Is LiDAR Necessary for Autonomous Vehicles?

The debate over whether LiDAR is necessary for autonomous vehicles (AVs) has been ongoing for years. While some argue that a combination of LiDAR and camera systems with advanced software is the best approach, others, like Tesla, believe that LiDAR is not essential for achieving full autonomy. In this article, we will delve into the arguments for and against the use of LiDAR and what the future might hold for this critical technology.

The Current Debate

The problem with relying solely on LiDAR is that it provides accurate distance measurements but lacks details about the objects it detects. On the other hand, vision systems using multiple cameras are adept at identifying and outlining objects accurately, but they struggle with distance measurements. Combining the two might seem like the ideal solution, but some experts argue that it is too computationally intensive and complex.

A common argument against LiDAR is that it is too expensive. However, two factors could help bring down the cost: mass adoption through economies of scale and the increasing popularity of car-sharing services. In urban areas, car-sharing services are becoming more common, and many people are living without cars, relying on on-demand taxis or AVs. These models could significantly reduce the cost of owning and operating an expensive AV.

Opinions from Leading Companies

Companies like Waymo and GM argue that LiDAR is essential for achieving true autonomy. They believe that combining LiDAR with cameras and advanced software is the right approach. Tesla, on the other hand, is taking a different stance, insisting that LiDAR is not necessary for full autonomy. This riddle in the industry continues to evolve as new evidence and real-world testing emerge.

The Merit of the Question

Some argue that the question itself is somewhat moot. They suggest that it's like asking whether hydrogen is necessary for interstellar flight, pointing out that we don't have autonomous cars to know for sure. To prove the necessity of LiDAR, we would need to build an autonomous car without it and prove that achieving full autonomy is not possible without it. So far, no such car has been built and proven successful.

The autonomous vehicle that is closest to full autonomy is still plagued by limitations. For instance, the cars are confined to a few city districts and still require human intervention. Despite advancements, the level of reliability and safety required for autonomous driving is still far from being fully demonstrated without LiDAR.

The Role of LiDAR in Future Autonomous Systems

LiDAR, despite its current limitations, may play a significant role in future autonomous systems. For instance, LiDAR excels in adverse weather conditions and at night, where passive stereo vision falls short. Hence, it offers a complementary advantage.

A key factor in the adoption of any new technology is social acceptance. As machine vision systems become integrated into various applications, there is a tendency to expect perfection. Even small errors are magnified when it comes to systems that can impact human lives. Thus, having multiple redundancy systems, such as LiDAR, stereo, and radar, enhances the critical safety and reliability of the autonomous driving system.

Currently, LiDAR systems are used to train machine learning algorithms and populate databases of driven kilometers. As more autonomous vehicles hit the roads, the importance of LiDAR will only grow. Eventually, it might become infeasible to disregard LiDAR systems entirely, much like the case with mammography.

Even though better driving systems may be developed without LiDAR, the technology has already become a part of the ecosystem that supports autonomous driving. For instance, traditional X-ray mammography has been surpassed by laser mammography, but the insurance industry is still reluctant to cover it due to legal precedents.

Therefore, while the push to develop advanced driving systems without LiDAR continues, the technology is likely to stay and play a crucial role in enhancing overall safety in the future.

Conclusion

The debate over LiDAR in autonomous vehicles shows no signs of abating. While Tesla advocates against it and companies like Waymo stand by its necessity, the evolving technology will likely see LiDAR play an increasingly significant role. The critical elements of social acceptance and safety will continue to drive the adoption of this technology, ensuring that the safety and reliability of autonomous driving continue to improve.