Lidar, the laser technology that can depict surroundings and detect obstacles for vehicles, has most closely been associated with autonomous vehicles.
That's changing. Lidar is still a key enabler for the self-driving future, but in the meantime, it's quickly being deployed in driver-assist systems that help humans become safer drivers. Luminar Technologies Inc. has been a leader in that segment, with partners such as Toyota, Volvo and most recently Nissan.
Luminar founder and CEO Austin Russell sat down with Staff Reporter Pete Bigelow on "Shift: A Podcast About Mobility," during which Russell discussed design wins and the company's ramp-up toward mass production. Here are edited excerpts.