At CES 2023, Canatu and its partner Covestro showcased their joint LiDAR heater demonstrator, which utilizes a Canatu film heater for deicing and defoggong Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensor covers.

LiDAR systems are of increasing interest to automotive manufacturers and their Tier 1 suppliers, as these systems are essential to autonomous driving. LiDAR systems recognize objects and measure distances, providing 3D mapping.

The challenge is that harsh weather, whether it is snow, ice or fog, can adversely affect LiDAR range and resolution. The ability to deice the windshield or LiDAR sensor covers would improve visibility and accuracy of 3D mapping.

Canatu and Covestro have combined their expertise, bringing together Canatu’s wire-free carbon nanotube (CNT) film heater technology and Covestro’s thermoplastic polymers and film insert molding processing, introducing its LiDAR heater project. Canatu produces transparent film heaters utilizing Covestro’s Makrofol DE or Makrofol ST polycarbonate (PC) film as the substrate. Subsequently, this film heater is then integrated into the plastic cover lens using film insert molding.

Now, as CES 2024 nears in less than a month, the LiDAR heater product announced by Canatu is moving forward. Mari Makkonen, VP, marketing and communications for Canatu Oy, noted ongoing discussions within the industry regarding the optimal placement of LiDAR systems in vehicles, with three primary options gaining prominence. 

Most notably, roof-mounted modules are positioned at the highest point of the vehicle (as seen in the Volvo EX90), are gaining prominence. For example, Webasto has developed a Roof Sensor Module designed to allow car manufacturers to integrate sensor technology in an elevated position on the roof. ADAS sensors are also placed on the bumper and behind the windshields.

“Designers prioritize seamless integration, seeking elegant solutions to integrate autonomous driving and de-icing functions seamlessly without compromising the vehicle’s design,” Makkonen added.

“Film insert molding (FIM) represents the optimal integration of film heaters into the LiDAR cover lens, and this is precisely where the collaboration between Canatu and Covestro comes in,” Makkonen said.

“The FIM process eliminates separate steps, such as coating or painting, that would otherwise be necessary for subsequent decoration or functionalization of components,” Makkonen explained. “This leads to significant savings in terms of manufacturing costs, time, and machine investments. Moreover, injection moulding provides flexibility to manufacture more complex, 3D shaped, functional parts while ensuring enhanced reliability.”

The automotive industry does plenty of research before adding new technology, and Canatu is in the process of working automotive manufacturers and Tier 1 companies on its LiDAR system.

“Canatu is already collaborating with OEMs and Tier 1 companies,” Juha Kokkonen, CEO of Canatu, pointed out. “The most successful approach for Canatu has been to engage directly in OEM-led mass development cases, bringing together OEMs, technology integrators, ADAS companies, and Canatu.”

Meanwhile, Canatu has been actively engaged in several R&D developments with its partners. Collaborating with DENSO, they have worked on developing a high-performance reactor used in CNT film manufacturing. Additionally, in partnership with Chinese automotive supplier Minth, Canatu aims to jointly offer transparent film heaters for the Chinese market and beyond.

Meanwhile, Canatu and Webasto are collaborating on integrating LiDAR and camera heating on Webasto’s Roof Sensor Module, earning a Plug and Play Global Innovation Award at Startup Autobahn EXPO2023.

“We are very excited to win the Plug & Play Global Innovation Award with Webasto,” said Kokkonen in receiving the award. “This honors the collaboration between Webasto and Canatu teams in integrating the Canatu film heater into the Webasto Roof Sensor Module. It is also a fantastic recognition for our LiDAR and camera heater unit, which enables superior optics, uniform heating, and low power consumption ensuring ADAS sensors to operate in harsh weather conditions.”

Working with an independent third-party lab, Canatu has also earned validation for reliability of its film heaters.

Canatu’s LiDAR Technology in the Field

The LiDAR market is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years. Pierrick Boulay, senior technology & market analyst in the Photonics and Sensing Division at Yole Intelligence, reported that the combined global LiDAR market is growing at a CAGR of 55%, reaching $4,477 million by 2028. Kokkonen noted that Canatu’s film heater technology is making headway in the automotive segment.

“We are currently in the mass development phase with our leading customers,” said Kokkonen. “Canatu is well positioned to capture the heater market.”