Mercedes-Benz and Luminar have announced their expanded partnership will feature a new auto lidar that they say will safely enable enhanced automated driving capabilities across a broad range of the automaker’s lineup by mid-decade.
From an article in Repairer Driven News by Lurah Lowery.
The initial production phase of “next-generation” Luminar IRIS lidar began in October 2022, and now that it’s proven successful, IRIS will soon be released with the new Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA), according to a joint news release. IRIS can recognize even small objects with low reflectivity in the infrared spectrum.
After two years of close collaboration between the two companies, Mercedes says it will integrate IRIS and its associated software technology — tailored to meet the demanding requirements of the OEM’s new conditionally automated driving system — into its future vehicles to allow for higher operating speeds on freeways and enhanced driver assistance systems for urban environments.
Mercedes and Luminar calls the multi-billion dollar deal “a milestone moment” for both companies and the industry. They said it will “substantially enhance the technical capabilities and safety of conditionally automated driving systems.”
“Mercedes’ standards for vehicle safety and performance are among the highest in the industry, and their decision to double down on Luminar reinforces that commitment,” said Austin Russell, Luminar founder and CEO of Luminar. “We are now set to enable the broadest scale deployment of this technology in the industry. It’s been an incredible sprint so far, and we are fully committed to making this happen — together with Mercedes-Benz.”
Markus Schäfer, Mercedes-Benz Group AG Board of Management member and development and procurement chief technology officer, said the OEM wants to “implement advanced automated driving features in a broader scale within our portfolio.”
“I am convinced that Luminar is a great partner to help realize our vision and roadmap for automated and accident-free driving,” he said.
For the complete article on New Auto Lidar CLICK HERE.
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