Collegiate competition leverages Velodyne’s VLP-16 “Puck” sensor for the development of autonomous vehicles from student engineering teams

SAN JOSE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Velodyne LiDAR Inc., the world leader in 3D vision systems for autonomous vehicles, today announced that it is a sponsor and core technology provider for LiDAR sensors for SAE International’s AutoDrive Challenge™.

Velodyne LiDAR is sponsoring SAE International’s AutoDrive Challenge, providing VLP-16 LiDAR Pucks and technical support to student teams for the three-year program. (Photo: Business Wire)

The AutoDrive Challenge™ is a three-year program that challenges student engineering teams from elite university programs to test autonomous technologies and develop Level 4 autonomous vehicles. Each year of the program, SAE will host a competition among participating student groups, culminating in a final competition that tasks the vehicles with navigating an urban driving course.

Velodyne is providing up to two VLP-16 Puck sensors to each student team, along with technical support from engineers. The VLP-16 is an advanced 3D LiDAR sensor with low power consumption and a small form factor that can be easily integrated into autonomous vehicles. LiDAR is acknowledged as an important sensing technology for autonomous vehicles and advanced safety systems, so it will be key in helping student teams field competitive vehicles.

Velodyne’s VLP-16 Puck sensors are the key sensing technology for SAE International’s AutoDrive Challenge, offering low power consumption and a small form factor.

“Velodyne is honored to sponsor SAE International’s AutoDrive Challenge™ as a technology provider,” said David Hall, Founder and CEO, Velodyne LiDAR. “Autonomous cars are the world’s next critical engineering challenge, and it is a unique privilege to work with SAE to ensure students have access to LiDAR sensors, a key technology in addressing this challenge.”

Earlier this year, SAE formally reviewed proposals from universities and accepted eight teams for participation. Along with a Chevy Bolt EV as the platform vehicle, the university teams will receive components from strategic partners like Velodyne to aid in their technology development. Throughout the AutoDrive Challenge™ competition cycle, students and faculty are invited to attend workshops to help refine concepts and increase overall technical understanding of autonomous technology.

“SAE is very excited to welcome Velodyne to the AutoDrive Challenge™ as an official equipment supplier,” said Chris Ciuca Director of Pre-Professional Education at SAE International. “Velodyne’s partnership provides students with the vital resources necessary to accomplish the demanding goals of the competition.”

Velodyne invented and patented the world’s first 3D real-time LiDAR sensor for autonomous vehicles. Over the last ten years, Velodyne sensors have been installed in thousands of vehicles around the world, traveling millions of real-world miles. Velodyne is the industry standard for localization and environmental perception, providing the core technology for dozens of autonomous vehicle programs in over 10 countries.

Throughout the AutoDrive Challenge competition cycle, students and faculty are invited to attend workshops to increase overall technical understanding of autonomous technology like Velodyne’s LiDAR sensors. (Photo: Business Wire)

The AutoDrive Challenge is a three-year program that challenges student engineering teams from elite university programs to test autonomous technologies and develop Level 4 autonomous vehicles. (Photo: Business Wire)