ECE Startup Could Bring Big Boost to Self-Driving Cars

Lunewave, a company started by ECE professor Hao Xin and his brother, John Xin, could speed up the development of driverless technology with a specialized radar that can be used to sense an automobile’s surroundings.

While most automotive radar systems -- which already are used for advanced features such as adaptive cruise control -- need multiple antennas to overcome limits in field of view and range, Lunewave’s radar employs a spherical, much smaller version of a type used in fighter planes. Lunewave says its radar vastly expands field of view and range -- and can overcome weather-related interference. In addition, the company says the radar, placed on top of a car, has a 360-degree field of view, with consistent performance.