Nullmax 徐雷：视觉能力将决定智驾系统上限，反对把激光雷达当 “拐棍”

Core Viewpoint - The ongoing debate in the autonomous driving field revolves around the merits of pure vision systems versus sensor fusion approaches, with a strong emphasis on the superiority of camera-based systems in terms of information richness and processing frequency [3][4][9]. Summary by Sections Technical Insights - Pure vision systems utilize cameras as the primary sensors, providing higher frequency and richer data compared to LiDAR systems, which have lower frame rates and less detailed point cloud information [4][9]. - The performance ceiling of autonomous driving systems is significantly influenced by the choice of sensors, with pure vision systems having a higher potential if algorithms and computational power are sufficiently advanced [5][9]. Sensor Performance - Cameras can capture images at 30 frames per second, while LiDAR typically operates at around 10 frames per second, leading to a disparity in the amount of information processed [4][9]. - The reliance on LiDAR in some fusion systems may indicate a lack of development in visual processing capabilities, which can hinder overall system performance in challenging scenarios [10][11]. Industry Perspectives - The CEO of Nullmax, Xu Lei, advocates for prioritizing visual capabilities in autonomous systems, suggesting that over-reliance on LiDAR may provide a short-term solution but limits long-term performance [4][10]. - Xu Lei emphasizes the importance of developing robust visual processing algorithms to fully leverage the data captured by cameras, as the information density is significantly higher than that of LiDAR [6][9]. Cost and Practical Considerations - The integration of multiple sensor types must consider cost and performance trade-offs, as adding LiDAR can increase system complexity and expense without necessarily enhancing performance [5][14]. - The industry is witnessing a trend where companies prioritize rapid deployment of systems, often opting for LiDAR to expedite the process, despite potential limitations in performance [11][16]. Future Directions - Xu Lei expresses an open-minded approach towards the use of various sensors, including future technologies, while maintaining that visual capabilities should remain the core focus of development [10][11]. - The evolution of sensor technologies, such as 4D millimeter-wave radar, is seen as complementary to camera systems, particularly in adverse weather conditions, although the necessity of LiDAR is debated [13][14].