Cepton, in cooperation with ZKW will showcase a lidar integration solution for automotive headlamps later this month at the IAA Transportation conference. The ZKW Group has a reputation as an innovative lighting system supplier for all vehicle segments; one specialty is their involvement in advanced heavy truck lighting. Through cooperation with ZKW, Cepton demonstrates how their short-range Nova lidar can be easily fitted into headlamps—a compelling location for lidar integration. This particular integration features discrete embedment; a cleaning mechanism, and sensor protection in a single package to offer maximum elegance and ease of maintenance. It also enables a dual sensor design for cut-in detection. The lidar sensor is green in this rendering of the prototype headlamp.
IAA Transportation will take place from 20 to 25 September in Hannover, Germany. It is one of the most recognized trade shows for heavy-duty vehicles. On account of the Covid pandemic, this year’s will be the first live event in several years.
A live demonstrations of Nova’s near-range 3D sensing capabilities will be available to visitors. Short-range lidars like this are meant to cover blind spots. Advantages of this technology include miniature size; high resolution, and superior vertical and horizontal fields of view. The sensor’s compactness allows flexible integration possibilities around the vehicle to provide complete 360° perception. Integration of lidar with lamp units is a logical step, as enthusiastically discussed at DVN Lidar Conferences.Multiple Nova sensors help the AD or ADAS vehicle to accurately detect very close objects such as pedestrians; bicycles, and the likes of sidewalk edges. Nova lidar can also play a role in simple ADAS functions like blind spot detection to enhance the protection of vulnerable road users—a function that is beginning to become practically mandatory. According to Cepton, their patented Micro Motion Technology (MMT) lidar technology creates lidar sensors with unparalleled energy efficiency, making them suitable for all types of consumer and commercial vehicles. The company says MMT enables an optimal balance of compactness; performance; reliability, and affordability.
DVN comment
Clearly, synergies can be found to optimize lidar operation by taking advantage of the windshield cleaning system and headlamp-specific protections. The compactness of Cepton lidars, particularly their Nova, allows a multitude of integration solutions. Since ZKW is strongly engaged with the heavy-trucks market, an interesting and speedy market introduction in this segment may be expected. Major impetus here is the strong pressure on heavy trucks and buses to avoid accidents with pedestrians and bicyclists, especially at city road crossings.