The creator of the new laser system, Ibeo, says its laser system overcomes the performance and resolution problems of radar systems, which can be affected by rain, snow or dust. Further, Ibeo's laser vision system scans from side to side for objects up ahead, reports Automotive News.
Both Japanese and German carmakers are testing the devices in prototype vehicles, and Ibeo’s laser system has been tested with a field of vision of one-eighth of a mile and covering 240 degrees. Though still in the prototype stage, its maker predicts that it’ll feature in production models by 2010 and will become standard beyond that.