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Terahertz Sensor Promises Weather-Proof Autonomy
5 Jan
Summary
- Teradar's new terahertz sensor, Summit, offers long-range, high-resolution capabilities.
- Summit is designed for high performance in any weather, unlike current radar and lidar.
- The sensor aims to enable partial or full autonomy in vehicles by 2028.
Boston-based Teradar has unveiled its Summit terahertz sensor, a groundbreaking device designed to provide long-range, high-resolution perception for autonomous vehicles. This new sensor promises high performance in all weather conditions, addressing a key limitation of existing radar and lidar systems. Teradar aims to ship the Summit sensor by 2028, provided it secures contracts with automotive manufacturers.
The Summit sensor leverages the terahertz band of the electromagnetic spectrum, offering a solid-state design without moving parts. This approach combines the strengths of lidar and radar while mitigating their drawbacks, presenting an attractive alternative for automakers concerned about cost and performance limitations. Teradar is reportedly in discussions with five major U.S. and European automakers and three Tier 1 suppliers.
Teradar's announcement comes as the automotive sensor market faces significant shifts, with lidar companies like Luminar experiencing financial difficulties. However, the demand for advanced sensors persists, as evidenced by Rivian's integration of a lidar sensor in its upcoming R2 SUV. Teradar's CEO, Matt Carey, expressed a strong commitment to seeing the terahertz sensor integrated across the automotive industry.
