It is not unusual for established brands or companies to invest in start-ups or growing companies. Therefore, no one raised an
eyebrow when Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) and
Baidu Inc (ADR) (NASDAQ: BIDU) invested in
Velodyne LiDAR Inc. Together, they have invested about $150 million.
It's likewise unsurprising that there was little to no reaction from investors when the news broke, nor is it surprising that
both companies' stocks have remained in the red year-to-date. One question, however, remains: What made these two companies invest
in Velodyne to begin with?
What Does Velodyne Do?
Velodyne is an established company formed in 1983 by David Hall. Its first disruptive technology was in the audio market,
creating the benchmark for premium bass sound. The founder later focused on robotics and 3D visualization systems, which led to the
conception of sensor technology for self-driving cars and 3D mapping through the company's HDL-64 Solid-State Hybrid LiDAR sensor
in 2005.
Related Link: UPDATE:
Ford To Work With Velodyne, SAIPS, Nirenberg Neuroscience LLC, And Civil Maps For Autonomous Car
Over two years, Hall shifted the company's focus to LiDAR sensors and quickly witnessed strong commercial adoption in several
end markets. The company has become popular for its hybrid LiDAR sensor technology, which is used in different type of commercial
apps. This includes advanced automotive safety systems, autonomous driving, 3D aerial and mobile mapping apart from security.
What Will Velodyne Mean For Ford, Baidu Investors
As far as Ford is concerned, investments in Velodyne are considered crucial since Ford is spending more time, energy and
resources on developing driverless cars. Velodyne's LiDAR sensor is a critical component for achieving the goal.
Also, rivals like General Motors Company (NYSE: GM) are investing in such technology. GM acquired Cruise Automation earlier this year.
Other peers, like Volkswagen AG (ADR) (OTC: VLKAY) and Toyota Motor Corp (ADR) (NYSE: TM) have also disclosed plans to add mapping, artificial intelligence and software to
their technology pipelines. Therefore, it is compelling that the second biggest American automaker has invested on Velodyne.
Similarly, for Baidu, sensor technology assumes significance in the wake of rivals like Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:
GOOG) (NASDAQ: GOOGL) and social media firms such as Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:
FB), showing more interest in AI and VR, as both are
considered the next technological advancement.
What Other Companies Operate In This Industry?
German-based Continental is one of the companies engaged in 3D flash LiDAR. Its other leading products include SRL-CAM400 sensor
module and SRL-1/SRL 1C.
LeddarTech is a Canada-based company offering advanced detection and ranging systems. The company's unique LiDAR technology
carries out time-of-flight measurement. Its product is credited for identifying a number of objects in different environmental
conditions.
Another company engaged in 3D mapping is Quanergy Systems Inc. The company's familiar products included M8-1LiDAR sensor apart
from S3 solid-state LiDAR sensor.
First Sensor is one more company engaged in sensor technology. The company is credited for creating products like components,
chips, sensors and a complete range of sensor systems based on modern technology platforms.
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