Silicon Light Machines (SiLC) Applied Sciences has secured funding from Honda to develop its Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) lidar technology on a chip.

Silicon Laboratories (SiLC) in October unveiled four new variations of its Eyeonic offering, specifically optimized for artificial intelligence (AI) and machine vision applications. Supply: SiLC Applied sciences

Sensor technologies continue to evolve towards enhancing road safety. SiLC Applied sciences Inc. Honda Xcelerator Ventures has made a strategic investment to accelerate the growth of its next-generation frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) lidar technology.

“Silicon Light Cure, or SiLC, serves as the industry leader in analyzing and developing Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave lidar technology, capable of detecting vehicles and numerous obstacles from considerable distances,” stated Manabu Ozawa, Managing Executive Officer at Honda Motor Co., “Honda holds high expectations for its potential.” “Honda aims to eradicate all traffic fatalities caused by its vehicles worldwide by 2050.”

“We believe that SiLC’s advanced lidar expertise will become a crucial asset for us.” “Honda fosters innovation through its open programme, Honda Xcelerator Ventures, partnering with pioneers such as SiLC, investing in cutting-edge startups that drive revolution.”

While SiLC Technologies has secured approximately $67 million to date, a relatively modest amount compared to other lidar manufacturers, the company has focused on delivering core products and maintaining relationships with customers and partners, according to CEO Mehdi Asghari.

As a result, more than 50% of our revenue originates from client payments, guaranteeing their active participation in the game. “We believe our silicon-based lidar platform is among the finest available today,” he stated. “We don’t specialize in software programming; instead,” While navigating the challenges of the pandemic, global conflicts, and the inevitable fluctuations in technological fervor, our team has successfully leveraged its uniquely innovative expertise.

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Before committing to an investment, Honda carefully assessed Eyeonic’s potential.

“Honda conducted a comprehensive due diligence process to ensure the value alignment of SiLC’s technology, according to Asghari.” “We’ve engaged in extensive discussions with numerous global OEMs, leveraging the expertise of our know-how team and the collective resources of our funding group.” 

According to SiLC, synthetic intelligence and vision capabilities can significantly enhance the safety of advanced driver-assistance systems, autonomous vehicles, and other intelligent transportation solutions by improving object detection, tracking, and response times. Notwithstanding their requirements to identify objects at greater distances, with higher resolutions, and faster velocities, the corporation emphasized.

Asghari argued that SiLC’s frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) technology outperformed time-of-flight (ToF) solutions due to its ability to detect objects resembling tires at a distance of 150 meters, and an individual in dark clothing at 300 meters. TOF sensors are susceptible to interference from daylight, reflections, and various lidar programs, potentially limiting their range to mere hundreds of meters.

Our SiLC solutions have consistently showcased capabilities to detect and track unmanned aerial systems (UAS) at distances exceeding 1 kilometer, thereby ensuring perimeter safety for various applications. 

The corporation has equipped its machines with “near-human vision capabilities,” enabling accurate, real-time perception across various industries.

“Honda sought an exceptionally scalable and robust solution for efficient performance from a single integrated circuit,” Asghari explained. “Honda’s scope extends beyond automotive, encompassing a diverse range of products including lawnmowers, software, aircraft, and robotics. As such, the company aimed to create something beneficial for multiple markets.”

Silicon Lightwave Chipsets (SiLC) claims that Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) technology provides critical data for the development of artificial intelligence.

With real-time integration, advanced sensors can provide high-fidelity data to significantly improve the training and evaluation of machine vision algorithms, according to SiLC. As corporations leverage their built-in programs and sensor fusion capabilities, cell programming evolves to become increasingly intelligent.

The Eyeonic Imaginative and Prescient System marks a significant breakthrough in artificial intelligence, empowering machines with the capacity for nuanced spatial awareness, rapid measurement capabilities, and polarized data analysis, thereby enabling seamless collaboration and navigation within the physical realm.

Asghari noted, “Eyeonic can detect a person in dark attire from a staggering 300 meters (984 feet) away, or identify a child through a windshield – feats difficult to achieve with a conventional camera.” “While empowering predictive analytics and optimizing energy requirements, we help drive down the cost of the data stack.”

Silicon Light Cure’s in-house, monolithic FMCW lidar technology provides real-time, high-resolution, precise machine vision capabilities with unparalleled range and accuracy. Supply: SiLC Applied sciences

Funding to develop U.S. testing, manufacturing

FMCW lidar technology has experienced significant growth within the military sector, with SiLC being the sole provider of fully integrated sensors capable of scaling for commercial applications. The company also plans to expand its domestic laboratory and manufacturing facilities.

Asghari explained that they would consolidate all operations under a single roof in Monrovia, California. “We’re expanding into three key markets: the substantial long-term opportunity of ; high-precision solutions for ; and advanced detection and classification capabilities.”

“Our sensors collaborate seamlessly with cameras and radar systems, enabling us to detect and distinguish drones from a distance of several kilometers.” “Our expertise enables us to accurately calculate the speed of a propeller, thereby assisting in determining whether a drone is friendly or hostile.”

“The substantial funding from the world’s leading automaker will significantly accelerate our journey toward a society where fully autonomous transportation becomes a reality, enhancing overall safety and addressing critical labor shortages across numerous key markets,” said Asghari. “Our innovative silicon photonics platform offers a robust, cost-effective, eco-friendly, and scalable frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) lidar engine, critical for meeting the vast demand of the automotive industry.”