Dec 14th, 2023 - Holon, Israel. Opsys’ SP3.0 LiDAR integrated windshield design, developed in collaboration with Wideye by AGC, will be available for the market in 2024. Advanced engineering establishes the basis for a design suitable for windshield application, which is the optimal location for enabling LiDAR in a vehicle. The setup integrates high- and low-resolution sensors to support long and short-range detection for Highway Pilot and high levels of autonomous driving (AD). The capability to integrate a LiDAR behind a windshield signifies a major breakthrough as it addresses three key long-standing challenges: the LiDAR is not on the roof; it works behind glass; and it produces little heat.
Opsys’ patented true solid-state scanning LiDAR technology allows for a simple and powerful sensor device which can be easily adapted to different integration options, including areas within the passenger compartment. True solid-state scanning LiDAR, with a precise beam pattern, can compensate for potential distortions introduced by a windshield. The lack of any moving parts in the Opsys sensor keeps things cool and silent during operation, meeting the comfort demands of modern, quiet electrical vehicles while delivering best-in-class performance. In addition, as there are no moving parts, the technology is more reliable and easier to mass produce as it keeps costs down. It delivers all specs all the time across the full field of vision with no installation limitations.
“Our new SP3.0 LiDAR for Windshield, proves that behind the windshield is the ultimate area to install the LiDAR along with other sensors around the vehicle, to maintain the same expected LiDAR performance compared to external installations,” said Rafi Harel, Opsys’ CEO. “Windshield integration is one of the biggest turning points for LiDAR use in private vehicles. Like cameras, behind the rear-view mirror location provides a sensor with an unobscured view of the scene. Our system gives OEMs and T1s the flexibility they need to make LiDAR part of their AD solution. This quantum leap, shows that LiDAR is much closer to becoming a reality on public roads.”
Even for more challenging cases, such as a 70 degrees windshield angle, the LiDAR still delivers sufficient performance to detect small highway debris according to Highway Pilot specifications. Opsys’ SP3.0 LiDAR for windshield provides a B-sample level of maturity, ready to support any customer project.
Two independent LiDAR modules are embedded into a common structure with multiple cameras, rain/light sensor, and RFID antenna, to create a low-volume package behind the rearview mirror. The compact integration helps produce an aesthetically pleasing and customer-friendly vehicle interior. Great attention was taken to ensure the driver’s view remained unimpaired, so that the overall width of integration is within the legal limit.
Since its creation in 2016, Wideye offers sensor integration solutions based on its unique glass. Transparent to near infra-red and with high optical quality, this unique glass is proving to be indispensable for the seamless installation of optical sensors such as LiDAR and cameras. The windshield was the first location Wideye worked with, believing it to be the best site for onboard integration.
“Wideye has been working with Opsys over the past year to offer a packageable Lidar behind windshield in line with the market expectations,” said Wideye CEO Gaetan Friart. “The windshield integration case is now the main focus for OEMs. Our joint solution will be market ready early 2024.”
Opsys LiDAR uses a precise beam pattern to compensate for any potential distortion introduced by glass. Another important aspect of Opsys’ sensor is that it does not produce any heat (as other sensors do), as there are no moving parts. As Opsys’ LiDAR is solid-state it uses much less power, so this can be applied to other uses within the vehicle, as well as keeping manufacturing costs down.
The groundbreaking solution will speed up LiDAR deployment for the automotive mass market, enabling a future with safer roads. To learn more, meet our team of experts at CES.