Automotive technology startup Teradar announced Tuesday that it has reached a paid development agreement with an undisclosed Michigan-based automaker to evaluate its advanced imaging sensors for potential use in future hands-free and automated driving systems.
A key challenge facing the industry is that current radar and lidar sensors often fall short in bad weather conditions — a problem automakers are working urgently to solve as they push toward more sophisticated driver-assistance technology.
The evaluation period spans six months and will put Teradar’s terahertz imaging sensors through their paces for potential use in Level 3 and Level 4 automated driving systems. The results are expected to help guide the automaker’s sensor design choices for vehicles slated to arrive around 2030.
Teradar CEO Matthew Carey was careful to note the nature of the deal. “The agreement is a development program rather than a production vehicle award,” he said.
The Michigan deal represents Teradar’s second paid automaker development program within the same quarter, coming on the heels of a previously announced partnership with a European automaker.
Detroit-area automakers have been ramping up their investments in driver-assistance features as they work to keep pace with Tesla and lower-priced Chinese competitors.
General Motors, which offers its Super Cruise hands-free driving system across more than two dozen vehicle models, has indicated it will keep investing in next-generation driver-assistance technologies following its decision to shift resources away from its Cruise robotaxi division.
Teradar describes its solid-state terahertz sensors as a hybrid solution — combining the high resolution of lidar with the all-weather reliability of radar — and says the technology could eventually replace either one.
Carey offered a glimpse into the company’s near-term plans. “We’re closing in on our first bids. One will likely go out before the end of this year, and then two in the first quarter,” he said. He added that Teradar is targeting production readiness by 2028, working through Tier 1 suppliers.
Carey also noted that the company anticipates raising additional funding within the next six to eight months as it grows its automotive development programs and pursues its first production contracts.
