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Hyundai Motor, Kia, and KAIST have joined forces to spearhead the development of cutting-edge autonomous driving sensors. The collaboration will see the establishment of the Hyundai Motor Group-KAIST On-Chip LiDAR Joint Research Lab at KAIST’s Daejeon headquarters. This initiative aims to innovate LiDAR sensors for next-level autonomous vehicles, focusing on creating high-performance, compact on-chip sensors and pioneering new signal detection technologies.
The lab’s core mission is to advance the capabilities of autonomous driving technology by developing on-chip sensors that are both high in performance and compact in size. These sensors are pivotal for the autonomous driving market, which is becoming increasingly competitive. By leveraging semiconductor manufacturing techniques, these on-chip sensors are expected to reduce the size and cost of LiDAR systems through mass production, offering a significant edge over traditional manufacturing methods.
A breakthrough in signal detection is also on the horizon with the development of the Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) technology. This innovative approach, which measures distance by analyzing frequency shifts in light, promises less signal noise and the ability to calculate the relative speed of objects. Additionally, it can effectively mitigate interference from external light sources, offering clear advantages in challenging weather conditions.
The collaborative lab will pool the talents of approximately 30 researchers, blending the expertise of Hyundai and Kia’s Advanced Technology Development team with KAIST professors Sang-Hyeon Kim, Sangsik Kim, Wanyeong Jung, and Hamza Kurt. This collective will focus on various aspects of the technology, from the development of silicon optoelectronic components to the fabrication and optimization of LiDAR systems.
KAIST will lead the charge in the lab’s specialized research efforts, while Hyundai Motor and Kia, in partnership with Hyundai NGV, will provide operational oversight. This includes monitoring tech trends, steering research directions, and enhancing the lab’s research capabilities through the recommendation of technologies and experts. This four-year project, running until 2028, marks a significant step forward in autonomous driving sensor technology.
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