DENSO International America Inc of Southfield, MI, USA (a subsidiary of Japan-based automotive technology, system and component supplier DENSO Corp) has invested in TriLumina Corp of Albuquerque, NM, USA, which manufactures and integrates vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) array light sources for LiDAR (light detection and ranging) and interior illumination products.
DENSO aims to speed adoption of LiDAR and driver monitoring technologies in Advanced Driver Assistance systems (key technologies in autonomous vehicles). The strategic investment enables TriLumina to gain broader access to the automotive market.
TriLumina has developed eye-safe near-infrared (IR) emitters for high-power laser radar, depth sensing and smart illumination applications. As well as targeting depth sensing and gesture control for the industrial robotics, commercial and consumer electronics markets, the firm aims to help accelerate the automotive industry's adoption of semi-autonomous and autonomous vehicles by providing lasers for 100% solid-state LiDAR products and advanced driver monitoring systems (DMS).
"As a supplier of advanced driver assistance systems, DENSO is eager to work closely with TriLumina to bring high-performance, cost-effective light source solutions to the market," says Tony Cannestra, director of corporate ventures for DENSO International America Inc.
"It is critical to work with leading tier-1 suppliers like DENSO as we introduce and deploy technology that will shape the automotive industry for years to come," reckons TriLumina's CEO Kirk Otis. "It is a tremendous endorsement of our technology to have DENSO engage as one of our tier-1 partners, work with us to become qualified, and help fuel development."
DENSO's Silicon Valley office actively works with startup companies and, through these types of partnerships, expects to gain access to new technologies in the areas of autonomous drive, electric vehicles, transportation, batteries, and energy storage while also expanding the firm's overall presence and visibility within entrepreneurial networks.
