While technologies such as LiDAR and radar have captured much of the attention for autonomous vehicle sensing systems, short-wave infrared (SWIR) imaging sensors remain a viable competitor. Unlike LiDAR and radar sensors, which are susceptible to certain forms of interference, SWIR sensors are able to capture crystal-clear frames in fog and dust, as well as in low light.
According to several online reports, TriEye has announced it will collaborate with Porsche on SWIR sensors to improve the performance of the German sports car manufacturer’s advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and self-driving system. The companies hope to improve those systems’ ability to accurately detect objects on the road in situations with limited visibility.
Previously, Porsche contributed $2 million in capital to TriEye in an expanded series A round, which brought the Israel-based startup’s total raised to $22 million. Other backers include Intel Capital, cybersecurity entrepreneur Marius Nacht, and Grove Ventures, which is headed by TriEye chair Dov Moran.
“Our collaboration with Porsche has been exceptional from day one, and we look forward to growing this potential,” said TriEye CEO and cofounder Avi Bakal, in a statement. “The fact that Porsche, a leading car manufacturer, has decided to invest in TriEye and evaluate TriEye’s CMOS-based SWIR camera to help further improve ADAS is a significant vote of confidence in our technology.”
TriEye was founded in 2016 by Bakal, vice president of R&D Omer Kapach, and CTO Uriel Levy, following nearly a decade of research Levy conducted at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The company’s flagship product is the IP68-rated Raven, a CMOS sensor it claims is more compact (3 x 3 x 2.5 centimeters), higher in resolution (1,280 x 960 pixels), and cheaper (by up to a factor of 1,000) than conventional alternatives.
TriEye provides numerous software and AI-powered remote nano-photonic sensing solutions, some of which were developed by its in-house team of experts in device physics, process design, electro-optics, and deep learning. The company asserts that its full-stack approach positions it well to tackle verticals beyond automotive, like security and optical inspection.