDAR device, a laser altimeter, to map the moon's surface. This proved the accuracy and usefulness of LiDAR.
Over the past 50 years, LiDAR technology has evolved from simple laser ranging to more advanced techniques such as laser tracking, scanning imaging, and Doppler imaging. Its applications have expanded significantly. In recent decades, LiDAR has become a key player in the military field. As a highly sensitive radar system capable of resisting electronic warfare, anti-radiation missiles, ultra-low-altitude penetration, and stealth, it can detect and track targets, providing crucial information like position and speed. Despite its high cost, military departments around the world continue to pursue this technology.
In the automotive industry, LiDAR is a core component of autonomous driving. With the expectation that driverless cars will hit the roads within the next five years, the automotive sector is a major driver of LiDAR market growth. According to Yole's report "Automotive MEMS and Sensor Markets and Technology Trends - 2017 Edition," the automotive LiDAR market is projected to grow from $300 million in 2017 to $1.4 billion in 2022, and further to $4.4 billion by 2027.
Google's self-driving car project in 2012 featured a LiDAR system that cost $70,000 — an amount equivalent to buying a mid-range car in the U.S. This high price sparked much discussion. However, companies are working to bring down costs, with Technavio predicting that LiDAR devices could reach $100 by 2020.
LiDAR, or Light Detection and Ranging, works using the Time of Flight (ToF) method, which calculates distance based on the time it takes for a laser pulse to return after hitting an object. This generates detailed point cloud data, enabling precise 3D mapping of the environment.
There are several types of LiDAR technology, including single-line, multi-line, mechanical, hybrid solid-state, and all-solid-state LiDAR. Mechanical LiDAR uses rotating components to scan the environment, while hybrid models incorporate some moving parts but are more compact. All-solid-state LiDAR eliminates moving parts entirely, offering greater reliability and lower cost.
Companies like Velodyne and Quanergy are leading the charge in developing compact, affordable LiDAR systems. For example, Velodyne’s S3 is a solid-state LiDAR designed for automotive use, capable of generating 500,000 data points per second. These advancements are paving the way for more widespread adoption of LiDAR in autonomous vehicles.
In addition to LiDAR, sensor fusion — combining LiDAR with cameras and millimeter-wave radar — is becoming essential for accurate environmental perception. Cameras offer low-cost visual data, while LiDAR provides precise distance measurements. Millimeter-wave radar complements both, offering reliable detection in adverse weather conditions.
As LiDAR technology continues to evolve and prices drop, we are getting closer to a future where autonomous driving is not only possible but also accessible to the masses. The integration of multiple sensors and ongoing innovation in LiDAR design will play a critical role in shaping the next generation of smart, safe, and efficient transportation systems.