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TECH WATCH Advancing Autonomy with LiDAR Although many feel as if the era of fully autonomous cars is approach- ing at near light speed, in reality, the velocity may be something akin to the speed of sound. Fast, but not nearly as fast. A few technology bridges will need to be constructed before autonomous vehicles move from niche to mainstream. Velodyne ( velodynelidar.com ) recently uncased a new fixed-laser sensor, the Velarray, which is positioned as one such bridge. Velodyne makes the case that the new LiDAR (light detection and ranging) device can be embedded in both auton- omous vehicles and more contemporary advanced driver-assist safety (ADAS) systems. By harnessing a laser array, LiDAR technol- ogy has the advantage of plotting a real-time 3D map, but costs can run into the thou- sands of dollars, making for a more pricey option compared to radar- and camera-based systems. But in announcing the Velarray, Velodyne says its new unit could cost in the hundreds of dollars—if it's produced in significant volumes. Measuring 125 x 50 x 55 mm, or the size of a husky smartphone, Velodyne says the Velarray can be embedded into places like grills, bumpers and body panels. Once there, the sensor can provide up to a 120 degree horizontal and 35 degree vertical field-of- view, with a 200-meter range. It also can pick up objects with poor reflective qualities. "The Velarray enables not only fully auton- omous vehicles, but also ADAS systems such as adaptive cruise control, while at the same time providing a miniature form factor and mass production target prices," says Mike Jellen, Velodyne LiDAR's president and chief commercial officer. The company has scheduled customer demonstration of the core technology this summer, with engineering sample units available by the end of 2017 ahead of production in 2018. Velodyne LiDAR first patented 3D LiDAR sensors in 2005. Last year, Ford announced a $75-million investment in Velodyne as part of the carmaker's expanding footprint in Silicon Valley. Velodyne LiDAR's new fixed-laser, the Velarray, provides a 120° horizontal and 35° vertical field-of-view. PROFIL ® self-piercing and riveting fasteners Assorted threaded studs, nuts and installation systems yield high performance, thin metal panel attachment. ATLAS ® blind threaded rivet nuts Fasteners for thin sheets or tubes where only one side is accessible for installation. PEM ® self-clinching fasteners Available with wide variety of standard and micro fasteners for attachment in thin sheets. Fasteners and precision components… for demanding automotive applications. Mechanically attached fasteners Promotes strength in lightweight designs while providing strong threads in thin materials. Our fasteners eliminate loose hardware and the need for welding. High volume, automatic installation capable. • Global product availability • Complete design engineering services • Full quality (PPAP) documentation • Fully certified ISO/TS/BS OHSAS factories • Complete fastener installation systems • A2LA Accredited Lab 103 ©2017 www.pemnet.com Threaded fasteners and components Unique manufacturing capability combines complex forged/formed geometries with secondary turning/machining operations at globally competitive pricing. Global Services and Capabilities 12 GEAR GEAR