Renesas Electronics and Dibotics introduce real-time, low-power LiDAR solutions

     Renesas Electronics and Dibotics, a pioneer and leader in real-time 3D LiDAR processing, announced today that they have jointly developed an automotion-grade embedded solution for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving applications for light detection and ranging (LiDAR) processing. The collaboration enables system manufacturers to implement real-time 3D mapping systems with low power consumption and advanced functional safety (FuSa).

     Currently, LiDAR processing requires efficient processing platforms and advanced embedded software. By combining Renesas' automotive RCar SoC, which includes high-performance image processing technology and low power consumption, with Dibotics' 3D real-time Localization and Mapping (SLAM) technology, system manufacturers can deliver SLAM onChipM(Note 1). On-chip SLAM enables the 3DSLAM processing required for high-performance PCS on SOCs, and 3D mapping can be achieved using only LiDAR data, without the need for Inertial measurement unit (IMU) and Global Positioning System (GPS) data. The collaboration makes it possible to safely implement real-time 3D mapping systems within automotive systems with low power consumption and advanced functionality.

     In preparation for the advent of the autonomous driving era, the automotive electronics market continues to optimize the sensor technology required for autonomous vehicles, including real-time high-definition perception of the environment, precise positioning of the vehicle, and real-time sensor fusion. LiDAR has become a key sensor for enabling autonomous driving, as it is able to sense obstacles around the vehicle very precisely and control the vehicle by communicating in real time with the electronic control Unit (ECU), superior to alternative methods such as cameras and radar. The dramatic growth in the amount of data transmitted through liDAR sensing technology will drive the need for high-performance, real-time processing of massive amounts of data.

     Jean-Francois Chouteau, Vice President, Global ADAS Center, Renesas Electronics, said: "The seamless combination of Renesas Electronics and Dibotics technology enables a real-time, efficient solution for advanced LiDAR data processing at the highest level of automotive functional safety. For autonomous driving, Renesas Electronics is working with innovative partners to optimize Renesas autonomyPlatform, and we are pleased to announce a partnership with Dibotics to deliver disruptive technology to the LiDAR market. '

     RaulBravo, CEO and co-founder of Dibotics, said: "LiDAR sensors will play a vital role in all ADAS and autonomous driving functions. The partnership combines Renesas Electronics' design expertise with Dibotics' unique leading-edge capabilities to help Oems, Tier 1 suppliers and LiDAR manufacturers reduce development costs and accelerate time to market. We are pleased to partner with a market leader like Renesas Electronics.

     Unlike existing methods, Dibotics' AugmentedLiDARM software implements 3D SLAM technology that only requires LiDAR sensor data to achieve 3D mapping. It requires no additional input from IMU, GPS, or wheel encoders, eliminating additional integration efforts, reducing BOM costs, and simplifying development. In addition, the software enables point-by-point classification (note 3), detection and tracking of the shape, speed, and trajectory of moving objects, and Multi-LiDAR fusion (Note 4).

     The R-Car's high performance allows it to run Dibotics' Augmented LiDAR software. The R-Car has low power consumption and complies with ISO26262(ASIL) functional safety standards for high functional safety. The Renesas R-Car is part of the ground-breaking Renesas autonomyn Platform for ADAS and autonomous driving, providing a comprehensive end-to-end solution from the cloud to sensing and vehicle control.