CORDIS

Blickfeld GmbH developed a novel scalable core technology for high-performance LiDAR (light detection and ranging) sensors. The innovation allows the mass production of robust, small and inexpensive LiDARs paving the ground for autonomous cars that are dependent on reliable and affordable perception sensors. This breakthrough core technology is based on micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) mirrors, merging the best of silicon microfabrication and established LiDAR concepts. By the MEMS technology the technology is highly scalable and closes the gap between today’s high-cost systems and the automotive mass-market needs. Blickfeld’s LiDAR reduces costs from more than €10,000 to €400 for one LiDAR sensor. Currently no economic automotive LiDAR with comparable performance is available.
Within the planned EU project, Blickfeld strives for reaching TRL 9. For this purpose CE, FCC, CCC, eye security and the automotive security level ASIL-B will be attained. Blickfeld develops a profound commercialisation plan for the innovation addressing the erupting markets of Europe, North America and Asia in the first step. The novel LiDAR P1 addresses an exploding market because LiDAR scanner technology is an enabler for autonomous cars. Target markets for the Blickfeld LiDAR scanner are automotive Tier 1 companies with a total addressable market volume of €29.0 billion in 2030. With the P1, regulatory and technical requirements by the automotive companies are solved for the first time in total. In the beginning, the P1 LiDAR is incorporated in cars with SAE levels up to 3. In the next step autonomous vehicles with SAE levels of up to 5 are equipped.
Blickfeld strives for a cumulated turnover of €116 million in the first three years after the end of the project – that is 37 times the project cost. Blickfeld will employ 40 new team members in this period. The anticipated financial requirements of €27 million are composed of wages, R&D and sales & distribution costs.