Mobileye Announces Closure of Lidar Development Unit, Leading to Layoffs of 100 Employees

Mobileye, a leading developer of advanced driver-assistance systems, has announced plans to shut down its lidar development unit, impacting approximately 100 jobs. The decision comes as the company shifts its focus towards utilizing camera-based technology for autonomous vehicles.

Lidar, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure variable distances to the Earth. While lidar technology has been widely used in the development of self-driving cars, Mobileye believes that camera-based systems offer a more cost-effective and efficient solution.

The closure of Mobileye’s lidar unit is expected to have a significant impact on the company’s workforce, with layoffs affecting engineers and researchers who were working on developing lidar technology. Mobileye has stated that it will provide support and resources to help affected employees transition to new opportunities within the company or elsewhere.

Despite the closure of its lidar unit, Mobileye remains committed to advancing the development of autonomous vehicle technology. The company recently announced partnerships with several automakers to integrate its camera-based systems into their vehicles, further solidifying its position as a leader in the industry.

The decision to shutter its lidar development unit reflects Mobileye’s strategic vision for the future of autonomous driving and underscores the company’s confidence in the efficacy of camera-based technology. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, Mobileye’s innovative approach may pave the way for new advancements in the field of autonomous vehicles.