US government probing security risks of Chinese LiDAR sensors
What's the story
The Idaho National Laboratory, a Department of Energy facility, is investigating the potential security risks of Chinese LiDAR sensors if they are widely adopted in US vehicles. The investigation is being funded by an unidentified company or group of companies in the electric and autonomous vehicle sectors. However, companies such as Rivian, General Motors, Ford, Kodiak, Lucid Motors, Nuro, and Uber have denied any knowledge about this review, TechCrunch reports.
Technology review
Understanding LiDAR technology and its significance
LiDAR, or light detection and ranging, is a sensor technology that uses laser pulses to measure distances to nearby objects.
It has been widely used in autonomous vehicle development for its ability to create a detailed picture of a self-driving car's surroundings.
However, the technology is now under scrutiny as US lawmakers are working on bills to ban Chinese LiDAR sensors from American roads due to potential security risks.
Legislative action
Lawmaker expresses concerns over Chinese LiDAR technology
Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), who is leading the Securing Infrastructure from Adversaries Act with Senator Ted Budd (R-NC), has voiced her concerns over Chinese LiDAR technology.
She fears it could be used for military or industrial espionage.
Baldwin said, "As infrastructure becomes more sophisticated, the threat Chinese LiDAR technology poses to American communities and our national security cannot be allowed to go unchecked."
Cybersecurity fears
Cybersecurity risks posed by Chinese LiDAR
Omer Keilaf, CEO and co-founder of Israeli LiDAR company Innoviz, has highlighted two major cybersecurity risks posed by Chinese LiDAR.
The first is the potential for mass disabling of sensors, which could disrupt vehicles in motion or render them unusable.
The second risk is that detailed data collected by these sensors about their surroundings could be compressed and transmitted via a cellular chip.
Market impact
LiDAR's declining cost and growing adoption in the US
The cost of LiDAR has plummeted over the last decade, making it an attractive option for automakers and autonomous vehicle companies in the US.
This has led to a growing interest in Chinese LiDAR sensors as part of their sensor suites.
However, there are still concerns about the future regulatory landscape and potential security risks associated with widespread adoption of this technology.