Sensor technologies are mature for autonomous driving application

Currently the most advanced commercial car with autonomous features embeds about 17 sensors with two main solutions being ultrasonic sensors and cameras for surround. And by 2030, Yole anticipates more than 29 sensors. A majority of automotive industry players are currently developing sensor based solutions to increase vehicle safety in high and low speed zones. These systems, called ADAS use a combination of advanced sensors mixed with actuators, control units and integrating software.

These systems enable the driver and his car to monitor and respond to their surroundings. Some ADAS are already available. It includes: lane-keeping and warning systems, adaptive cruise control, back-up alerts and parking assistance. And many others are still under development. Under this context, Yole’s analysts propose a comprehensive technology & market survey dedicated to the technologies for autonomous driving. According to Yole’s experts, autonomous driving has a long way to go.

“Sensors for ADAS are now rather mature, except LIDAR and dead reckoning, however, some of the technical blocks needed to achieve self-driving like ECU, software, data management are not mature enough to enter the current market”, comments Dr Guillaume Girardin, Technology & Market Analyst at Yole. And he adds: “The technology will quickly evolve and serve the autonomous vehicle trend”.  

The autonomous vehicle report from Yole provides a deep understanding of sensors and data management for autonomous vehicles including market metrics, ASP analysis and expected evolution. The analysts describe the applications for key existing markets and promising emerging ones; they also analysed the major technology trends, the value chain, its infrastructure and the players. What are the major drivers? What will the market look like in 2030? Who will be the winner? Yole’s report details the insight of the automotive driving industry.

Sensor technologies are mature, but embedded data processing and management are still under construction, with emerging players like Mobileye, nVidia, and Kalray providing advanced ECU challenging the established players like Toshiba or Infineon. Yole’s analysts underline the related technical choices made by the companies, including ultrasonic sensors, short-range radar, long-range radar, LIDAR and dead reckoning sensors, along with the associated data management.

Future cars will slowly evolve from traditional mechanical, fuel-powered, and high-powered electronic vehicles into electrical-powered, ultra-sensitive machines that can anticipate many critical situations. The overall goal is to replace the last remaining cause of driving errors, human beings.

“Yes, the automotive market holds great promise” confirms Yole, the “More than Moore” market research and strategy consulting company. “But who will profit?”

The market value for sensors in autonomous vehicles is likely to grow rapidly, but a strong focus on computing and software is expected in the coming years, with more powerful ECUs and sensor fusion for improved reliability and efficiency. At Yole, analysts believe that sooner or later the value will flow from sensors to ECU and software, leading to the emergence of new specialised players who will take a slice of the pie. A detailed description of this report is available on i-micronews.com website, MEMS & Sensors reports section.