Apple has held talks with LiDAR suppliers seeking for advanced LiDAR sensors for its self-driving cars, suggesting that Apple is still working on its automotive vehicle project, known as “Project Titan,” reported Reuters.
According to Reuters, Apple has talked to at least four LiDAR suppliers, aiming to find LiDAR sensors with a “revolutionary design” that are “smaller, cheaper and easily mass produced” in comparison to the current technology. However, the reports said Apple has not yet found one that meets its demands.
(Image: Continental Automotive)
Apart from looking LiDAR sensors from potential suppliers, Apple’s own solution is believed to be under development. The company’s requirements for LiDAR include long-distance detection, designed-oriented look and low mass production price. Moreover, anonymous sources said Apple is searching for LiDAR solutions that could be made with conventional semiconductor manufacturing techniques.
Rumors about Apple building its own vehicle have been continued for a while. The Project Titan has about 1,200 people, including a team working on doors design to ensure they always closed quietly, mentioned the report of Reuters.
Last year in November, Apple was granted with a new patent for an “Exterior Lighting and Warning System” which integrates lighting and sensing functions to indicate warnings and other information from outside of a car for communication between car users. The patent was also regarded as part of Apple’s self-driving car project.