Luminar Technologies, a Nasdaq-listed manufacturer of lidar sensors for self-driving cars, has acquired the optoelectronic components and laser modules business of Britain’s Gooch & Housego (GHH.L) to enhance its semiconductor operations, CEO Austin Russell said.
Luminar Semi, the company’s semiconductor arm launched last year, will further diversify into aerospace and defense following the acquisition of G&H’s EM4 unit, according to Russell. “We have now over 100 active customers and programs across the board for Luminar Semiconductor,” the 29-year-old founder told Reuters.
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The acquisition builds on Luminar’s previous purchases of laser manufacturer Freedom Photonics, custom chip design house Black Forest Engineering, and photodetector firm Optogration, forming the foundation for Luminar Semi.
“Companies are leveraging the same IP and technology that we had first developed for our Lidar systems for the broader sensing industry,” Russell said.
Lidar technology, which uses light pulses to create three-dimensional maps, is seen as vital for self-driving systems and driver-assistance software, particularly in low-light conditions.
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Russell did not disclose the financial details of the March deal, but G&H announced the sale of EM4 to a U.S. tech company for up to $12 million without naming the buyer.
Luminar’s semiconductor clients include the U.S. Department of Defense, NASA, and various technology companies, Russell added.
