Hesai Technology, a global leader in lidar technology, has unveiled its latest innovation, the OT128 lidar, at the IAA Transportation trade fair in Hannover, Germany. Known for its cutting-edge developments in sensing technology, Hesai’s new OT128 system promises to enhance the capabilities of autonomous vehicles, pushing forward the future of mobility.
Hesai’s OT128 is designed to provide 360-degree long-range sensing, a feature critical for the safe and effective operation of autonomous vehicles. Capable of detecting objects up to 200 metres away, even at low reflectivity, this lidar system is primed to meet the stringent demands of Level 4 autonomous driving. Such precision sensing is essential for high-level automation, offering improved reliability in diverse conditions.
The system’s impressive specifications include a fine angular resolution of 0.1° x 0.125°, combined with a high data capture rate exceeding 3.45 million points per second. This enables the OT128 to map its surroundings with an unparalleled level of detail, far surpassing the minimum requirements currently set by the automotive industry. By providing such high-resolution data, the OT128 enhances the situational awareness of autonomous vehicles, making them more adept at navigating complex environments.
Crucially, the OT128 has a significantly simplified design compared to its predecessor, featuring 66% fewer components. This reduction in complexity allows for the lidar units to be mass-produced on automated production lines, cutting down manufacturing time by over 95%. This shift towards streamlined production not only speeds up delivery times but also reduces costs, making the technology more accessible.
Hesai’s dedication to safety and reliability is evident through the OT128’s adherence to stringent industry standards. The system meets the requirements of ISO 26262 ASIL B functional safety standards, as well as ISO 21434 cybersecurity guidelines. It has undergone more than 50 automotive-grade reliability tests and is designed to operate for over 30,000 hours, which is three times the industry average. These attributes make the OT128 highly durable, ensuring that it can withstand the tough conditions often faced in autonomous driving applications.
The OT128 has already been trialled by several pre-launch customers in Europe, including major players in autonomous driving, industrial robotics, and smart factory automation. Companies such as Embotech and EasyMile have reported outstanding results, underscoring the potential of the OT128 to revolutionise not only the automotive sector but also industrial automation.
Hesai Technology has firmly established itself as a global leader in the lidar market. According to Yole Intelligence’s “Lidar for Automotive 2024” report, the company commands a 74% share of the robotic car lidar market. Among the top 10 autonomous driving companies in the world, nine rely on Hesai’s high-performance 360° lidar systems.
With a presence across Europe, including a key office in Stuttgart, as well as operations in the US and Asia, Hesai serves customers in over 40 countries. The launch of the OT128 further cements the company’s position at the forefront of lidar technology, driving the evolution of autonomous vehicles and industrial automation across the globe.