GM Invests in Oculii: Radar Software for Automated Driving

Oculii Receives New Investment from General Motors

Oculii, a software company focused on enhancing the spatial resolution of radar sensors, has secured a new investment from General Motors. This funding, reportedly totaling several million dollars, follows a recent $55 million Series B funding round completed by Oculii.

Collaboration with GM and Other OEMs

According to CEO Steven Hong, Oculii and GM have been collaborating for a considerable period. While specific applications remain undisclosed, the software could potentially enhance GM’s Super Cruise hands-free advanced driver assistance system.

Hong also indicated ongoing partnerships with other original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), including one that is already an investor in the company.

Impact on the Automotive Supply Chain

The endorsement from a major player like General Motors is expected to encourage closer collaboration throughout the automotive supply chain. This will facilitate the adoption of Oculii’s technology into products offered to OEMs.

Software-Focused Approach

Oculii’s strategy centers on software licensing to radar manufacturers, rather than hardware production. While the company does manufacture sensors for robotics applications, it aims to empower existing radar systems through its AI-driven software.

The company believes that its software can transform commercially available, low-cost radar sensors – initially designed for limited functions like emergency braking – into components capable of supporting more advanced autonomous driving features.

Scalability and Cost-Effectiveness

Oculii emphasizes the scalability of a software-centric approach. Software improves continuously with data and benefits from advancements in hardware. Furthermore, software costs decrease over time at a faster rate than hardware costs.

Radar Technology and Cost Savings

This investment is a positive development for radar technology, which is often limited by imaging constraints. If Oculii can demonstrably improve radar performance, it could lead to significant cost reductions for automakers, as radar is generally less expensive than lidar.

Tesla’s Approach and Future Potential

Tesla recently removed radar sensors from its advanced driver assistance system, opting for a “pure vision” system relying on cameras and neural networks. However, Hong noted that the radar Tesla removed was of low resolution and offered limited value.

He suggests that Tesla might reconsider radar if the technology undergoes substantial improvements. Increasing sensor reliability is paramount, with the goal of achieving extremely high levels of safety – represented by multiple “nines” of reliability.