When LiDAR technology becomes an unexpected danger

Electric car news

Imagine yourself photographing the latest technological marvel of the automotive world, when suddenly your camera dies. This scenario, worthy of a science fiction film, is nevertheless very real. Welcome to the era of electric cars equipped with LiDAR, a revolutionary technology that might make you regret your last shot.

LiDAR: the high-tech eye of electric cars

LiDAR, an acronym for “Light Detection and Ranging”, is a cutting-edge technology that equips more and more high-end electric vehicles. Unlike simple cameras, LiDAR uses lasers to scan the car's surroundings in real time, creating a ultra-precise 3D map of his entourage.

This technology is particularly popular for systems of advanced autonomous drivingoffering a much greater perception of the environment than traditional cameras. Imagine a radar, but a thousand times more precise and capable of operating even in conditions of reduced visibility.

When high technology becomes an unexpected danger

However, this technological marvel hides a dark side. During the last Paris Motor Show, a disturbing incident was reported. A journalist, while taking a photo of the LiDAR of a car on display, had the unpleasant surprise of seeing its photo sensor partially damaged.

How is this possible? The explanation is both simple and disturbing. The lasers used by some LiDARs can emit a light so intense that she is capable of literally “burn” the pixels of a photo sensor. It's like pointing a powerful laser directly at your camera.

Risk factors: a dangerous game of wavelengths

Not all LiDAR is created equal in terms of risk to your cameras. The danger depends mainly on the wavelength used by the system. Here is a little guide to help you find your way:

• LiDAR at 905 nm: generally harmless to photo sensors
• LiDAR at 1550 nm: potentially dangerous, capable of damaging cameras

But that's not all. Dangerousness also depends on factors such as distance, exposure angle, laser intensity, and exposure duration. It's a veritable cocktail of settings that can turn your photo session into a technological nightmare.

Faced with this emerging problem, automobile manufacturers and equipment suppliers must react. Some, like Valeo, claim their LiDAR systems are designed to be camera-friendly. Others are working on integrated security solutions to limit the risks.

However, with the proliferation of models equipped with LiDAR, particularly among Chinese manufacturers who are investing massively in this technology, the risk could increase. Models like the Nio ET7, the Mercedes EQS and the Volvo EX90 are already equipped with cutting-edge LiDAR systems.

How to protect your photo equipment?

If you are an automobile and photography enthusiast, here are some tips to protect your valuable equipment:

• Avoid directly photographing LiDAR systems in operation
• Use protective filters, such as ND or IR filters, which can reduce the risk of damage
• Keep a safe distance when photographing LiDAR-equipped cars

It is important to note that while LiDARs can damage your cameras, they do not pose a direct danger to your eyes. Eye fluid acts as a natural filter, preventing lasers from reaching the retina.

The future of LiDAR

Despite these challenges, LiDAR remains a promising technology for the future of electric and autonomous mobility. However, its adoption is not unanimous in the industry. Elon Musk, the famous CEO of Tesla, is a staunch opponent of this technology, preferring to focus on systems based solely on cameras and artificial intelligence.

This controversy raises fascinating questions about the future of autonomous driving. On the one hand, we have cars capable of “seeing” their environment with unprecedented precision thanks to LiDAR. On the other, systems like Tesla's Full Self-Driving that attempt to imitate human perception through cameras and advanced algorithms.

The debate is far from over, and it is possible that we will see a coexistence of these technologies in the years to come. Some manufacturers, such as Xpeng, are already experimenting with hybrid approaches, combining LiDAR and camera-based systems.

As consumers and automotive enthusiasts, we are at the forefront of a fascinating technological revolution. Electric cars are not only changing the way we get around, they are redefining our relationship with technology in everyday life.

So the next time you pass a futuristic electric car on the road, remember that it may be hiding high-tech eyes capable of seeing far beyond what the human eye can perceive. And if you want to immortalize it, keep in mind that your camera could pay the price. Welcome to the era of electric mobility, where each innovation brings its share of surprises and unexpected challenges.

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