Industry Overview - LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a high-precision sensing device based on laser ranging technology, characterized by high spatial resolution, accuracy, and adaptability [5] - LiDAR technology has diversified into three main categories: mechanical, semi-solid-state, and solid-state LiDAR, each with distinct scanning mechanisms, mechanical components, and cost-performance trade-offs [5] - Mechanical LiDAR is suitable for 360-degree high-precision sensing but faces challenges in miniaturization and cost reduction [5] - Semi-solid-state LiDAR is a compromise solution for mid-to-high-end applications, particularly in ADAS and low-cost autonomous driving [5] - Solid-state LiDAR is the future mainstream direction, suitable for scenarios with strict requirements on size, reliability, and cost, though it currently faces technical bottlenecks [5] Technical Comparison - Mechanical LiDAR relies on rotating mechanical parts, offers 360-degree scanning, and has a long detection range (300-500 meters) but is bulky and expensive [6] - Semi-solid-state LiDAR uses partial mechanical components, has a medium detection range (150-200 meters), and is more reliable than mechanical LiDAR [6] - Solid-state LiDAR has no mechanical parts, a narrower field of view (typically 120 degrees), and a shorter detection range (tens to 200 meters), but is compact and highly reliable [6] - Solid-state LiDAR is expected to dominate future applications due to its cost reduction and performance optimization, especially in autonomous driving, consumer electronics, and smart cities [6] Industry Chain - The LiDAR industry chain is divided into upstream (core components), midstream (system manufacturing), and downstream (application markets) [7] - Upstream focuses on core components like light sources (905nm semiconductor lasers, 1550nm fiber lasers, VCSEL), detectors (APD, SPAD), and scanning mechanisms (MEMS micro-mirrors) [7] - Midstream involves system design, manufacturing, and integration, combining optical design, circuit control, and algorithm processing [8] - Downstream applications include autonomous driving, industrial automation, consumer electronics, mapping, and security [8] Market Trends - The LiDAR industry is highly collaborative, with upstream innovations driving midstream advancements and downstream demand stimulating further optimization [9] - The Chinese government's "Smart Car Innovation Development Strategy" aims for LTE-V2X coverage by 2025, with 5G-V2X gradually applied in cities and highways, highlighting LiDAR's role in V2X systems [9] - LiDAR financing peaked in 2021 with 52 events totaling over RMB 10 billion, but has declined since, with a slight rebound in 2023 [9] Key Companies Beisight Photonics - Founded in 2015, Beisight provides LiDAR products for smart vehicles, traffic, and industrial sensing, with global operations in over 90 countries [10] - The company launched the AD2, a 512-line automotive-grade LiDAR in 2022, and partnered with Jabil to establish a production line for 256-line LiDAR in 2023 [10] - Beisight has raised multiple rounds of funding, including a recent RMB 100 million investment from Didi Chuxing in 2023 [10][12] Vertilite - Founded in 2015, Vertilite specializes in VCSEL laser chips for 3D sensing and LiDAR applications, with products certified for automotive use (AEC-Q102, IATF16949) [13] - The company has developed 50G PAM4 VCSEL chips for optical communication and is working on 100G PAM4 chips for AI market demands [13] - Vertilite raised RMB hundreds of millions in its C4 round in 2024, led by CDB Capital, to accelerate R&D and production line expansion [14][16] Ewaybot - Founded in 2021, Ewaybot focuses on solid-state quantum ghost imaging LiDAR, integrating neural networks into optical detection to reduce computational demands on autonomous vehicles [17] - The company completed an angel round of financing in 2024, led by CAS Angel Fund and Jiadao Private Capital [17] Recent Developments - DJI Agriculture launched the T100 drone in 2024, its first agricultural drone equipped with LiDAR, featuring AI and AR capabilities [19] - Audi's Q6L e-tron, set for release in 2025, will use a dual-LiDAR and visual perception fusion system for advanced autonomous driving [19] - RoboSense (速腾聚创) entered Toyota's supply chain in 2024, marking the first time a Chinese LiDAR company has supplied Toyota [20] - RoboSense also expanded into robotics, leveraging its LiDAR expertise to explore new markets [20]
激光雷达，智驾系统发展推手丨热门赛道
创业邦·2024-12-04 23:50