Volvo Abandons Lidar Sensor Technology

After heavily promoting lidar sensor technology in recent years, it has now been learned that Volvo is abandoning it, as it cuts ties with lidar technology developer Luminar. The news was first reported by media outlet The Drive.

What is lidar?
The technology consists of a series of sensors that analyze the vehicle's environment, detect objects and obstacles, and also estimate distances using a laser.

For Volvo, the technology was considered revolutionary. However, after years of working to refine the technology, deploy it and introduce it to the public, Volvo is walking away.

The manufacturer assures that it is able to offer the same degree of safety without lidar sensor technology.

The technology was initially supposed to be offered standard with the EX90 and the ES90 (a model not sold in Canada), but that was later changed to make it optional, in a likely portend of more drastic – and final - changes to come.

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