Luminar Partners with Mercedes-Benz to Launch Innovative Automated Emergency Steering System

Luminar Partners with Mercedes-Benz to Enhance Automotive Safety with LiDAR Technology

Luminar, a leading LiDAR technology provider, has joined forces with Mercedes-Benz to introduce Automated Emergency Steering (AES), a groundbreaking safety feature designed to prevent accidents by taking control of the vehicle when necessary. This announcement was made during CES 2024, the premier tech expo in Las Vegas.

What is LiDAR?

LiDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, is an advanced remote sensing method that utilizes pulsed lasers to measure distances. By detecting obstacles or pedestrians, Luminar’s technology equips self-driving vehicles with essential awareness capabilities.

Strengthening Collaboration with Mercedes-Benz

In a strategic move, Luminar is integrating its LiDAR technology into the Official FIA F1 Safety Car, in partnership with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team. The high-performance capabilities of Luminar's LiDAR enhance object detection for the F1 Safety Car, allowing it to effectively monitor both stationary and moving hazards in various conditions. The LiDAR systems will be seamlessly embedded into the roof of the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series.

Launch of Iris+ and Automatic Emergency Steering (AES)

At CES 2024, Luminar debuted its new Iris+ LiDAR technology, showcasing the capabilities of the AES through live crash avoidance demonstrations. This advanced system offers superior detection capabilities, surpassing traditional camera and radar-driven Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS). The AES technology has the potential to avert collisions at high speeds without needing driver intervention.

Innovations in Chips and Production Readiness

Luminar has made significant advancements in its semiconductor technology, developing six custom semiconductor chip iterations since launching its Luminar Semiconductor division in Q2 2023. This division, which includes Optogration, Freedom Photonics, and Black Forest Engineering, accelerates innovation and customization, essential for deploying sophisticated safety technologies at scale.

Furthermore, successful Run at Rate production testing for Volvo Cars' EX90 in Monterrey, Mexico, in Q3 2023 validates Luminar's capacity to manufacture LiDAR sensors at scale, ensuring readiness for vehicle integration this year.

Expanding Footprint in Trucking

Luminar is also making strides in the trucking sector, collaborating with Kodiak Robotics and Gatik to integrate its LiDAR sensors in autonomous long-haul trucks and middle-mile logistics. Selected as the exclusive long-range LiDAR provider for Kodiak Robotics’ Gen 6 autonomous truck, Luminar is standardizing technology across Gatik's delivery fleet, reinforcing its influence in this market.

Commitment to Automotive Safety and Automation

Through strategic partnerships with Nvidia and other leading firms, Luminar is advancing automotive safety and automation. These collaborations aim to enhance vehicle safety features in models such as the Volvo EX90, Polestar 3, Kodiak Robotics vehicles, and various Mercedes-Benz production models.

At CES 2024, Luminar will showcase its crash avoidance technology in vehicles like the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series F1 Safety Car, Polestar 3, Kodiak Robotics’ Gen 6 autonomous truck, and Gatik’s trucks equipped with Luminar LiDAR, highlighting its extensive network of over 50 industry partners.