Baraja raises $40 million to accelerate development of Spectrum-Scan LiDAR technology

According to foreign media reports, LiDAR research and development company Baraja has raised $40 million in a new round of financing, including participation from Hitachi Construction Machinery, to accelerate the development of its breakthrough Spectrum-Scan LiDAR technology. The company's LiDAR sensors are higher performing and more reliable than traditional LiDAR systems, and can launch autonomous vehicles faster and safer.

(Image source: Baraja)

The company’s strategic investment is aimed at validating Baraja’s Spectrum-Scan sensors in the real world to prove the technology’s reliability in harsh environments. The investment will support the rollout of sensors in mining, construction and industrial vehicle use cases, and help road test products for future autonomous vehicles.

The funding will also be used to expand Baraja’s team and accelerate the development of LiDAR technology for automotive-grade applications in autonomous vehicles. Baraja has validated the technology in numerous environments, working with Tier 1 suppliers, mining operators, and researchers at Australia’s national science agency CSIRO and Taiwan’s renowned Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) Smart Mobility Division.

Spectrum–Scan LiDAR technology enables its partners to instantly adjust scan resolution to changing conditions, just as humans control visual focus. This can further enhance safety by improving obstacle detection for autonomous vehicles in a range of settings.

“Traditional LiDAR systems are limited by poor performance, range, resolution and reliability,” said Federico Collarte, CEO and co-founder of Baraja. “Our Spectrum-Scan LiDAR has proven to be highly reliable and has been recognized by partners such as Hitachi, one of the most innovative machine builders in the world. With this funding and partnership with Hitachi, we will continue to achieve our mission to make autonomous vehicles an everyday reality.”

“Spectrum-Scan LiDAR technology is essential to provide better autonomous sensing solutions for mining customers who demand greater safety and productivity,” said Hideshi Fukumoto, Vice President, Executive Officer and Chief Technology Officer of Hitachi Construction Machinery. “Through this investment, Hitachi Construction Machinery will accelerate improvements in the practical application of autonomous haulage systems (AHS) and remote autonomous operation of ultra-large hydraulic excavators, and expand their applications to the civil engineering and construction fields. We will also strengthen our open innovation initiatives in the digital field.”