Unmanned Systems Technology 012 | AutoNaut USV | Connectors | Unmanned Ground Vehicles | Cobra Aero A33i | Intel Falcon 8+ UAV | Propellers | CES Show report

76 H eld every January at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, CES showcases the latest technology for unmanned systems. Competing Lidar technologies were on display, with the prospect of volume production for driverless cars in the next five years. Quanergy won an award for best innovation at the show for its S3 solid-state sensor, while LeddarTech and Innoviz showed their latest laser imaging technology. Quanergy is working with Koito Manufacturing in Japan, the world’s largest maker of car headlights, on a headlight concept with built-in Quanergy S3 solid-state Lidar sensors. Each headlight incorporates two S3s that perform sensing forward and to the side, and provide real-time long-range 3D views of the environment around the vehicle and the ability to recognise and track objects. The sensors are embedded inside the headlights and do not protrude or alter the exterior look of the headlights or the vehicle; the headlight protects the sensors from dust, dirt and water – key issues with discrete sensors. The headlight lens washers can also be used to clear any obstructions on the lens, linking back to the central control unit. As primary sensors, the Lidars are used for perception, mapping and localisation, and occupancy grid detection, path planning and navigation. The data from the headlights will have to be delivered to the different control units handling these functions, which will have an impact on the system design. “We believe that headlights with integrated Lidar sensors will help accelerate the commercialisation of cars with autonomous driving capability,” said Dr Louay Eldada of Quanergy. The company plans to start volume manufacturing of the S3 this year. “We believe that 2017 will be the year that Lidar demonstrates it can be an affordable mass-market product.” For driverless car and truck applications, Quanergy has licensed Sensata Technology to build the sensors. “The high cost and low reliability of Lidar systems have been fundamental barriers Nick Flaherty presents his pick of the product announcements from this premier event Consumer projection February/March 2017 | Unmanned Systems Technology This year’s show drew more than 177,000 people from across the globe, breaking previous records