Valeo Receives First Order for Imaging Radar

Valeo’s imaging radar system has been developed as a unique solution specifically designed for high levels of autonomy, where conventional radar technology is no longer sufficient. In combination with cameras and LiDAR, this innovative radar system is intended to support unsupervised highway driving (Highway Pilot) at speeds of up to 130 km/h – even in the absence of a lead vehicle. According to the supplier, it has been awarded a major imaging radar programme by an unnamed “leading automotive manufacturer”. Valeo states that this first production nomination for the radar system will enable an expanded operational domain for automated driving and improved human-machine response to road hazards at high speeds.

Which Sensors Do Autonomous Cars Need?

For new assistance systems and automated driving functions, the number, arrangement, type, and quality of sensors are crucial. In particular, radar, lidar, and video systems are currently making significant progress.

Götz Fuchslocher

Valeo will be responsible for the development, validation, and production of the new system, which meets the performance requirements for conditionally automated driving (SAE Level 3). Marc Vrecko, CEO of Valeo’s Brain Division, describes the project as a milestone in the history of autonomous driving. The company is drawing on its “unique validation expertise gained through the development and proven performance of technologies such as LiDAR for Level 3 vehicles”. Thanks to the combination of high-resolution LiDAR, the high-resolution camera, and radar technology, Valeo claims the system enables unsupervised automated highway driving at 130 km/h without the need for a lead vehicle. Valeo is known as a strong advocate of redundant systems as a foundation for higher levels of automated driving.

Valeo responsible for system design

As the supplier emphasises, it has demonstrated its validation capabilities through its work on LiDAR for Level 3 vehicles, which are already on the road. Building on this track record, Valeo is responsible for the system design and ensures compliance with the latest and most demanding software and hardware specifications, including functional safety and cybersecurity. Owing to its expertise in high-volume automotive production and global industrial footprint, Valeo will manufacture the complete imaging radar system. According to the company, production is set to begin in 2028. The imaging radar will integrate into Valeo’s complete portfolio of solutions for ADAS and automated driving, which includes the Valeo SCALA LiDAR, computing units, and software solutions – forming the most comprehensive sensor offering currently available on the market.

This article was first published at automotiveit.eu