Huawei To Use 5G To Develop Advanced Self-Driving Car Radars

Chinese technology giant Huawei is set to use its advanced 5G technology to develop radar systems for self-driving vehicles, Reuters reports.

Speaking during a recent conference in Beijing, Huawei deputy chairman Xu Zhijun said the company is looking to play a larger role in the automotive industry and will build an “ecosystem” of car-equipped sensors. 5G technology will be used to develop millimeter-wave radar LIDAR systems, Xu added.

The company however failed to mention how long it will take to develop such systems and when they could hit the market. The radar and laser radar systems developed by Huawei will ultimately be used by autonomous vehicles to collect information about their surroundings.

Also Read: Huawei Launches World’s First 5G Module For Automotive Applications

One particular hurdle that Huawei could face is the simple fact that it is thought to be well behind many other technology companies and car manufacturers developing such systems. There’s no doubt that the company’s huge scale and resources will allow it to develop innovative radar systems quickly, but it remains to be seen if it will be quick enough.

Another hurdle that Huawei will have to deal with is its ongoing battle with officials from the United States who have expressed distrust in the company and its 5G technology. If lawmakers are to forbid the use of Huawei sensors in cars driven in the U.S., the company will lose access to the world’s second-largest car market.

Forbes reports that over time, the cost of a sensor and computing suite used by a self-driving vehicle will cost less than the parts that can be removed from an autonomous vehicle, including things like steering wheels, dashboards, pedals, power seats, mirrors, and other parts.