Echodyne introduces high-resolution imaging radar for autonomous vehicles

January 8, 2020 | AUVSI News

Echodyne has introduced EchoDrive, the company’s high-resolution imaging radar for autonomous vehicles.

Built on MESA technology, EchoDrive offers a new type of sensor functionality that greatly enhances machine perception, Echodyne says. The company adds that EchoDrive delivers what it describes as “unprecedented real-time control” over the radar’s interrogation of the drive scene, which enables a “richer form” of machine perception.

To optimize measurement “moment by moment” through constantly evolving environments, conditions, and scenarios, the radar’s dynamic control API utilizes knowledge in the AV stack such as HD maps, V2X, and other sensor data. One example of this is EchoDrive being able to smoothly transition from normal drive scene to work zone heightened awareness, increase frame rate to secure an unprotected left turn, or zoom in on a tunnel approach.

By elevating the cognitive functions of artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) in the AV stack, this “dynamic tasking” of a high-performance analog beam-steering radar greatly enhances safety.

“Today, AV stacks have a one-way flow of data where sensors deliver information and the AV system processes it and takes action. What is missing is a dynamic, interactive flow of data that makes cognitive functions possible in the AV stack,” explains Eben Frankenberg, CEO of Echodyne.

“With EchoDrive, the AV system can direct the radar to interrogate specific objects to gain clarity on the driving scene for more confident AV decision making. We look forward to helping companies across the AV spectrum design, build, and deliver safer vehicles by using Echodyne’s EchoDrive radar.”

Among its many offerings, EchoDrive offers “rich raw unfiltered data,” high resolution imaging in both azimuth and elevation, and “seamless” adaptation to changing drive scenes.

“EchoDrive is a huge leap forward in imaging radar for AV,” says Tom Driscoll, CTO of Echodyne.

“We’re delivering a sensor that, for the first time, brings cognitive sensor capabilities to the AV industry.”