Teradar, a US-based technology startup, has launched an ambitious innovation that could revolutionize automotive sensor technologies. The company is notable for developing a terahertz-based solid-state sensor that combines the most powerful features of existing LiDAR and radar systems into a single structure.

The LiDAR sensor era may be over

Matt Carey, co-founder and CEO of the startup, states that this sensor, which they have been working on for several years, utilizes the terahertz band of the electromagnetic spectrum, which lies between microwaves and infrared rays.

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This new technology combines the ability of radar sensors to operate even in adverse weather conditions such as rain and fog with the high resolution offered by LiDAR systems. Furthermore, Teradar aims to deliver all these capabilities in a solid-state structure with no moving parts and at a relatively affordable cost.

This sensor, which Carey calls the “Modular Terahertz Engine,” is designed specifically for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and fully autonomous driving solutions. The sensor is said to be easily customizable for different automotive scenarios.

The device is expected to cost around a few hundred dollars, a price point between radar and LiDAR technologies. This pricing aims to offer advanced vision capabilities at an affordable price.

The company is reportedly currently in the sensor validation process with five major automakers in the US and Europe. It is also actively working on three other manufacturing partnerships. Following the completion of these partnerships, Teradar plans to sign the first contract for its sensor, a 2028 model year vehicle.