#United States #New York #Lidar #Voyant Photonics #CARBON

Voyant Photonics Launches CARBON

In an exciting development for the world of sensor technology, Voyant Photonics has announced the release of its innovative CARBON FMCW (Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave) LiDAR sensor. This groundbreaking product is the first truly effective and cost-efficient LiDAR solution built on a compact chip, promising to reshape machine perception capabilities across various industries, including robotics, security, and industrial applications.

Compact and Powerful

Weighing only 250 grams and the size of a fingernail, the CARBON sensor integrates optics on a photonic integrated circuit (PIC). This unique design delivers high-resolution, millimeter-precise object detection and segmentation abilities, reaching distances of up to 200 meters. Not only does it offer unmatched affordability compared to existing leading LiDAR products, but it also excels in performance, capable of processing real-time data with remarkable accuracy, thanks to its innovative technology.

Revolutionary 4D Capabilities

One of the standout features of the CARBON system is its 4D capability. By utilizing FMCW technology, this sensor can provide instant information on the velocity of moving objects, in addition to traditional metrics like distance, reflectivity, and intensity. This allows for high-fidelity point cloud data, enabling applications to maintain a detailed real-time understanding of their environment, and performing 20 updates per second. This feature can effectively improve vehicle ego-positioning in areas where GPS signals are unreliable, potentially replacing high-end inertial measurement units (IMUs).

All-Weather Performance

Voyant's CARBON sensor significantly outshines traditional Time of Flight (ToF) LiDAR models by demonstrating superior performance in various weather conditions, including dust, fog, rain, and snow. It efficiently deals with sunlight interference, particularly during sunrise and sunset, and is immune to interference from retroreflective surfaces, which often disrupt legacy LiDAR technologies. With an IP67 rating offering dust and water protection, the CARBON is designed to withstand tough environmental conditions, ensuring it remains robust and reliable.

High-Resolution and Versatile

With a native resolution of 128 lines per frame, the CARBON sensor matches camera-level resolution and offers a broad field of view—45° vertically and 90° horizontally. Its capabilities enable the detection and tracking of moving objects with immense precision at ranges extending to 200 meters. The technology also boasts a high-speed capability to detect radial velocities of up to 63 m/s (approximately 140 mph), making it ideal for fast-paced environments.
Moreover, the software-defined LiDAR (SDL) feature allows users to adjust the frame rate and field of view during operation, letting users focus on areas of interest dynamically. This ensures even small objects can be detected and classified effectively.

Availability and Pricing

The CARBON sensor is now available for order at a competitive price of $1,490 for individual units, with volume pricing options also available. It comes with a two-year warranty. Interested parties can learn more about the technology by visiting Voyant Photonics’ website or attending their demonstration at CES 2025, where they will be showcasing the CARBON at booth #3175 in the LVCC's West Hall, focusing on Vehicle Technology and Advanced Mobility.

Voyant Photonics, established in 2018 with roots from prestigious institutions like Cornell and Columbia Universities, has secured over $20 million in funding and is committed to delivering transformative sensor technology for a range of applications. Their advancements in chip-scale LiDAR solutions are set to provide exceptional performance at historically unprecedented price points.