Oregon based PreAct has launched a software definable flash lidar, the T30P. Due to its software defined architecture, the T30P can be updated with new features over the air (OTA) throughout the life of the vehicle. Car makers can therefore keep in service vehicles continuously abreast of new features, and generate new revenues.

PreAct’s flash LiDAR architecture is based on modulated waveforms that can be optimised for different applications via over-the-air updates, along with an application stack that resides on the edge. The flexibility of a software defined lidar allows Tier 1 suppliers and OEMs to package one sensor for multiple use cases – everything from true curb detection and gesture recognition to self-parking and automatic door actuation – that can update to meet their changing needs as more user and sensor data become available.

The company claims that T30P, with a frame rate of 200 fps and QVGA resolution, is the fastest flash Lidar on the market.

“We are excited to bring our software-definable flash LiDAR to market, furthering the advancement of autonomous mobility across multiple industries,” said Paul Drysch, CEO of PreAct Technologies. “We’ve spent the last three years creating a solution that fulfils the need of software-defined vehicles, providing the most value for Tier 1s and OEMs over the long term by making any ADAS application relevant for the entire life of the vehicle.”

“Near field automotive sensors have either been low-precision and low-cost, or high-precision and high-cost,” said Ian Riches, Vice President for the Global Automotive Practice at Strategy Analytics. “By bringing a high-precision, low-cost sensor to market, PreAct is enabling a huge range of safety and convenience features. The software-defined characteristics of the T30P will allow these features to improve during the lifetime of the vehicle, unlocking new revenue streams for automakers.”