Valeo has developed the only solution of its kind on the market that automatically cleans sensors, regardless of weather conditions. This innovation leverages Valeo's patented technology and expertise in developing and manufacturing cleaning systems such as Valeo AquaBlade® and Valeo Remote Clean4U™.
Sensors must be perfectly clean...
Cars are more and more equipped with cameras, sensors, LiDARs, etc. An autonomous car whose sensors are dirty cannot drive. To provide a good visibility in all conditions and for an infallible security, sensors must be perfectly clean.
LiDAR records, recognizes and maps out in real time objects surrounding autonomous vehicles. For the system to function at its best, its optical sensors and transmitters must be kept impeccably clean at all times. Particles of dust, salt, water or mud could shorten the distance from which objects can be detected as well as impair object recognition.
EverView LiDAR - how it works?
The LiDAR cleaning system is equipped with a small retractable arm and multiple nozzles that spray cleaning fluid and clean the sensors automatically.
Thanks to its high-precision extension function, Valeo's cleaning system uses just 25 ml of cleaning fluid per wash versus the 100 ml consumed by the non-automatic systems of its competitors. This allows for a lighter, more compact reservoir and, as a result, lower vehicle CO2 emissions. The cleaning fluid is sprayed evenly as the arm extends, thereby optimizing the cleaning process across the sensor's entire surface. As an additional option, Valeo also offers a defrosting feature to ensure maximum performance during the winter.
The system works seamlessly with all conventional pumps and can be installed without having to rethink the design or change the aesthetics of the car.
The EverView LiDAR is still on development. The first car using this solution will be on the market in 2020.
Valeo SCALA® - the first laser scanner for the automotive volume production
It is worth to mention, that Valeo has also developed the first laser scanner for the automotive volume production - Valeo SCALA®. This technology is a key enabler for highly automated driving thanks to its unique combination of a large detection range, wide field of view and accuracy.
Valeo SCALA scans the area in front of the vehicle and detects vehicles, motorbikes, pedestrians and static obstacles. Using the collected data, the scanner enables the creation of a map of the environment allowing to analyze and anticipate events around the vehicle.
This technology as well serves to enhance active safety by initiating measures such like evasion maneuvers or emergency braking.
Find out more about Valeo SCALA® - https://www.valeo.com/en/valeo-scala/
