Media Coverage
Velodyne Expert Discusses How Intelligent Infrastructure Advances Safety and Sustainability
May 24, 2022 | By Velodyne Lidar

Austin Wilson of Velodyne Lidar discussing Intelligent Infrastructure on Smart City Podcast

Austin Wilson, Velodyne Lidar’s Director of Intelligent Infrastructure, was interviewed by Jim Frazer of ARC Advisory Group on The Smart City Podcast.

Austin and Jim discussed safety, sustainability, lidar, intelligent infrastructure and Vision Zero.

Austin opened the podcast by introducing listeners to lidar technology. He explained how lidar uses eye-safe laser beams to “see” the world in 3D, providing machines and computers an accurate representation of the surveyed environment.

In traffic safety applications, lidar can create a real-time 3D map of roads and intersections. Austin said we use lidar as part of our Intelligent Infrastructure Solution (IIS), which monitors traffic networks and generates real-time data analytics and predictions. He addressed how the solution can help cities to improve traffic safety and flow efficiency, advance sustainability and protect vulnerable road users.

Austin noted that our lidar does not identify an individual’s facial characteristics, an important concern for civic applications. Lidar has an advantage in privacy over camera-only systems because lidar does not record details like hair and skin color – which can be important to maintaining a community’s trust.

The podcast also discussed Vision Zero, a nationwide initiative of more than 45 communities that have set the goal to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries, while ensuring safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all.

Austin reviewed how the city of Austin, Texas, is using IIS to assess traffic conditions and identify proactive safety measures that can be taken to help save lives. It has been deployed at a city intersection that has been identified as needing improvement due to the accident history, fatality risk, speeding prevalence and congestion.

To listen to Austin on The Smart City Podcast, please go here.

About Velodyne Lidar

Velodyne Lidar (Nasdaq: VLDR, VLDRW) ushered in a new era of autonomous technology with the invention of real-time surround view lidar sensors. Velodyne, a global leader in lidar, is known for its broad portfolio of breakthrough lidar technologies. Velodyne’s revolutionary sensor and software solutions provide flexibility, quality and performance to meet the needs of a wide range of industries, including robotics, industrial, intelligent infrastructure, autonomous vehicles and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Through continuous innovation, Velodyne strives to transform lives and communities by advancing safer mobility for all.

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