Mercedes, Luminar ink ‘multibillion-dollar deal' for lidar sensors

Mercedes-Benz plans to integrate millions of Luminar's lidar sensors into multiple vehicle models by mid-decade as part of a push that supports new automated-driving features. This marks the first time Mercedes has scheduled production of cars equipped with lidar following a yearslong development partnership with Luminar. Mercedes did not say which vehicle models are first slated to receive the lidar sensors, which help vehicles depict their surroundings and detect obstacles on the road ahead. As part of the agreement, Luminar's lidar will support features ranging from automated emergency braking to more groundbreaking aspects of automated driving. With the contract inked, Luminar will turn its attention toward planning for increased production of the Iris lidar units.