Startup SiLC Technologies, Inc. (SiLC), founded in 2018, has reportedly launched the industry’s first commercially available integrated frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) LiDAR sensor for machine-vision applications such as mobility, robotics, and security. The new Eyeonic vision sensor integrates all of the photonics functions needed for a coherent vision sensor in a small package.
The Eyeonic vision sensor is said to offer accurate instantaneous depth, velocity, and dual-polarization intensity information, enabling robotic vehicles and machines to have the necessary data to perceive and classify their environment. These features also help them predict future dynamics using low-latency, low-compute power, and rule-based algorithms, according to the company.
The Eyeonic vision sensor delivers coherent vision and chip-scale LiDAR in a compact package for machine-vision applications. Click for a larger image. (Source: SiLC)
The company calls the new solution a first-of-its-kind FMCW LiDAR transceiver. At the center of the Eyeonic vision sensor is SiLC’s silicon photonic chip, which integrates the LiDAR functionality. The chip is the only readily-integratable solution for manufacturers of autonomous vehicles, security solutions, and industrial robots, said SiLC.
“Eyeonic represents one giant step forward in the quest to bring true vision to machines,” said Kris Peng, president at UMC Capital, in a statement. “This is the first step toward a scalable, lightweight, low-cost solution that can measure the full motion of any object – without any prior training.”
The Eyeonic vision sensor is available in two configurations – fiber and fiberless. The fiber pigtailed Eyeonic supports configurations where the FMCW LiDAR transceiver and scanning unit are at different locations, while the fiberless vision sensors enable the lowest cost in a small configuration.
The Eyeonic vision sensor integrates all of the photonics functions needed to enable a coherent vision sensor – laser, optical circuitry and detectors – into a single silicon photonics chip (the orange-reddish chip in the center). Click for a larger image. (Source: SiLC)
The solution will be available to system integrators and end users, starting with early access to strategic partners in autonomy, security, and industrial applications. SiLC offers reference designs and key components needed to develop a full solution. Examples of fully configured systems, based on the Eyeonic platform, will be available as prototypes. SiLC will demonstrate the FMCW LiDAR sensor at CES 2022, January 5-8, Las Vegas, Nevada.