Osram Lasers Promote Adoption of Autonomous and Semi-Autonomous Vehicles

At the 2018 edition of the North American International Auto Show’s AutoMobili-D 2018, Osram Opto Semiconductors will showcase how its high-power infrared pulse lasers can expedite the adoption of autonomous vehicles and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). AutoMobili-D is a section of the renowned show that will be completely dedicated to the rapidly growing global automotive and mobility landscapes. At booth #AD14 at AutoMobili-D, visitors to the show can get to see Osram’s highly efficient 905 nm lasers in action.

Osram’s pulse laser diodes have been used in cars for over a decade in the case of time-of-flight (TOF) measurements that are needed for proper functioning of adaptive cruise control (ACC) systems and automatic braking systems. At AutoMobili-D, Osram will be highlighting the use of its laser and LEDs in a wide range of innovative applications for autonomous vehicles and ADAS. These include an industry-first long range infrared 4D camera concept made by Vergence Automation. This concept camera uses 190 Osram infrared LEDs. The use of such 4D imaging in autonomous vehicles will be of great use in computer vision, machine learning, and deep learning. Another instance is the GazeT Driver Monitoring Global Shutter Image Sensor Demo System from ON Semiconductor comprising Osram’s 940 nm infrared LEDs.

Osram lasers dedicated to LIDAR applications are highly powerful as they produce extremely efficient, high-power infrared pulse lasers with 905 nm wavelength. The short pulse length facilitates systems operating at high optical power levels to realize large detection ranges, but they are still safe to be viewed by the naked eye.
Rajeev Thakur, Regional Marketing Manager at Osram Opto Semiconductors said that Osram was pleased to work with leading companies to enable widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles and ADAS as such technologies can transform the future of driving.

Thakur added, “Joining forces with companies like Vergence Automation and ON Semiconductor is a testament to Osram’s leadership in the development and future of autonomous vehicles.”
“Osram is a great technology partner for developing our 4D camera that utilizes a patented 4D pixel to perform 3D image creation,” said Jamie Retterath, Chief Product Officer at Vergence. “The 4D pixel has the potential to displace TOF for all future 3D imaging applications.”