Pioneer and Canon announced that the two companies have agreed to co-develop a 3D LiDAR sensor with the goal of mass production by Pioneer in 2020.

3D-LiDAR sensors use laser light to accurately measure the distance of objects as well as ascertain three-dimensional information relating to distance and the surrounding environment in real time, and are regarded as an indispensable key device for the realization of level-three and above autonomous vehicles. Pioneer has been working on the development of low cost Micro Electric Memory Systems (MEMS) as well as object recognition and vehicle ego-localization algorithms. The company has also set up a new structure focusing on autonomous vehicles which integrates related technology and business development. Meanwhile, Canon is expanding its optical expertise into the autonomous industry.

The cooperation of the two will combine know-hows of Pioneer in miniaturization technology and digital signal processing technology as well as Canon's optical technologies and experience to facilitate the early realization of compact, high-performance 3D-LiDAR sensors for sophisticated autonomous driving.

(Image: Pioneer)

Pioneer has provided its 3D LiDAR sensor models for testing in 2018. The LiDAR sensor was used in a trial run of an autonomous shuttle bus in Singapore with the cooperation with MooVita, an A*STAR spinoff company.