Chinese LiDAR manufacturer RoboSense Technology has introduced the EM4 LiDAR, the first in the world to feature over 1,000 laser channels. With up to 1,080 channels, the EM4 represents a significant advancement in LiDAR technology, offering high-definition 3D perception for intelligent driving systems.
Built on RoboSense’s new EM platform, the EM4 boasts angular resolution of 0.050° x 0.025°, a 300-meter range for low-reflectivity targets, and a maximum detection distance of 600 meters. The LiDAR can detect objects such as a 40×25 cm black cardboard box at 250 meters, enabling emergency maneuvers at speeds of up to 181 km/h. For larger, highly reflective objects like white vehicles, emergency responses are possible at speeds of up to 289 km/h, according to the company.
Additionally, the EM4 utilizes real-time lossless data compression, reducing data transmission from gigabytes to hundreds of megabytes per second with a compression rate of 60%. This optimization enhances the efficiency of intelligent driving systems.
RoboSense, China’s largest LiDAR manufacturer, counts prominent automakers like BYD, SAIC Motor Corp, Geely Auto, and Toyota among its clients. The company reported a 113% increase in LiDAR sales in 2024, delivering 544,200 units compared to 256,000 in 2023. Of these, 519,800 units were sold for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), while 24,400 units were deployed in robotics and other applications.
While many Chinese automakers incorporate LiDAR in their premium EV models to enhance driving safety, the global industry remains divided on the technology’s necessity. Tesla has championed vision-based solutions, with CEO Elon Musk dismissing the need for LiDAR. Xpeng recently omitted LiDAR from its P7+ sedan, shifting focus to alternative sensor technologies.
Li Auto’s CEO, Li Xiang, added to the debate, remarking last month that Tesla might reconsider its stance if Musk were to experience driving on Chinese highways at night.
