Lumotive Startup Raises $13M Backed By Samsung's VC Arm For Chips In 3D Sensors
In a world where technology is advancing at lightning speed, Lumotive, a Seattle-based startup, has emerged as a leading innovator in 3D sensor technology.
This is not only good news for Lumotive but also great news for industries such as healthcare, automotive, and augmented reality (AR) that rely on accurate and precise 3D sensing capabilities. With this new backing from Samsung's VC arm and $13M in funding, Lumotive is well-positioned to continue its cutting-edge work in the field of 3D sensing.
Who is Lumotive?
Lumotive is a Seattle-based start-up that is pushing the boundaries of 3D sensor technology and has garnered significant attention in recent years for its innovative approach.
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Their technology uses revolutionary AI-driven architecture and liquid crystal metasurfaces for unprecedented performance, which allows their 3D sensors to operate in real time with unparalleled accuracy and resolution.
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The potential of Lumotive's technology in various industries cannot be overstated. With Lumotive's cutting-edge technology in 3D sensing, industries such as healthcare, automotive, and AR could undoubtedly benefit from its precise and accurate capabilities.
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Developing LiDAR technology for use in driverless vehicles and other applications is the area of expertise of Lumotive. A remote sensing technique called LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) uses laser light to detect distances and produce 3D maps of the area.
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Liquid Crystal Metasurfaces (LCMs), a novel beam-steering technology that enables high-resolution and long-range sensing capabilities in a portable and affordable packaging, is what distinguishes Lumotive from other LiDAR businesses. This technology was created by Lumotive and is based on study done at the University of Washington.
What Is LiDAR Technology?
Using laser light to detect distances and produce 3D maps of the surroundings, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a type of remote sensing technology. A laser scanner that generates brief laser pulses and a sensor that picks up the reflected light make up a LiDAR system.
It is possible to compute the distance to an object with great accuracy by measuring the amount of time it takes for the laser pulses to travel to the object and back to the sensor. A 3D map of the surroundings can be produced by scanning the laser in several directions and integrating the data.
What Are Light Control Metasurface?
Metamaterials known as Light Control Metasurfaces (LCMs) are used to control the behaviour of light waves, usually in the visible or near-infrared ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum. They consist of a flat surface with several minute, sub-wavelength structures that can alter the amplitude, phase, polarisation, or direction of light travelling through them.
Due to their thin, light, and flexible architecture, LCMs are excellent for a variety of uses, including optical imaging, sensing, communication, and energy harvesting. They can be utilised to develop optical devices such as lenses, filters, holograms, and others that are more efficient and portable than conventional optics.
What Are Metamaterials?
Metamaterials are synthetic materials created with the intention of exhibiting characteristics not present in naturally occurring materials. They are often composed of structures or repeating units that are smaller than the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation that they interact with, and these structures can be designed to control how the radiation behaves.
The ability to bend light in ways that are not feasible with conventional materials is one of the primary characteristics of metamaterials, which also includes having a negative refractive index. In fields like optics, telecommunications, and sensing, this characteristic is crucial.
The Funding Lumotive Received:
Lumotive has secured $13 million to increase the manufacture of semiconductor chips designed for 3D sensors found in self-driving vehicles, mobile house robots, and delivery drones.
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With the help of new investors USAA and Uniquest, Samsung Ventures led the round. The additional funds bring the total financing received to date to over $56 million.
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The Redmond, Washington-based business uses metamaterials to "steer" laser light. Light Control Metasurface (LCM), a semiconductor with a patent for beam-steering, is the company's major offering.
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In 2017, Lumotive was established as a spin-off of Bellevue, Washington-based Intellectual Ventures. It is one of many firms utilising metamaterials, including Kymeta, Echodyne, Evolv, and Pivotal Commware. The business claims to have more than twenty clients in the markets for automation, augmented reality (AR), and autonomy.
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LCM (Light Control Metasurface) chips are uniquely positioned to address the wide range of perception and safety requirements across those sectors. This additional funding will accelerate the deployment of the current generation of LCM chips and the development of the next generation of the product."
The Founders:
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William Colleran and Gleb Akselrod, who is currently the company's chief technology officer, founded Lumotive. Colleran will left the company in June 2021.
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Former Quantenna Communications CEO Hedari joined in October 2021. According to LinkedIn, the company employs roughly 31 people.
The Future Of Lumotive:
With significant funding and backing from Samsung's VC arm, the future of Lumotive looks bright as it continues to push the boundaries in 3D sensor technology.
As the demand for precise and accurate 3D sensing capabilities continues to grow, Lumotive is well-positioned to lead the charge in revolutionizing industries
Together with MicroVision, a Redmond, Washington-based business that offers solutions for cutting-edge driver assistance systems and microelectromechanical (MEMS)-based car lidar, Lumotive is presently showcasing its technology at the Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas.
