Media Coverage
‘Tech Briefs’ Discusses Lidar Software with Velodyne CEO Anand Gopalan
Mar 31, 2020 | By Velodyne Lidar

One of the top challenges in developing autonomous vehicles is addressing where computer hardware and software need to work together to solve problems. Ed Brown, Associate Editor of the magazine Photonics & Imaging Technology, a publication of Tech Briefs Media Group, interviewed Velodyne Lidar CEO Anand Gopalan to discuss lidar software for ADAS and autonomous vehicles. For instance, Velodyne is developing Vella™, breakthrough advanced driver assistance software based on the directional view Velarray™ sensor.

Velodyne Lidar Illustration showing high range and resolution allowing for fast object identification and long braking distance at highway speeds.
Lidar software interview: High range and resolution allow for fast object identification and long braking distance at highway speeds.

The Photonics & Imaging Technology interview included discussion of the primary goals of lidar software such as “to increase the speed of response and optimize efficient use of computational resources.”

The conversation also covered the challenge of “corner cases” for autonomous vehicles. As an example, the article cited, “a taxi pulling back into traffic after dropping a passenger at the curb.” Anand noted, “There are a lot of critical corner scenarios that autonomous vehicles have to deal with, which require a lot more innovation in software, sensor, and computing hardware.”

Velodyne Lidar illustration showing how lidar can produce a directional image, day or night.
Lidar software interview: Lidar can produce a directional image, day or night. 

In the interview, Anand addressed “the problem of near-field sensing,” an issue Velodyne is developing sensors to address. He noted, as examples, “a bicyclist alongside a turning vehicle or a ball rolling into the street. These kinds of situations require software to provide improved classification of objects and prediction of behavior.”

The read the entire interview with Anand, please go to the following link: Challenges for Lidar Software.

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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