Aeva and ZF to launch FMCW LiDAR for autonomous vehicles

US-based sensing and perception systems developer Aeva is set to partner with global automotive Tier-1 supplier ZF to introduce Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) LiDAR to the automotive market.

Under the new partnership, Aeva’s expertise in FMCW LiDAR technology will be combined with ZF’s automotive grade sensors, which will facilitate the production of safe and scalable 4D LiDAR technology for autonomous driving applications.

Aeva co-founder Soroush Salehian said: “From early on we have believed in building an ecosystem of the world’s most capable partners across the industry and this partnership is one part of that plan.

“ZF’s capability as one of the largest Tier-1s globally with expertise in automotive scale production of sensing systems is a key step to accelerating the introduction of safe and scalable autonomous vehicles.

“The industry is at the cusp of deploying the next generation of sensing to realise the adoption of highly automated and autonomous cars and we believe Aeva’s 4D LiDAR will be an indispensable part of this next chapter.”

The final system developed under the new partnership will be used for autonomous driving applications.

Aeva claims that its FMCW technology meets the requirements for autonomous operations in trucks and robo-service vehicles.

ZF Autonomous Mobility Solutions executive vice-president Torsten Gollewski said: “LiDAR is a key technology for systems and sensing in the area of highly automated and autonomous driving.

“Aeva’s unique FMCW technology combines long-range performance and direct velocity measurements, making it the right choice for autonomous driving applications.”

Under the partnership, Aeva will be responsible for the FMCW LiDAR core sensing functionality, performance and algorithms.

ZF will oversee industrialisation of the automotive grade sensing system that meets all requirements in the automotive market.