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SiLC Technologies Inc. is making strides in the world of mobility safety, recently announcing a significant investment from Honda Xcelerator Ventures aimed at advancing its next-generation frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) lidar technology.
According to Manabu Ozawa, managing executive officer of Honda Motor Co., SiLC has emerged as a frontrunner in FMCW lidar development, which provides the capability to detect vehicles and obstacles at substantial distances. He emphasized Honda’s ambition for zero traffic-related fatalities by 2050 and expressed confidence in SiLC’s technology being crucial for achieving this goal.
Mehdi Asghari, CEO of SiLC Technologies, pointed out that despite raising approximately $67 million—less than some competitors—the company has honed its focus on delivering essential components and collaborating effectively with customers. He noted, “More than half of our funding is derived from our clients, ensuring they are invested in our success.” Asghari attributed the company’s persistence to its distinctive technology, despite challenges posed by the pandemic and the evolving lidar landscape.
Honda’s Investment Based on Thorough Evaluation
Asghari discussed the comprehensive due-diligence process conducted by Honda prior to the investment, emphasizing that SiLC needed to demonstrate the practical applications of its technology. The company has engaged with numerous original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) globally to validate its offerings.
SiLC highlighted that advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine vision can bolster the safety of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), autonomous vehicles, and mobile robots. A key requirement is the ability to detect objects at greater distances and improved resolutions, essential for enhancing overall safety.
Asghari asserts that SiLC’s FMCW lidar technology has advantages over traditional time-of-flight (ToF) systems, citing its ability to detect objects at distances exceeding 150 meters (approximately 492 feet) for inanimate objects like tires and 300 meters (about 984 feet) for individuals in dark clothing. In contrast, ToF systems face limitations, particularly in bright light conditions, which hinder their effectiveness.
SiLC’s technology has also showcased capabilities extending beyond one kilometer (0.6 miles) for detecting uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS), enhancing perimeter security.
For more information, visit the Eyeonic Vision System section on the SiLC website, which illustrates how this system provides machines with “near-human vision capabilities,” essential for accurate and real-time perception across various industries.
Asghari explained that Honda sought a highly scalable and robust solution that could seamlessly integrate into a single chip, given the company’s diverse interests ranging from automotive to marine systems and beyond.
Significance of FMCW Data for AI Developments
SiLC claims that high-quality data provided by its advanced sensors is key to improving the training and testing processes of machine vision algorithms. The integration of these systems, combined with sensor fusion, positions mobile systems for enhanced intelligence.
Asghari also highlighted the advancements that the Eyeonic Vision System brings to machine vision, enabling crucial capabilities such as depth perception, velocity measurement, and polarization information that facilitate effective interaction with the physical environment. “Eyeonic’s ability to identify individuals in challenging conditions, such as a person in dark clothing at 300 meters, showcases the limitations of traditional cameras,” he noted.
SiLC characterizes its integrated, single-chip FMCW lidar as a means to achieve precise machine vision in real time over long distances.
Expansion Plans for U.S. Operations
Initially developed for military applications, FMCW lidar technology is seeing broader commercial use, with SiLC positioning itself as the only company producing fully integrated sensors suitable for this market. The company has plans to expand its laboratory and manufacturing facilities in the U.S.
“By centralizing our operations in Monrovia, California, we ensure that we can control the entire production process,” Asghari explained. “We are targeting three main markets: automotive, high-precision industrial robotics, and drone detection capabilities.”
He elaborated that their sensors can work alongside cameras and radar systems to detect drones from significant distances, providing critical data for distinguishing between friendly and potentially hostile drones based on their propeller velocity.
Asghari concluded that Honda’s investment, coming from one of the leading mobility manufacturers globally, is set to propel SiLC toward creating fully autonomous solutions that not only enhance safety but also address labor shortages prevalent in various critical fields. He characterized their silicon photonics platform as an essential, efficient, and cost-effective FMCW lidar solution necessary for meeting the automotive industry’s high-volume demands.
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