Osram reports that it has acquired a 25.1 percent share of Canadian LiDAR technology firm LeddarTech Inc. LeddarTech of Quebec, Canada, integrates LiDAR into semiconductors and sensor modules for driver assistance systems and self-driving cars. LeddarTech specializes in developing solid-state LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) systems. These LiDAR systems use infrared light to monitor an area.
Like radar, LiDAR detects objects and measures distances and speeds, but it uses infrared light instead of RF signals. Osram points out that the investment in LeddarTech is its response to the growing LiDAR technology for self-driving vehicles and in many other mobility-related applications.
Osram also says LeddarTech’s advanced optical sensing technology is highly complementary with its semiconductor products. The two companies already collaborate, and Osram says its investment in LeddarTech is in the mid double-digit millions of Euros.
“Osram is already the world’s leading provider of sensor lights for autonomous vehicles and is experiencing steadily rising demand in this field. We see the investment in LeddarTech as a logical step on the way to becoming the leading provider of solutions in this area,” said Stefan Kampmann, Chief Technology Officer at OSRAM Licht AG.
“We see a great natural fit between our two companies and are pleased to welcome Osram as a strategic investor,” said Charles Boulanger, LeddarTech’s CEO. “LeddarTech is on its way to becoming the reference in solid-state LiDARs for the automotive industry, and we believe our association with the market leader in automotive lighting represents an important milestone in that direction,” stated Boulanger. “This investment from Osram is part of a larger financing round currently under way by LeddarTech and expected to be finalized shortly. Further details will be provided after the closing of the round.”
