In this partnership, Volvo will develop its first fully self-driving system for highways as well as future safety innovations. The Swedish automaker's next-generation SPA 2 modular vehicle architecture will come equipped with a Luminar LiDAR sensor seamlessly integrated into the roof. As part of this partnership, Volvo will increase its minority stake in Luminar.
The SPA 2 modular vehicle architecture is set to underpin a slew of next-generation models including a replacement for the current Volvo XC90 and several Polestar models. All cars built on SPA 2 can be updated over the air so customers can opt for the Highway Pilot feature after making their purchase decision. Volvo and Luminar will explore the possibility of using LiDAR to improve other advanced driver assistance systems and equipping all SPA2-based cars with a LiDAR sensor as standard equipment.
LiDAR is extremely accurate because it emits millions of pulses of laser light to scan the road in 3D, creating a temporary, real-time map without needing internet connectivity. When paired with Volvo's already excellent suite of driver assistance systems, this technology could be industry-leading.
