LiDAR, analyzed

"Just Jeepin'" (macintux) 08/15/2019 at 22:00 • Filed to: Autonomous Cars

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I have long been suspicious of Musk’s obsession with talking down LiDAR . Insisting that not only does Tesla not need it, but anyone who relies on it is a fool, strikes me as too facile/self-serving to be trusted.

Of course, I don’t know shit about the technology, but I do know that more data is (broadly speaking) better than less data when you’re talking about not killing random strangers on the roadway .

So here’s someone who actually does know a bit, doing a comparison of camera vs LiDAR.

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TheRealBicycleBuck > Just Jeepin' 08/15/2019 at 23:02

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While the 2D image analysis is clearly inferior to LiDAR, I think Elon isn’t wrong, he’s just not considering all the dimensions to the problem. A company demoed a stereographic image analysis program for me last year. A series of overlapping photos captured by a “drone” were used to generate a full 3D model of an area using stereographic techniques with minimal input from the operator. The demonstration site was a freeway overpass with photos captured by “drone” from above and from cameras mounted on a truck from below.

It was amazing.

This is coming from a guy who has used LiDAR captured by airplane, truck-mounted systems, and “static” systems mounted on a tripod.

The Subaru EyeSight system is a step in that direction. I’ve driven an Outback equipped with it and I was impressed.

The future will be amazing.

Dakotahound > Just Jeepin' 08/16/2019 at 07:32

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You hit it on the nose, “more data is... better than less data.” Although it may be counter-intuitive , when looking at additional sensors , even low-quality data is better than no data (as long as the errors, or noise, are random).

One argument against LiDAR is that people maneuver in the world with only vision, and automobiles should be able to do the same. Consider, however, that our sensory systems are routinely augmented with outside information . Fighter pilots, for example, use RADAR and infrared night vision systems to assist in flying. Actually, automobiles already have many more sensors that humans (backup cameras, proximity warning, etc.).

I think that Elon Musk’s main objection to Li DAR is the cost. Right now, Li DAR is way too expensive for production vehicles. In the future, however, mass production may bring down the cost. Today, u sing vision sensors only, cars can achieve level 2 autonomy. Getting to level 4 or 5 autonomy may require LiDAR, or some other advanced sensor system.