All articles tagged with #lidar
Rivian confirms early R2s will ship without lidar and says the difference in autonomy compared with lidar-equipped models won’t be noticeable for several years; lidar’s main advantage is richer data for future generations, there’s no plan to retrofit, and point-to-point hands-free driving will be available on the lidar-less Launch Package.
Scientists are using ground-based LiDAR to detect ablation from reentering space debris in the upper atmosphere. A lithium cloud linked to SpaceX’s Falcon 9 upper-stage reentry was observed, and Leibniz Institute researchers are testing a three-channel multi-species LiDAR to detect metals and propellant residues (e.g., copper, aluminum oxide, hydrogen fluoride). The findings suggest debris reentry is altering the mesosphere and upper stratosphere, with potential implications for the ozone layer as satellite megaconstellations grow; experts call for expanded monitoring and dedicated efforts to track space waste reentry.
An InvestorPlace Smart Money piece highlights Fluence Energy (FLNC), Atkore (ATKR), and Hesai Group (HSAI) as undervalued AI infrastructure plays poised to benefit from surging AI data-center demand. Fluence is expanding grid-scale energy storage, Atkore provides essential cabling and power systems, and Hesai dominates lidar for autonomous tech. All three have traded sideways despite rising AI demand, suggesting potential upside as the AI boom accelerates.
Beijing Auto Show 2026 set a record for size and premieres, signaling a shift in which China leads electrification and AI-enabled driving across price tiers. The show showcased high-tech features like lidar, drive-by-wire, and AI chips across affordable and flagship models—from XPeng’s Level 4-focused GX and Li Auto’s L9 Livis, to Geely’s robotaxi EVA Cab and a wave of affordable lidar-equipped EVs. Global automakers partner with Chinese suppliers (Huawei, ByteDance, Momenta, Qualcomm), VW rolls out a range-extended ID. Era 9X, and even a flying-car “land carrier” by Aridge. With Xiaomi’s Vision Gran Turismo concept and other bold concepts, the event underscores China’s rising dominance in EV tech, AI, and new mobility formats rather than a cheap-versus-premium divide.
Laser scanning has captured a 1,700-year-old cliff-dwelling in Tse Yaa Kin (Mummy Cave), Arizona, detailing more than 165 rooms in a precise 3D archive. Researchers using LiDAR have created a digital twin to test stabilization options while preserving plaster and tool marks, as erosion threatens the fragile mud walls. Indigenous communities’ consent guides access and sharing to protect the site, and the project also trains students and plans to continue through 2027 to safeguard the record for future study.
Scientists used a ground-based LiDAR to observe in near real time the air-pollution plume produced when SpaceX Falcon 9 debris burned up on re‑entry. The lithium signal peaked at about 60 miles altitude, and the plume moved across Western Europe (Ireland to Germany) over roughly a day, while the debris crossed from Ireland to Poland in about 2.5 minutes. Lithium is a rare tracer in the atmosphere; the team estimates about 80 grams of lithium enter Earth's atmosphere daily globally, with a Falcon 9 contributing roughly 30 kilograms of aluminum‑lithium hull and batteries per vehicle. Aluminum oxide formation could affect ozone and climate, and researchers plan to measure additional metals in future campaigns; the study was published February 19, 2026 in Communications Earth & Environment.
Researchers using lidar near Saxony, Germany, detected a lithium plume 58–60 miles up about 20 hours after an uncontrolled Falcon 9 reentry, with lithium concentrations roughly tenfold above background; the study, published in Nature, notes that metals from spacecraft (lithium and other alloys) may alter upper-atmosphere chemistry, but the environmental impact remains uncertain and warrants further research.
Tesla faced pointed questions at a Senate hearing over its Full Self-Driving system and its camera-only approach, with lawmakers contrasting it with lidar-equipped rivals and pressing for federal safety standards. Tesla argued its nine-camera vision system provides redundancy, while critics highlighted the need for lidar or other sensors. The hearing contributed to a roughly 4% drop in Tesla stock for the day.
Roborock is launching its first robot lawn mower in the US, the RockMow X1 LiDAR, later this year, featuring advanced navigation, all-wheel drive, and the ability to mow half an acre daily, with capabilities to handle slopes and obstacles.
Mammotion has upgraded its flagship robot lawnmower, the Luba 3 AWD, with lidar sensors, AI, and geopositioning technology to create detailed 3D maps of yards for more precise mowing, featuring obstacle recognition and slope climbing capabilities, available for preorder at various price points.
Luminar Technologies filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after losing a major Volvo contract, planning to sell its chip business to Quantum Computing for $110 million to maximize shareholder value, while continuing to support its LiDAR product operations during the restructuring.
3D LiDAR technology was used to create highly detailed and accurate 3D maps of La Pileta Cave in Spain, revealing previously unseen prehistoric rock art and features, and enhancing archaeological research through precise modeling of the cave's interior and artifacts.
Leaked images and details suggest the DJI Mini 5 Pro will feature a 1-inch sensor, 4K/120fps video, LiDAR obstacle sensing, and a foldable design, with a launch now expected in September 2025 due to shipping delays. The drone may no longer be under 249g, and the release has been postponed from August to September.
Aeye's stock surged after announcing a major collaboration with Nvidia, integrating Aeye's lidar system into Nvidia's autonomous vehicle platform, which could boost its market position and revenue prospects. However, caution is advised due to its status as a penny stock with high volatility and potential for short-lived gains, compounded by analyst warnings of a possible decline.
Researchers have developed a compact, penny-sized laser that can significantly improve lidar technology for autonomous vehicles by providing faster, more accurate measurements, potentially leading to better navigation and smaller sensor packages.