ASTech Autonomy

This section spotlights the latest news, in-depth articles, and expert insights into the technology fueling the evolving field of autonomous solutions.

Recent

Detectors & Imaging

Optical phased array transforms LiDAR

Tianyue Yu

Nov. 16, 2022

FIGURE 1. Sorry, the Jetson ONE personal eVTOL is sold out for 2022 and 2023. But for $92,000, you too can get in line for this commercially available flying car for 2024. Once it’s shipped from Sweden, you’ll have to assemble it yourself. Classified as an ultralight aircraft in the U.S., the Jetson ONE does not require a pilot’s license, but would be limited to rural areas.

Detectors & Imaging

Electric flight is taking off, thanks to photonics

Valerie Coffey-Rosich

Nov. 10, 2022

FIGURE 1. Packaging integration for frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) LiDAR.

Test & Measurement

Seeing a bright future for LiDAR

Peter Fretty

Oct. 13, 2022

Optics

Photonic integrated circuits pave the way for autonomous mobility

Michael Richter

Sept. 7, 2022

FIGURE 1. Concept of an autonomous ship by Groke—notice the sensors also on the forward mast.

Detectors & Imaging

Eyes of a ship, part 2: IR detection at sea

Vittorio Lippay

Aug. 29, 2022

Executive Forum

A peek into autonomy

Peter Fretty

July 6, 2022

Highlights

FIGURE 1. Autonomous driving has taken the technology within vehicles to a new level.

ASTech Autonomy

Autonomous interest sparks growth opportunities

Peter Fretty

May 12, 2022

As interest in autonomy spikes, LiDAR’s potential role creates interesting opportunities for technology companies willing to wager on the future of mobility.

Vcsel Line Transmitter Li Dar Module Lx02

Lasers & Sources

VCSEL line beam transmitter has use in lidar

June 22, 2022

The LX02 VCSEL line beam transmitter module for integration into LiDAR systems is the successor of the company’s LX01 model.

Optics

World’s first metasurface for consumer electronics makes commercial debut

Peter Fretty

June 13, 2022

A recently announced partnership between Metalenz and STMicroelectronics marks optical revolutions for the 3D sensor market.

FIGURE 1. VCSEL arrays above 940 nm like this one from TRUMPF can operate across a broader temperature range and improve robustness and service life in NIR applications like facial recognition on consumer devices.

Lasers & Sources

VCSELs: From telecom to the metaverse

Valerie Coffey-Rosich

May 11, 2022

The latest generation of VCSEL chips have evolved from their origin in telecom and datacom to use in advanced 3D sensing applications, such as facial recognition, automotive LiDAR...

FIGURE 1. The 8R autonomous tractor is currently designed for soil tilling, which can free up farmers for more difficult tasks.

Test & Measurement

Working smarter, not harder

Justine Murphy

April 19, 2022

The future of farming lies in the agriculture industry’s ability to advance and evolve. From autonomous tractors to drones, advanced technology is changing the landscape.