China has raced into a strong lead in Lidar systems vital to autonomous driving.
Hesai's automotive-grade lidar sensor, AT128, debuting at global tech trade show CES, held in Las Vegas, January 6, 2022. Credit: Hesai Technology
In its quest to gain the lead in emerging technologies, China has sped ahead on a vital component for the vehicles of the future. Light Detection and Ranging (Lidar) systems, which use lasers to remotely sense the features of an environment with a high degree of precision, are a core element in autonomous vehicles and have been embraced by Chinese companies.
This week, The Wire looks at the strategic importance of Lidar, profiles the leading companies involved in developing the technology, and highlights its potential as a flashpoint in U.S.-China tech competition in the years to come.
LASER-POWERED CARS
Lidar was first developed in the United States as an aerospace technology in the 1960s. As navigation systems became more sophisticated in the decades that followed, it became more widely used in mapping and robotics. Today, auto companies are increasingly using Lidar sensors to serve as the “eyes” of their autonomous vehicles.
“Lidar gives you a very high-de
Exclusive longform investigative journalism, Q&As, news and analysis, and data on Chinese business elites and corporations. We publish China scoops you won't find anywhere else.
A weekly curated reading list on China from David Barboza, Pulitzer Prize-winning former Shanghai correspondent for The New York Times.
A daily roundup of China finance, business and economics headlines.
We offer discounts for groups, institutions and students. Go to our Subscriptions page for details.
A decade ago, China arrived on the global art scene with deep pockets and an abundance of swagger. Recently, however, China's economic downturn has caused a spate of museums to close and once prominent collectors to sell their collections. Can China ever achieve its dreams of "cultural self-confidence"?
The Harvard professor discusses the effects on Chinese society of the country's high-tech development, and how the pandemic may have shifted public attitudes.
The Global Intelligence Platform used by The Wire China
