What is LiDAR?

LiDAR is positioned to revolutionize mobility and transportation. But how does it work and what are its key benefits?

Discover answers to these and other frequently asked questions about LiDAR and insights on why Innoviz is a leader in this essential autonomous vehicle technology.

What is LiDAR?

LiDAR enables automated vehicles to “see” their surroundings & measure their distance from obstacles so they can avoid them. LiDAR also has endless uses beyond automotive — it improves iPhone 12 photo quality, monitors roads from street lamps, surveys food production, & more!

Discover more practical applications and use cases for LiDAR technology from Innoviz.

Point Cloud image taken using the Falcon LiDAR
Perception software - real view compared to software analysis

What makes Innoviz and its technology the best?

For LiDAR it’s not about who has the best performance full stop, it’s about who can produce high-quality units at scale at the right price ASAP. Innoviz’s LiDAR & perception software is in the hands of customers today & it’s also available to demo for any skeptics out there.

Learn more about perception and why it matters.

How will autonomy improve lives?

Distracted drivers are the top cause of car accidents in the U.S. Autonomy, whether that be assisted driving technology (ADAS is in most cars today) or higher levels of autonomy (available over the next decade), has the potential to change this statistic.

Get in touch with Innoviz to discover how our LiDAR technology is accelerating change.

Point Cloud image of a truck
LiDAR vs Camera

What’s the difference between camera and LiDAR?

Cameras are similar to the human eye, they rely on sunlight and “see” in 2D. LiDAR’s output is in 3D & it works independent of sunlight, when cameras & drivers cannot: at night, in the rain, entering or exiting tunnels, despite direct sunlight or headlights from oncoming cars, etc.

Learn more about the ongoing debate within the autonomous vehicle (AV) industry on the role of cameras and LiDAR sensors in enabling a safe AV future.

When will autonomous vehicles be on the road?

We believe consumer AVs that don’t require drivers to take over the wheel are a decade away. However, self-driving shuttles & tractors operating in geofenced areas, autonomous robots & drones, etc. are currently in the real world & LiDAR is also critical for these applications.

Hear from Innoviz CEO and Co-founder Omer Keilaf on the future of autonomous vehicles; originally aired on Squawk Alley (CNBC).

CEO of Innoviz Omer Keilaf
5 levels of autonomous driving

What are the different levels of autonomy?

With the recent Tesla crashes, it’s clear that consumers need to understand how to use the technology in their cars correctly. SAE International’s definitions are the industry standard & Level 2+ is where the auto industry is currently operating safely. Attention all consumers: you must drive.

Stay in the know on developments in autonomous vehicle technology and the potential of LiDAR with Innoviz updates.

What makes Innoviz lidar technology safe?

We took zero shortcuts. Our LiDAR is designed & tested to withstand the 15+ years of wear & tear that is expected of any other car part. We also have layers of safety mechanisms & redundancies that activate if something does go wrong. This is why BMW chose us.

Explore the Innoviz product line including our solid-state, automotive-grade LiDAR InnovizTwo.

Point Cloud street view
Innoviz branded car

What does LiDAR (or AV) adoption at scale look like? Will it make Vision Zero a reality?

It looks like a mother spending more time with her kids & a worker relaxing during his/her commute without the stress of driving. LiDAR & AVs have the potential to eliminate all traffic fatalities & severe injuries, while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all.

Are you prepared for Vision Zero? Contact Innoviz to make it a reality.

What does LiDAR have to do with electric vehicles (EVs)?

Nothing directly, but with countries around the world transitioning to EVs as soon as 2025, it’s clear that the future of auto is automated AND electric. Innoviz’s compact & low-power LiDAR designs align with that future & will be on BMW’s automated consumer EVs.

Point Cloud image taken on an urban road
The Impact of Rain on LiDAR and Autonomous Vehicles

Can AVs handle the rain?

Rain is a top cause of accidents & can be even more dangerous in dry climates where drivers aren’t used to those conditions. Rain can also dirty a camera lens, which is why it’s important for AVs to also have LiDAR — it is unaffected by rain.

Ready to transform transportation and accelerate the future of autonomous vehicles?

Connect with our team to learn how.

Contact Innoviz