Arbe Robotics Expands AI Radar Push as It Targets Defense, Drones and Robotaxis

Arbe Robotics Expands AI Radar Push as It Targets Defense, Drones and Robotaxis Arbe Robotics ARBE is expanding commercialization of its ultra-high-resolution radar technology beyond automotive applications, targeting physical AI, autonomous vehicles, defense, security, drones and marine markets, President and Co-Founder Kobi Marenko said during an Equity Sustainability presentation. Marenko said the company’s radar systems are designed to provide environmental perception in weather and lighting conditions that can limit cameras, including rain, fog, snow and nighttime conditions. He said radar also provides velocity information and can detect objects at long range, capabilities he described as important for autonomous movement by vehicles, robots and drones. “Physical AI needs reliable real-world perception,” Marenko said. “We are the sensor for that that can work in any weather, any lighting conditions.” Technology and Business Model Arbe produces radar semiconductor chipsets, including radio-frequency transmitter and receiver components and a proprietary processor. Marenko said the company’s processor can handle substantially more radar channels and points than competing systems, creating a dense point cloud that can be combined with camera data and AI software. For automotive customers, Arbe sells chipsets to Tier 1 suppliers, including Magna in Western markets and HiRain in China. For non-automotive applications, the company is manufacturing complete radar units itself. Marenko said the decision reflected slower-than-expected timing for automotive adoption and the limited interest of Tier 1 suppliers in lower-volume non-automotive programs. “The automotive will take longer than expected, and in order to survive, we must produce the radar by ourselves,” Marenko said. He added that Tier 1 suppliers typically work at volumes in the millions, while certain defense and industrial opportunities may involve thousands or tens of thousands of units. Arbe began shipping full radar systems from its own production line by the end of the second quarter, according to Marenko. He