Why Cameras will not replace Lidar in Automation, AVs and Robotics going forward!

 

While camera systems have made significant advancements in recent years, it's unlikely that they will entirely replace LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) in automation, autonomous vehicles (AVs), or robotics. Instead, a combination of sensors—including cameras, LiDAR, and sometimes radar—is expected to remain the industry standard for the foreseeable future.

Advantages of Camera Systems:

1. Rich Visual Information: Cameras capture detailed visual data, including color and texture, which is essential for recognizing and interpreting traffic signs, signals, and road markings.
2. Cost-Effectiveness: Cameras are generally less expensive than LiDAR systems, making them an attractive option for reducing overall system costs.
3. Advancements in Computer Vision: Improvements in machine learning and computer vision algorithms have enhanced the ability of cameras to interpret complex environments.

Limitations of Camera Systems:

1. Depth Perception Challenges: Cameras struggle with accurate depth perception, especially in varying lighting conditions. Estimating distances using stereo vision is computationally intensive and less reliable than LiDAR's direct measurements.
2. Sensitivity to Environmental Conditions: Cameras can be adversely affected by poor lighting, glare, fog, or heavy rain, which can degrade image quality and sensor performance.

Advantages of LiDAR:

1. Precise Distance Measurement: LiDAR provides accurate 3D mapping of the environment by measuring the time it takes for laser pulses to return after hitting an object.
2. Operational in Various Conditions: LiDAR is less affected by lighting variations and can operate effectively in both day and night conditions.
3. Enhanced Safety and Redundancy: In safety-critical applications like autonomous driving, having multiple sensor modalities increases system reliability.

Industry Trends:

• Tesla's Camera-Centric Approach: Tesla has notably moved towards a camera-only system called "Tesla Vision," relying heavily on neural networks and advanced algorithms.
• Multi-Sensor Strategies: Companies like Waymo and Cruise continue to use LiDAR in combination with cameras and radar to enhance reliability and safety.
• Cost Reduction in LiDAR Technology: The cost of LiDAR systems has been decreasing due to technological advancements and increased production scale, making them more accessible.

publicly traded companies:

1. Luminar Technologies (NASDAQ: LAZR)

   • Overview: Luminar specializes in long-range, high-resolution LiDAR sensors for autonomous vehicles.
   • Growth Factors: Partnerships with major automotive manufacturers like Volvo and Toyota position the company for mass-market adoption.

2. Innoviz Technologies (NASDAQ: INVZ)

   • Overview: Innoviz develops solid-state LiDAR sensors that meet automotive-grade standards.
   • Growth Factors: Collaborations with companies like BMW enhance their prospects in the automotive sector.

3. Ouster (NYSE: OUST)

   • Overview: Ouster offers high-resolution, digital LiDAR sensors for various industries, including automotive and robotics.
   • Growth Factors: Their modular and scalable technology appeals to a broad market.
   • Merger: In February 2023, Ouster and Velodyne Lidar merged, combining their technologies to offer enhanced LiDAR solutions with improved performance, cost-effectiveness, and a broader product portfolio for various applications.

4. Aeva Technologies (NYSE: AEVA)

   • Overview: Aeva develops LiDAR systems with integrated velocity detection for detailed environmental mapping.
   • Growth Factors: Partnerships with companies like Volkswagen indicate strong potential for growth.
   • Aeva's advanced LiDAR technology provides simultaneous distance and direct velocity measurements using Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) technology, offering high-resolution 3D mapping with precise motion detection for enhanced environmental perception in autonomous systems.

5. Hesai Technology (NASDAQ: HSAI)

   • Overview: Based in China, Hesai focuses on hybrid solid-state LiDAR sensors for autonomous vehicles and robotics.
   • Growth Factors: Significant funding and global expansion efforts position them well in the Chinese market.

6. Valeo (EPA: FR)

   • Overview: Valeo is a major automotive supplier producing LiDAR systems like the SCALA sensor.
   • Growth Factors: Their established presence and integration into vehicles by manufacturers such as Audi give them a competitive edge.

Conclusion:

These publicly traded companies are poised for growth due to technological innovations, strategic partnerships, and increasing market demand for LiDAR solutions in autonomous vehicles and other applications.

Given the complementary strengths and weaknesses of cameras and LiDAR, it's more plausible that they will continue to be used together rather than cameras entirely replacing LiDAR. The integration of multiple sensor types allows for greater accuracy, reliability, and safety, which are paramount in automation, AVs, and robotics. While camera technology and computer vision will continue to improve, LiDAR offers unique advantages that make it a valuable component of sophisticated sensing systems.

Editor note:

Although our top 3 picks in the sector include AEVA and LAZR, it is OUST that may have an edge: Here's why:

Ouster (NYSE: OUST)

Overview:

• Merger with Velodyne Lidar: In February 2023, Ouster completed a merger with Velodyne Lidar, combining two of the industry's leading portfolios and technologies.
• Diverse Product Portfolio: The merged entity offers a comprehensive range of LiDAR solutions, including both spinning and solid-state sensors, catering to automotive, industrial, robotics, and smart infrastructure sectors.
• Technological Innovation: Ouster focuses on digital LiDAR technology, which offers high resolution and reliability with a path toward significant cost reductions through semiconductor manufacturing techniques.

Market Positioning:

• The merger consolidates resources and expertise, enhancing their competitive edge and accelerating innovation.
• A broader customer base and diversified applications reduce reliance on any single market segment, potentially stabilizing revenue streams.
• A pointed focus on Robotics and industrial automation!

  RoboTaxi's are coming and the companies building them need suppliers like these microcap stocks!

Luminar Technologies Inc (NASDAQ: LAZR) - AVs, Automation, Robotics and RoboTaxi's

Uber partners with Google's Waymo, to create a powerhouse in the Burgeoning Robo Taxi market!

MPhase Technologies Inc. Successfully Activates First Functional Multi-Cell Smart Nano Battery

Marketwire
 

mPhase Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB: XDSL) reports that it has successfully triggered and activated its first functional multi-cell Smart Nano Battery.


Triggering and activation of the cells of the battery were achieved by using a technique called electrowetting, which gives the mPhase reserve battery one of its key attributes -- programmable triggering.

Triggering using this approach was accomplished by applying a brief pulse of electrical energy to a porous, smart surface membrane, located inside each cell in the battery, which caused the electrolyte to come in contact with the cell's electrodes, creating the chemical reaction to produce voltage inside the cell of the multi-cell battery.

The mPhase multi-cell battery consists of a matrix of 12 individual cells populated with an electrode stack consisting of lithium and carbon monofluoride materials (Li/CFx), with each cells rated at 3.0 volts. Using a specially designed circuit board for testing and characterization studies, each of the cells in the battery were independently triggered and activated without affecting any of the non-activated cells in the multi-cell configuration. Because of the unique design of the multi-cell battery, each cell in the battery has very long shelf until it is triggered. 

The development of the Smart NanoBattery has been undertaken with funding support from a Phase II STTR Army award.

About mPhase Technologies, Inc. mPhase Technologies is introducing a revolutionary Smart Surface technology enabled by breakthroughs in nanotechnology, MEMS processing and microfluidics. Our Smart Surface technology has potential applications within drug delivery systems, lab-on-a-chip analytic systems, self-cleaning systems, liquid and chemical sensor systems, and filtration systems. mPhase has pioneered its first Smart Surface enabled product, the mPhase Smart NanoBattery.

In addition to the Smart Surface technology, mPhase recently introduced its first product, the mPower Emergency Illuminator, an award-winning product designed by Porsche Design Studio and sold via the mPower website: http://www.mpowertech.com.

More information about the company can be found at http://www.mPhaseTech.com.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Forward-Looking Statements
As a cautionary note to investors, certain matters discussed in this press release may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such matters involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including the following: changes in economic conditions; general competitive factors; acceptance of the Company's products in the market; the Company's success in technology and product development; the Company's ability to execute its business model and strategic plans; and all the risks and related information described from time to time in the Company's SEC filings, including the financial statements and related information contained in the Company's SEC Filing. mPhase assumes no obligation to update the information in this release.

Contact

mPhase Technologies, Inc
973-256-3737

SOURCE: mPhase Technologies

Ron Durando

Chief Operating Officer, Microphase Corporation

Ron Durando is a long time, successful entrepreneur.  He has a background in both engineering and corporate finance.  Ron has been Chief Operating Officer of Microphase since 1994.  When he joined Microphase, he worked with founder Ned Ergul to revive the corporation and adjust both its mission and operating style to accommodate changes in the market.  He was instrumental in turning around the company and has doubled its revenues during his tour as Chief Operating Officer.

Ron started and successfully ran an RF Contract Manufacturing based in China in from August 1996 until December 2008.  The company grew from 6 employees operating in 6500 sq feet to over 1000 employees at it’s peek in a 150,000 square foot facility.

In October 1996 he founded mPhase Technologies, Inc.  He has been its President and Chief Executive Officer since the company’s inception.  Under Ron’s leadership mPhase produced and sold a very successful line of DSL components and he has now completed the transition of mPhase into a battery technology company that is now developing an innovative battery technology based upon breakthroughs in Microfludics and Nanotechnology.

Click here for: The Science behind the nano battery!

Related articles

• mPhase Technologies to Speak at Nanotechnology Symposium at Stevens Institute of Technology on July 26 (marketwire.com)
• mPhase Successfully Activates First Functional Multi-Cell Smart NanoBattery (nanotech-now.com)