Recent reports have revealed that the Volvo EX90’s roof-mounted LiDAR sensor can damage smartphone cameras under certain conditions.
This can occur with close-up photos or videos taken directly of the LiDAR sensor, resulting in dead pixels and horizontal lines appearing on the smartphone’s camera sensors.
It should be noted that this occurrence is not restricted exclusively to Volvo, as it has also been reported to affect other high-precision, laser-based systems.
The damage, when it happens, is caused by how certain camera modules manage concentrated light wave-lengths that do not interface well with the laser pulses produced by a LiDAR sensor, rather than by a fault in either device.
To avoid running into this issue, Volvo recommends avoiding close-up and direct photography aimed at the LiDAR sensors.
Volvo is also updating its user documentation and working closely with technology partners to raise awareness and offer guidance.
What is LiDAR?
While this occurrence is problematic, it’s also rare and easily avoided, and doesn’t detract from the value LiDAR sensor systems offer.
Volvo LiDAR sensor systems use precise laser pulses to create an accurate 3D map of the vehicle’s surroundings, regardless of lighting conditions.
This includes identifying objects hundreds of metres away and lets the vehicle respond to hazards earlier and with more precision.
On South African roads, this will help drivers navigate around small objects, unlit cyclists, and pedestrians at long range – all commonly encountered hazards.
The LiDAR sensor also augments Volvo’s safety suite and plays a role in autonomous driving features, such as self-parking.
While LiDAR sensors may impact certain smartphone cameras, they are entirely safe for human eyes with a certification of Class 1 under IEC 60825-1, the international regulations for laser safety.
Volvo’s new EX90 represents the next step in innovation for the company, with it being the first vehicle hardware-ready for unsupervised driving in certain conditions.
The company acknowledges that integrating new technologies into its vehicles can result in unexpected interactions with other devices but will always ensure such new tech is safe, certified, and extensively tested.
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