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2021 is drawing to a close, and it is the second year in a row that was somewhat ‘different.’ Despite all the uncertainty, it is time to look back and be proud of what we managed to achieve and look forward with a renewed motivation for action! That’s precisely what we want to do in this article.
Blickfeld, the Munich-based start-up developing breakthrough high performance and mass-producible LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensing technology, announces the extension of the company’s Series A funding to $31 million. New Future Capital (NFC), a private equity firm that provides growth capital primarily in Asia, North America, and Europe, was won as a new investor. Furthermore, all existing investors participated in the round including Bayern Kapital, Continental, Fluxunit – ams OSRAM Ventures, High-Tech Gründerfonds, Tengelmann Ventures, and UVC Partners.
At CES 2022, the Munich-based start-up Blickfeld developing breakthrough high performance and mass-producible LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensing technology, has come together with leading creative design agency Genesis Design to create a concept for the seamless integration of LiDAR sensors in cars, supporting the ongoing revolution in automated and autonomous driving.
Rising sea levels and more frequent and severe storms threaten coastal regions worldwide, causing flooding and eroding coastlines. It is essential to research and understand these storm events to be able to predict their impact on barrier island and coastal communities and consequently take appropriate protection and mitigation measures.
A few days have passed since the end of the IAA; time to reminisce on what made IAA 2021 such a special event for Blickfeld.
Sensors from LiDAR manufacturer Blickfeld will be in use at several locations during the International Motor Show (IAA) in Munich. Visitor counting specialist EvoCount is using the Munich-based company’s technology to count trade show visitors in the exhibition area in downtown Munich. The technology not only ensures adherence to Corona regulations but also protection of the attendees’ health. LiDAR sensors, as offered by Blickfeld, are particularly suitable for this purpose because they capture 3D data without color information. This allows people to be detected but not identified, making the application compliant with data protection regulations. In addition, the technology reliably records data under all lighting conditions and is tamper-proof.
Grégory Poillion joined the Blickfeld management team as Vice President Automotive Sales and Business Development in June, bringing impressive automotive market expertise into the company. In this chat, he talks about his vision of an autonomous future, the Blickfeld spirit and what important learnings are going to help him shape Blickfeld’s automotive business further.
For the last 15 years, the Elbflorace team from TU Dresden has successfully built race cars to participate in Formula Student competitions. This year, for the first time, Blickfeld Cube 1 LiDAR sensors are also part of the project. The team has continually evolved its technology over the years: in 2010, the first car with an electric drive was introduced, and since 2018 they have been fielding autonomous race cars as well. This year, the car can compete in both disciplines as their vehicle can operate autonomously (or with a driver) while using an electric drive.
LiDAR manufacturer and perception software provider Blickfeld enables Smart LiDAR functionality on their sensors. This makes Blickfeld sensors the first LiDAR sensors that not only collect detailed 3D data but are also capable of computing and providing enriched information through on-device pre-processing. This pre-processing is an industry first and is accomplished by a high-performance computing chipset integrated into the LiDAR. The first feature introduced by Blickfeld is a pre-processing algorithm that enables motion detection. As a result, Smart LiDARs offer easier, faster, and more cost-effective integration into applications and solutions.
LiDAR sensors and perception software provider Blickfeld announces the implementation of a first project phase of a people counting application at Frankfurt Airport (FRA). Blickfeld is implementing the detection and analysis of passenger volumes and movements in the check-in hall A of Terminal 1 for Fraport AG in collaboration with evaluation expert Sensalytics. For the first time, passenger flows can be recorded anonymously over a large area using Blickfeld’s powerful and precise LiDAR sensors, combined with the counting and tracking software. In the future, this could help optimize passenger logistics and enable short-term prediction of passenger volumes.
Christian Waizenegger joined the Blickfeld management team as VP of Sales and Business Development in February. In this chat, he tells us what fascinates him about the Blickfeld technology, what a typical day at Blickfeld looks like, and what he plans for his team.
