Beyond the Hype: Understanding Volvo's Lidar Technology in the EX90 and Beyond

Volvo's dedication to automotive safety is a cornerstone of its identity, constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation to protect drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. For decades, research and development have led to increasingly sophisticated systems designed to prevent accidents before they happen. The arrival of the Volvo EX90 marks another significant step in this journey, introducing an advanced suite of sensors designed to create an unparalleled level of awareness.   

Central to this advancement is LiDAR technology. While cameras and radar have become common, LiDAR adds a new dimension to how a vehicle perceives its surroundings. This system is key to the EX90's ability to offer enhanced protection and represents a foundational technology for the future of driving. Understanding what LiDAR is and how Volvo implements it reveals a clear vision for safer roads ahead.   

Decoding LiDAR: More Than Just Light

LiDAR, an acronym for Light Detection and Ranging, operates on a simple yet powerful principle: it emits pulses of laser light and measures how long they take to bounce back after hitting an object. This allows it to create a highly precise, three-dimensional map of the environment around the vehicle, determining the exact distance, shape, and position of objects with remarkable accuracy. Unlike cameras, which rely on visible light and can struggle in darkness, bright sunlight, or poor weather, LiDAR functions effectively day or night. While radar is excellent at detecting the range and speed of objects, LiDAR provides much finer detail about an object's shape and surface characteristics. Volvo's integration of LiDAR aims to drastically reduce severe accidents – research suggests it could cut accidents with severe outcomes by up to 20 percent when added to an already safe vehicle.   

How the EX90 Uses LiDAR for Enhanced Safety

In the Volvo EX90, the LiDAR sensor is seamlessly integrated into the roofline, working alongside eight cameras, five radars, and sixteen ultrasonic sensors. This comprehensive array feeds data to the car's high-performance core computers. Specifically, the LiDAR system can spot pedestrians up to 250 metres away and detect objects as small and dark as a tire on the road from 120 metres ahead, even while travelling at highway speeds. This long-range, high-fidelity perception allows the EX90's safety systems to react when a driver might be a fraction too late. This constant vigilance forms an "invisible shield of safety", enhancing features like Pilot Assist by providing more reliable data for functions such as steering support during lane changes.   

LiDAR: The Foundation for Future Driving

The detailed environmental understanding provided by LiDAR is not just about enhancing current safety systems; it's a critical building block for the future of driving. By creating a more accurate and reliable picture of the world outside, LiDAR enables the development of more sophisticated driver assistance features and paves the way for autonomous driving capabilities. Volvo states the EX90 is its first vehicle that arrives hardware-ready for unsupervised driving in the future, a capability heavily reliant on the advanced perception that LiDAR provides. This technology moves beyond incremental improvements, offering a leap in the car's ability to sense its environment, anticipate potential hazards, and ultimately assist the driver in navigating complex situations more safely.   

LiDAR technology represents a significant advancement in automotive perception, offering precision and reliability in conditions where other sensors might falter. By integrating LiDAR starting with the EX90, Volvo reinforces its longstanding commitment to safety, leveraging cutting-edge technology to reduce accidents and progress towards a future with zero collisions. This sophisticated sensor suite is fundamental to creating a vehicle that actively looks out for you.

Imagine the confidence of knowing your vehicle possesses an extra layer of awareness, day or night. Experience the future of Volvo safety. Contact us at Volvo Cars Mississauga to learn more about the Volvo EX90 and its pioneering technology.