SiLC Technologies has launched a lidar vision system that integrates a multi-channel frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) lidar on a single silicon photonic chip and an integrated FMCW lidar system-on-chip (SoC).
While the primary use case for lidar from a revenue standpoint will continue to be in the automotive sector, use cases for lidar outside of this market will continue to expand rapidly. One of the sectors that will look to lidar vision systems to view the environment around it is in robotics, particularly as these machines become more prevalent in businesses.
Called the Eyeonic Mini, the lidar vision system is based on a purpose-built digital lidar processor system-on-chip developed by Indie Semiconductor. SiLC claims the Eyeonic Mini delivers a magnitude greater precision than existing technology while being a third of the size of its other FMCW lidar system, the Eyeonic Vision System, developed for machine vision applications.
Launched at CES 2024, taking place this week in Las Vegas, accuracy of the system is achieved by a four-channel FMCW lidar chip that equips robots with sub-millimeter depth precision from distances exceeding 10 meters.
Additionally, the vision chip merges the essential photonics functions into a coherent vision sensor, opening the doors in automation, warehouse logistics, AI machine vision and other vision-based applications.
This could include AI-driven palletizing robots equipped with Eyeonic Mini to view and interact with pallets, optimize package placement and load onto trucks. SiLC said this could substantially improve warehouse operations and the broader trucking industry with more than 13 million commercial trucks on the road in the U.S.
“At CES this year, we’re demonstrating our long-range vision capabilities of over two kilometers,” said Mehdi Asghari, CEO of SiLC Technologies. “With the Eyeonic Mini we’re showcasing our high precision at shorter distances. Our FMCW LiDAR solutions, at short or long distances, bring superior vision to machines to truly enable the next generation of AI based automation.”
