Webasto to present roof module for autonomous driving

Webasto elegantly integrates a fixed lidar from Luminar into its Roof Sensor Module (RSM). The module facilitates automated driving and safety functions. At CES in Las Vegas (Jan. 05 to Jan. 08, 2023, Booth 3601,5324, WP-10), the top 100 supplier will showcase this innovative roof technology for the first time in the U.S. at the Luminar booth.

Collaboration with Luminar

Luminar is a global automotive technology company developing lidar-powered safety systems on passenger vehicles and the first to enable next-generation safety and autonomous capabilities for production vehicles. At CES, Luminar will exhibit a long-range lidar seamlessly integrated into the roofline by Webasto. The elevated position of the lidar is optimized for performance and ensures reliable monitoring of the vehicle’s surroundings. The compact roofline module can be integrated into automakers’ production lines in combination with panoramic roofs, thereby simplifying the stages of production.In terms of sensor availability, Webasto is cooperating closely with the cleaning systems specialist dhlBowles, among others, on this roof system.

The concept of the Roof Sensor Module

The RSM from Webasto offers automakers the option of integrating a desired number of lidar, camera and radar sensors into a vehicle’s roof seamlessly. Depending on customer requirements, the roof specialist can combine the desired type and number of sensors into its RSM – from elegant solutions for partial driving automation (level 2) to complex systems for full-driving automation or self-driving mode (level 4). By incorporating additional features such as panoramic roofs, an opening function, integrated solar technology, ambient light and switchable glazing into the RSM, Webasto is also demonstrating its expertise as a systems integrator. In addition to the sensor technology itself, other technologies for ensuring sensor availability – such as cleaning, cooling, de-icing and anti-fogging systems – are also integrated into the module. These ensure that the sensors function reliably in all weather and visibility conditions. As a mechatronic systems integrator, Webasto relies on a network of development partners and collaborates closely with suppliers for the RSM’s sensor and technology portfolio.

“Reliably monitoring the surroundings, recognizing obstacles and hazards in all weather conditions, ensuring the safety of all road users and pedestrians – these are the major challenges facing automakers during the transition from classic to autonomous vehicles. Camera, radar and lidar technologies facilitate this technically, but only the ideal positioning and availability of such sensor technologies will deliver a perfect result. For Webasto as a roof system specialist, integrating sensor technology into the car roof at the highest point of the vehicle is therefore a logical step and perfect solution for the future of autonomous mobility,” explains Jan Henning Mehlfeldt, responsible for the global roof business at Webasto.