Self-driving shuttle manufacturer Coast Autonomous has selected Quebec-based lidar technology developer LeddarTech to provide its mobility lidar platform and sensors for its autonomous shuttles.
Since 2012, Coast has conducted more than 60 trials in seven different countries, safely transporting over 120,000 passengers. The company’s self-driving vehicles integrate several detection technologies, including lidar, radar and camera. LeddarTech’s lidar provides full coverage with no dead zones within the entire perimeter of the vehicle, also referred to as the cocoon. This protects vulnerable road users such as pedestrians who may approach the vehicle in stop-and-go situations.
Pierre Lefevre, chief technology officer at Coast Autonomous, said, “With the intent of providing the safest rides to our passengers, our selection of detection technologies takes into consideration the maturity of the partners we work with and their ability to consistently deliver on their promises. With more than a decade of experience building lidar sensors, LeddarTech is the perfect partner for us and has consistently shown it could exceed our expectations.”
Adrian Pierce, vice president of global sales and business development of LeddarTech, added, “We are honored that our cocoon lidar solutions were selected and trusted by Coast to be part of its self-driving vehicles.
“The first element of Coast’s charter is safety first, and the deployment of LeddarTech’s cocoon lidar supports that charter and the commitment Coast makes to their customers.
“Making mobility applications safer is at the core of our DNA. Our technology offers the right balance of performance and cost-effectiveness and is ready for deployment today.”