Description

As the race toward deployment of self-driving vehicles picks up momentum and the levels of autonomous driving increase, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are demanding better sensors that can harmonize and achieve surround vision, giving an autonomous vehicle full visibility of its environment.

Numerous sensors are already available and in use by OEMs that provide advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) features and a certain level of driving autonomy.

Even though most OEMs are at present staying away from light detection and ranging (LiDAR) solutions for various reasons,
Frost & Sullivan concludes that they will shift to include LiDAR features in their sensor suites for autonomous driving level 3 (L3) and above.

LiDAR solutions are known for their ability to view and perceive surrounding objects in all weather and light conditions.

LiDAR systems cover various parameters, depending on the technology used:
· Key factors for success in the LiDAR segment include range, accuracy, resolution, data, and power consumption.
· New LiDAR developers are coming up with different solutions and changing the dynamics of the LiDAR value chain, leading to its
compression and collaborations between Tier I suppliers (Tier Is) and OEMs.
· New technologies such as optical phased array (OPA) and frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) are creating disruptions
by forcing OEMs and Tier Is to move away from traditional micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technology.
· As LiDAR technology progresses, economies of scale and lower cost sensors are possible. The initial company to do so will gain
first-mover advantage and likely penetrate the mass market with low-cost LiDAR solutions.

Frost & Sullivan independently plotted the top 7 companies in this Frost Radar™ analysis. The Radar™ reveals the market positioning of each company using its Growth and Innovation scores as highlighted in the Frost Radar™ methodology. The document presents competitive profiles on each company based on its strengths, opportunities, and market positioning. We discuss strategic market imperatives and the competitive environment that vendors operate in as well as make recommendations for each provider to spur growth.

Author: Thirumalai Narasimhan