Ibeo Automotive Systems’ new sensor detects environment in four dimensions

Ibeo Automotive Systems began worldwide delivery of its new ibeoNEXT LiDAR sensor to partners and customers starting in October 2020. The sensor is based on a completely new type of photon laser measurement technology and works completely without moving parts (real solid-state). It generates an additional black-and-white image, like a camera.

Developed in-house by Ibeo and manufactured in accordance with automotive series production standards, the compact sensor is suitable for driver assistance systems as well as for automated driving at levels 3 and 4. Additionally, Ibeo will offer new software for environmental perception and classification of objects for the ibeoNEXT.

There’s no automated driving without sensors. Furthermore, many car manufacturers are increasingly relying on LiDAR as a key technology for advanced driver assistance systems. Ibeo is now announcing that it will begin to take orders and make deliveries of its ibeoNEXT solid-state LiDAR. The new sensor from the Hamburg-based LiDAR developer generates a high-resolution 3D point cloud for reliable object detection.

A unique feature of ibeoNEXT is the additionally generated intensity image, which also allows it to function as a kind of black-and-white camera. This is why Ibeo calls this the fourth dimension (or simply 4D). The intensity image is particularly advantageous for lane recognition while driving. Ibeo is the only developer with LiDAR technology in automotive series production to date. The compact and modular design of the new ibeoNEXT sensor allows different setups for specific customer use cases.

LiDAR ensures reliable automation

The solid-state technology of the ibeoNEXT solid-state LiDAR also has a long range and high spatial resolution when scanning the environment. This allows for exact modeling of the environment. Accordingly, changes in the course of the road are detected faster and more accurately – which is particularly important for lane recognition, for example.

Dr. Ulrich Lages, CEO of Ibeo Automotive Systems, explains: “LiDAR is the perfect, key technology to ensure maximum security in the automation of processes. Our new ibeoNEXT solid-state LiDAR meets these requirements with flying colors and can be used in a wide range of applications. We’ve already seen great demand in the market and are proud to now be delivering the first products. My special thanks go to Ibeo’s employees, who, with their passion and pioneering spirit, have created an innovative and very promising product.”