Laser sensing system improves safety for autonomous vehicles

The new system, developed by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, can remotely sense objects 10 times farther than what could be done with comparable current low-power laser systems.

With further development, the technology could be used to make smaller, cheaper 3D imaging systems that offer exceptional range for potential use in self-driving cars, smartphones and interactive video games, all without the need for big, bulky boxes of electronics or optics.

‘While meter-level operating distance is adequate for many traditional metrology instruments, the sweet spot for emerging consumer and robotics applications is around 10 meters’ or just over 30 feet, said UC Berkeley’s Behnam Behroozpour, who will present the team’s work at CLEO: 2014, being held June 8-13 in San Jose, California. ‘This range covers the size of typical living spaces while avoiding excessive power dissipation and possible eye safety concerns.’

According to The Optical Society, the new system relies on LIDAR (light radar), a 3D imaging technology that uses light to provide feedback about the world around it. LIDAR systems of this type emit laser light that hits an object, and then can tell how far away that object is by measuring changes in the light frequency that is reflected back. It can be used to help self-driving cars avoid obstacles, or to help video games tell when players are jumping, pumping their fists or swinging a ‘racket’ at an imaginary tennis ball across an imaginary court.