Omnitron Sensors, led by co-founder and CEO Eric Aguilar, is making significant strides in addressing the challenges within the lidar market. The surge in demand for lidar subsystems, projected to reach US$6.3bn by 2027, is largely fueled by the automotive industry’s need for precise optical technology offering real-time 3D vision in various weather and lighting conditions.
Omnitron, a semiconductor startup founded by individuals with backgrounds at Tesla and Google, announced noteworthy achievements in catering to this growing market. It introduced the first microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) step-scanning mirror designed to meet the demanding requirements of lidar in ADAS, robotic cars and aerial drones.
Omnitron’s accomplishments are supported by its lead investor, L’Attitude Ventures, a backer of early-stage US Latina(o)-owned startups with high growth potential. Since its establishment in 2019, Omnitron has secured a total of US$11m in venture capital.
In late Q3 2023, Omnitron disclosed Silex Microsystems as its foundry partner, marking readiness to deliver the first MEMS scanner meeting lidar requirements. The company has also established partnerships with key players in the lidar ecosystem, attracting attention from Tier 1 automotive suppliers due to the MEMS mirror’s alignment with lidar system tolerances without constant recalibration, and its pricing suited for cars.
Aguilar said, “With the capital in hand to manufacture our MEMS mirror and with Silex as our proven high-volume foundry partner, we’ve cleared the way to satisfy future demand from lidar suppliers.”
For more sensors news, please click here.