Velodyne Lidar’s Jon Barad discussed the company’s Intelligent Infrastructure Solution on Automotive News’ Daily Drive Podcast.

The podcast was a wide-ranging conversation between Jon and Steve Schmith of Automotive News on how Velodyne is using lidar sensors to help communities monitor traffic, pedestrians and more.

The Intelligent Infrastructure Solution combines Velodyne’s lidar sensors and Bluecity’s AI software to monitor traffic networks and public spaces. It generates real-time data analytics and predictions, helping to improve traffic and crowd flow efficiency, advance sustainability and protect vulnerable road users.

During this episode of the Daily Drive podcast, Jon reviewed the benefits of using lidar for traffic monitoring. These include lidar sensors reliably collect data in any lighting or weather condition, supporting 24/7, 365 days a year operation.

Jon also discussed the privacy benefits of lidar. Velodyne’s lidar sensors do not identify individuals’ facial characteristics. Jon noted lidar has an advantage in privacy over camera-only systems because lidar does not record details like hair and skin color.

The podcast also covered customer deployment of the Intelligent Infrastructure Solution. One example Jon shared is how the solution is being installed at multiple intersections in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The project will serve as a testbed for mobility data-gathering, analysis and sharing technologies that will help implement connected and autonomous vehicle systems in the future.

Click here to listen to this episode of the Daily Drive podcast.