Mitsubishi Electric announced that it has developed a compact LiDAR solution incorporating a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) that achieves an extra-wide horizontal scanning angle to accurately detect the shapes and distances of objects ahead in autonomous driving systems.

The new LiDAR solution irradiates objects by laser and uses a dual-axis (horizontal and vertical) MEMS mirror to scan for the reflected light, generating three-dimensional images of vehicles and pedestrians. Mitsubishi Electric expects this compact, low-cost solution to contribute to the realization of safe, secure autonomous driving.

(Image: Mitsubishi Electric)

Mitsubishi Electric noted that the new LiDAR solution features optimized compact design with large dual-axis electromagnetic mirror that enable wide scanning angle and acquisition of 3D images over wide area.

The LiDAR of Mitsubishi Electric incorporates the industry's largest electromagnetic MEMS mirror, measuring 7mm by 5mm, in a lightweight design which is able to scan horizontally and vertically. Despite its size, the unique structure of the MEMS mirror facilitates a reduction in weight without sacrificing rigidity. The lightweight design and high electromagnetically generated driving force allows the mirror to achieve large horizontal movement of ±15 degrees. Vertical movement is currently ±3.4 degrees, and Mitsubishi Electric aims to increase this to ±6.0 degrees or more by improving the beam structure of the MEMS.

(Image: Mitsubishi Electric)

The company also optimized the arrangement of the electromagnetic MEMS mirror and optical components—including multiple laser light sources, photodetectors and lenses—to suppress optical vignetting and to avoid the laser beam being distorted by any of the LiDAR's internal components. The optimized design and optical transmission/reception mechanism achieve an extra-wide horizontal scanning angle, enhancing the scanning of vehicles ahead or oncoming vehicles, pedestrians crossing the road, traffic lights, traffic signs, and roadside obstacles. With continued development, Mitsubishi Electric aims to achieve a vertical scanning angle exceeding 25 degrees, which will allow the detection of vehicles and pedestrians even in close proximity.

The LiDAR body has a volume of just 900 cc owing to optimal arrangement of the signal processing circuitry, power supply circuit and optical transmission/reception mechanism. Going forward, Mitsubishi Electric is targeting development of an extra-small unit with a volume of just 350 cc or less.