Australian start-up Baraja has released its new Spectrum-Scan light detection and ranging (LiDAR) that uses optics and shifting wavelengths of light to create powerful sensors for driverless vehicles.

Pairing a wavelength-tunable laser with prism-like optics, the Spectrum-Scan LiDAR solves scalability, reliability and performance issues that have been challenging for automakers, rideshares and tech firms.

Based on Spectrum-Scan technology, the new solution is said to offer high performance and long range in a system that enhances automotive reliability.

“The knowledge gained from years of product development for high-reliability use cases inspired us to solve some of the biggest problems facing the current state of LiDAR.”

With a modular design for easy integration, Spectrum-Scan LiDAR allows autonomous vehicles to smartly control and adjust scan patterns in real-time to adapt to complex and dynamic road conditions.

Baraja co-founder and CEO Federico Collarte said: “Our experience in the optical telecommunications field, in particular the knowledge gained from years of product development for high-reliability use cases, inspired us to solve some of the biggest problems facing the current state of LiDAR.

“The unique perspective our team brings to the field has helped us create a novel way to give vision to autonomous vehicles.”

Baraja stated that its compact, modular ‘eyes’ connect through fibre optics and provide better performance required by the autonomous vehicle industry using off-the-shelf components such as optical-grade silica-glass and telecom-grade lasers that power the internet.

These elements optimise automotive reliability and the ability to mass produce the technology for fleets while enabling long-term cost benefits.

With offices in San Francisco and China, Baraja is currently expanding across Asia and Europe.