Hyundai Motor and Kia have partnered with the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) to develop next-generation autonomous driving sensors.

The carmakers, both under Hyundai Motor Group, announced on Wednesday that they will open the Hyundai Motor Group-KAIST On-Chip LiDAR Joint Research Center at the KAIST main campus in Daejeon.

The collaborative research lab, consisting of over 30 researchers from Hyundai and Kia’s advanced technology research team and KAIST’s Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, is set to operate for four years until 2028.

The lab’s primary objectives include advancing the production technology for high-performance, compact on-chip sensors, crucial for the autonomous driving market. The team also aims to develop innovative signal detection technologies.

On-chip sensors use semiconductor technology to integrate various functions, allowing for downsizing of LiDAR systems and cost-effective mass production via semiconductor processes.

The next-generation signal detection technology employs the concept of ‘frequency modulated continuous wave,’ emitting light that varies in frequency over time and measuring the frequency difference of the returning light to detect distances. This approach minimizes signal noise and eliminates interference from external light sources such as sunlight.

Hyundai Motor and Kia, in collaboration with its research arm, Hyundai NGV, will oversee the overall operation of the joint research lab and provide technological support to strengthen research capabilities, while KAIST will handle specific aspects of the research, including the development of small on-chip LiDAR components based on silicon photonics, the fabrication of high-speed, high-power integrated circuits for LiDAR operation, and the optimization of LiDAR system designs.

By Pulse

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