Arbe Robotics Ltd has introduced free space mapping to its imaging radar perception stack at this week’s CES 2022.
Free space mapping is an algorithm that identifies the drivable sections of the environment around a vehicle, while aggregating a map of the environment, and localizing the vehicle on the map.
Arbe claims this is the first-time automotive radar has been able to contribute to free space mapping, which is seen as a critical component for autonomous driving accuracy and redundancy.
Imaging radar complements camera sensors with its ability to sense Doppler, the direction and velocity of moving objects at long range and wide field of view. This includes sensing in all weather, lighting and visibility conditions.
"The ability to generate a free space map and enhance perception algorithms is truly game changing for the future of autonomous driving," said Kobi Marenko, CEO of Arbe. "With our perception imaging radar, we're far ahead of the industry with an exceptional and cost-effective solution that offers true redundancy and safety for OEM's perception algorithms. Our breakthrough technology has transformed radar as a sensor for ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) and autonomous vehicles. Now, with the addition of free space mapping, we're enabling greater safety than ever before for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and anyone sharing the road with autonomous vehicles."
Previously, traditional automotive radar has been unable to perform free space mapping and solely used camera algorithms. The perception radar senses unobstructed space in the environment and analyzes ultra-high-resolution data in all dimensions including pedestrians, vehicles, buildings, trees and more.
Arbe’s perception imaging radar was selected as a 2022 Innovation Awards honoree in the Vehicle Intelligence and Transportation category.
CES 2022 takes place January 5-8 in Las Vegas.
