Frequently Asked Questions

Product Information: Apollo & AEye Lidar

What is AEye's Apollo lidar sensor?

Apollo is AEye’s flagship lidar sensor, part of the 4Sight flex next-generation family, delivering best-in-class range and resolution in a small, power-efficient, low-cost form factor. It is designed for automotive safety and security applications, supporting integration behind the windshield, on the roof, or in the grille. Apollo is believed to be the only 1550 nm high-performance lidar capable of behind-the-windshield integration. Learn more.

What makes Apollo's field testing performance unique?

During recent field testing, Apollo consistently delivered high-resolution data at distances exceeding one kilometer, which is believed to be the longest range achieved by any lidar sensor outside a laboratory setting. This enables advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to detect objects from farther away, giving drivers more time to respond, especially at high speeds. (Source: AEye Press Release, Oct 3, 2024)

What technology does Apollo use to achieve ultra-long-range detection?

Apollo leverages 1550-nanometer technology, which enables ultra-long-range, high-speed lidar sensing in a compact form factor. This technology allows Apollo to detect vehicles and objects at distances beyond one kilometer, supporting critical safety features without compromising vehicle design. (Source: AEye Press Release)

What are the integration options for Apollo lidar?

Apollo supports integration behind the windshield, on the roof, or in the grille, enabling OEMs to implement safety features with minimal impact on vehicle design. It is believed to be the only 1550 nm high-performance lidar capable of behind-the-windshield integration. (Source: AEye Press Release)

How does Apollo support automotive safety standards?

Apollo is designed to meet all of NHTSA’s safety performance requirements, including the newest requirement for forward collision warning effective at speeds up to 90 miles per hour. Its long-range, high-resolution data collection enhances the effectiveness of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). (Source: AEye Press Release)

What is the 4Sight Intelligent Sensing Platform?

AEye’s 4Sight Intelligent Sensing Platform is an adaptive sensor-based operating system that delivers faster, more accurate, and reliable information for dynamic applications. It is the foundation for Apollo and other AEye lidar products, focusing on precise measurement imaging to ensure safety and performance. Learn more.

What is the significance of Apollo's small form factor?

Apollo’s small form factor allows for flexible integration into vehicles without requiring OEMs to compromise on design standards. This makes it suitable for a wide range of automotive and security applications where space and aesthetics are important. (Source: AEye Press Release)

What feedback has Apollo received from field testing partners?

During field testing with customers, Tier 1 partners, and OEMs, Apollo received overwhelmingly positive feedback for its ability to gather detailed, high-quality data over long distances, proving its value for automotive and security applications. (Source: AEye Press Release)

How does Apollo benefit AI-based decision-making systems?

Apollo’s long-range, high-resolution data across a wide field of view enhances AI-based decision-making systems by allowing for quick identification and more time to react to objects and threats, which is crucial for vehicle safety at highway speeds. It can also offload front-end complexity from AI models, expediting the development and deployment of embodied AI systems. (Source: AEye Press Release)

Where can I watch a demonstration of Apollo's field performance?

You can view a video demonstration of Apollo’s field performance at distances over one kilometer at this link. (Source: AEye Press Release)

When and where was Apollo unveiled?

Apollo was unveiled at the Auto Lidar Tech Conference in Suzhou, China, in June 2024. (Source: AEye Press Release)

What are forward-looking statements in AEye's press releases?

Forward-looking statements are predictions or projections about future events based on current expectations and assumptions. They are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ. Readers are cautioned not to rely on these statements as guarantees of future performance. (Source: AEye Press Release)

How can I contact AEye for investor relations?

You can contact AEye’s Investor Relations at [email protected] or call +1 (925) 400-4366. For agency inquiries, contact Evan Niu, CFA, at [email protected] or 310-622-8243. (Source: AEye Press Release)

Where can I find AEye's press releases and company announcements?

All official press releases and company announcements are available on the AEye Press Releases page.

What are some recent press releases from AEye?

Recent press releases cover topics such as event participation, financial results, and product performance updates. Examples include Apollo’s field testing results, participation in the Bank of America Global Automotive Summit, and quarterly financial results. For a complete list, visit the press releases page.

Where can I find technical documentation for Apollo?

Detailed performance specifications for Apollo can be downloaded from this link. Additional technical resources are available on the AEye Resources page.

What is AEye's 4Sight LiDAR technology?

AEye’s 4Sight LiDAR technology is an adaptive, software-defined lidar platform that delivers precise measurement imaging for applications such as autonomous vehicles, smart infrastructure, and logistics. It is designed for high performance, adaptability, and future-proofing through over-the-air updates. Learn more.

Features & Capabilities

What are the key features of AEye's Apollo lidar?

Key features include dynamic scan patterns, ultra-long-range detection (up to one kilometer), high resolution, adaptability to challenging environments (rain, darkness, fog), future-proof technology with over-the-air updates, and flexible placement options. (Source: AEye Products)

Does Apollo support over-the-air updates?

Yes, Apollo supports over-the-air updates, ensuring the technology remains relevant and adaptable to evolving needs, reducing the risk of obsolescence. (Source: AEye Products)

How does Apollo perform in challenging environments?

Apollo performs reliably in adverse conditions such as rain, darkness, and fog, ensuring consistent performance and operational reliability for safety-critical applications. (Source: AEye Products)

What integration options does Apollo offer for OEMs?

Apollo supports integration behind the windshield, on the roof, or in the grille, allowing OEMs to implement critical safety features with minimal impact on vehicle design. (Source: AEye Products)

What platforms is Apollo integrated with?

Apollo is fully integrated with the NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Platform, including NVIDIA AGX DRIVE Thor™, combining AEye’s long-range lidar perception with NVIDIA’s AI compute capabilities for advanced autonomous driving and physical AI systems. (Source: AEye Press Release)

What technical documentation is available for Apollo?

Technical documentation includes specification sheets, white papers, and case studies. Notable resources are the Apollo spec sheet, white papers on lidar technology, and real-world case studies. Access these at the AEye Resources page.

Use Cases & Benefits

What industries benefit from Apollo and AEye lidar solutions?

Industries include automotive, trucking, smart infrastructure, aviation, defense, rail, and logistics. Apollo’s adaptability and high performance make it suitable for safety, efficiency, and operational improvements across these sectors. (Source: AEye Resources)

What are some real-world use cases for Apollo?

Use cases include early pedestrian detection, obstacle avoidance, differentiating real and false obstacles, abrupt stop detection, and adapting to new challenges through software updates. Case studies such as A Pedestrian in Headlights and Flatbed Trailer Across Roadway demonstrate Apollo’s effectiveness. (Source: AEye Resources)

How does Apollo improve safety in autonomous driving?

Apollo enables early detection and high-resolution perception, giving advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicles more time to react to hazards, especially at high speeds. This improves overall vehicle safety and helps meet regulatory requirements. (Source: AEye Resources)

How does Apollo support smart infrastructure projects?

Apollo’s precise measurement imaging and adaptability make it ideal for smart infrastructure and connected environments, supporting intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and enhancing safety and efficiency in urban settings. (Source: AEye Resources)

Who are some of AEye's customers and partners?

Notable customers and partners include Continental (for volume production), Sanmina Corporation (manufacturing for non-automotive markets), and NVIDIA (integration with NVIDIA DRIVE platform). These partnerships reflect AEye’s broad industry reach. (Source: AEye)

What feedback have customers given about Apollo's ease of use?

Customers have noted Apollo’s ease of integration, comprehensive technical support, and user education resources, which enable quick and confident adoption. Validation testing tools further simplify implementation. (Source: Knowledge Base)

How long does it take to implement Apollo?

While the exact timeline varies by use case, Apollo is designed for quick integration with existing systems, supported by technical experts, validation tools, and comprehensive training resources to ensure a smooth onboarding process. (Source: Knowledge Base)

What case studies demonstrate Apollo's effectiveness?

Case studies such as A Pedestrian in Headlights, Flatbed Trailer Across Roadway, and Obstacle Avoidance showcase Apollo’s impact on safety, customization, and adaptability in real-world scenarios. (Source: AEye Resources)

Competition & Comparison

How does Apollo compare to Velodyne lidar systems?

Unlike Velodyne’s traditional lidar systems with fixed scan patterns, Apollo offers dynamic scan patterns, software-defined architecture for customization, and over-the-air updates for future-proofing. These features provide enhanced adaptability and long-term value. (Source: Knowledge Base)

How does Apollo differ from Luminar lidar?

Luminar focuses on long-range lidar for autonomous vehicles but is primarily hardware-focused. Apollo provides dynamic scan patterns, adaptability to challenging environments, and flexible placement options, making it suitable for a broader range of applications. (Source: Knowledge Base)

What sets Apollo apart from Innoviz lidar solutions?

Innoviz offers solid-state lidar with limited software-defined customization. Apollo stands out with its software-defined architecture, over-the-air updates, and ultra-long-range, high-resolution detection, making it more versatile for demanding applications. (Source: Knowledge Base)

Why should a customer choose Apollo over other lidar solutions?

Apollo offers dynamic scan patterns, software-defined customization, future-proof design with over-the-air updates, high performance (ultra-long-range and high resolution), and flexible placement options. These features ensure scalability, adaptability, and efficiency for various industries. (Source: AEye Resources)

What are the advantages of Apollo for different user segments?

Engineers benefit from ease of integration and validation tools; product managers value scalability and future-proofing; safety officers appreciate enhanced safety features; and executives are drawn to operational efficiency and ROI. (Source: Knowledge Base)

Support & Implementation

What support does AEye provide for Apollo implementation?

AEye provides comprehensive technical support, direct assistance from experts, validation testing tools, and extensive training resources, including documentation, tutorials, and hands-on sessions, to ensure successful implementation. (Source: Knowledge Base)

How easy is it to start using Apollo?

Apollo is designed for ease of integration with existing systems, supported by technical experts and user education resources, making the onboarding process smooth and efficient. (Source: Knowledge Base)

Where can I find case studies and success stories for Apollo?

Case studies and success stories are available on the AEye Resources page, including real-world applications in automotive, trucking, smart infrastructure, and more.

How can I contact AEye for technical or sales inquiries?

For technical or sales inquiries, contact AEye at [email protected] or call +1 (925) 400-4366. For Korea, email [email protected]. (Source: AEye Press Release)

AEye Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2025 Results; Strengthened Foundation for Commercial Growth Read more AEye Joining NVIDIA Halos AI Systems Inspection Lab to Advance Safety-Certified Physical AI Solutions Read more AEye Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2025 Results; Strengthened Foundation for Commercial Growth Read more AEye Joining NVIDIA Halos AI Systems Inspection Lab to Advance Safety-Certified Physical AI Solutions Read more

AEye’s Apollo Excels in Field Testing Demonstrating Unmatched Performance at 1 Kilometer

“The fact that we can deliver this kind of performance makes a strong case for 1550-nanometer technology as OEMs and others seek an ultra-long-range high-speed lidar solution in a small form factor.  We believe Apollo’s performance at over one kilometer is the longest distance achieved by any lidar sensor ever evaluated outside of a laboratory setting.”

Matt Fisch, CEO, AEye

PLEASANTON, Calif. – (BUSINESS WIRE) – October 3, 2024 – AEye, Inc. (Nasdaq: LIDR), a global leader in adaptive, high-performance lidar solutions, announced that its Apollo lidar sensor has achieved outstanding results during recent field testing where it consistently delivered high-resolution data at distances exceeding one kilometer.  This breakthrough is believed to be a first within the lidar industry and demonstrates Apollo’s potential to significantly enhance both automotive safety and security applications, making it a standout in the growing lidar market.

In the most recent phase of testing, Apollo accurately detected vehicles and other objects on a busy freeway at distances beyond one kilometer.  AEye has been conducting tests with customers, Tier 1 partners, and OEMs, and received overwhelmingly positive feedback as Apollo proved its ability to gather detailed, high-quality data over long distances.  For automotive applications, this capability is crucial in allowing advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to detect objects from a longer distance, giving drivers more time to respond more effectively, especially at high speeds.

◀   Video Link   ▶

Matt Fisch, AEye CEO said, “The fact that we can deliver this kind of performance makes a strong case for 1550-nanometer technology as OEMs and others seek an ultra-long-range high-speed lidar solution in a small form factor.  We believe Apollo’s performance at over one kilometer is the longest distance achieved by any lidar sensor ever evaluated outside of a laboratory setting.  We believe Apollo can meet all of NHTSA’s safety performance requirements, including their newest and toughest requirement of a forward collision warning which must be effective at speeds of up to 90 miles per hour.  At the same time, Apollo’s small form factor does not require OEMs to compromise their design standards.  We expect Apollo will play a critical role in the future of automotive safety.

“High-resolution data collection at long distances is essential for enhancing automotive safety and security applications.  AI-based decision-making systems are significantly enhanced by long-range high-resolution data across a wide field of view allowing for quick identification and more time to react to objects and threats, which is particularly crucial for vehicle safety at highway speeds.  Another benefit of Apollo is that it can significantly offload front-end complexity from AI-models which can expedite the development and deployment of embodied AI systems.  We’re excited to continue leading innovation in this space while pushing the boundaries of what is possible with Apollo,” said Fisch.

About Apollo

Apollo is the first product in AEye’s 4Sight flex next-generation family of lidar sensors and delivers best-in-class range and resolution in a small, power-efficient, low-cost form factor.  Apollo supports options for integration behind the windshield, on the roof, or in the grille, which enables OEMs to implement critical safety features with minimal impact to vehicle design.  Apollo is believed to be the only 1550 nm high-performance lidar capable of behind the windshield integration.  The sensor was unveiled at the Auto Lidar Tech Conference in Suzhou, China in June 2024.

About AEye

AEye’s unique software-defined lidar solution enables advanced driver-assistance, vehicle autonomy, smart infrastructure, and logistics applications that save lives and propel the future of transportation and mobility.  AEye’s 4Sight™ Intelligent Sensing Platform, with its adaptive sensor-based operating system, focuses on what matters most: delivering faster, more accurate, and reliable information.  AEye’s 4Sight™ products, built on this platform, are ideal for dynamic applications which require precise measurement imaging to ensure safety and performance.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements included in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Forward-looking statements are sometimes accompanied by words such as “believe,” “continue,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “predict,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “potential,” “seem,” “seek,” “outlook,” and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends, or that are not statements of historical matters.  Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections, and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties.  Forward-looking statements included in this press release include statements about the results achieved by AEye’s Apollo lidar sensor during recent field testing, the positive feedback received by AEye from potential customers regarding Apollo’s performance, and the need for high-performance sensing solutions in the autonomous driving and security segments, among others.  These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release.  These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as and must not be relied on by an investor as a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction, or a definitive statement of fact or probability.  Actual events and circumstances are very difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from the assumptions.  Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of AEye.  Many factors could cause actual future events to differ from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: (i) the risks that the results achieved during recent field testing may not be reproducible in future field testing or in production units; (ii) the risks that lidar sensors from others in the industry may have already, or may be able to achieve in the future, results similar to what AEye demonstrated in recent field testing; (iii) the risks that Apollo may not significantly enhance either automotive safety or security applications to the extent anticipated, or at all; (iv) the risks that OEMs and others may not seek out an ultra-long range high-speed lidar solution in a small form factor to the extent anticipated, or at all; (v) the risks that competitors in the lidar industry may have already, or may soon, exceed Apollo’s performance, at over one kilometer, outside of a laboratory setting; (vi) the risks that Apollo may be unable to satisfy some or all of NHTSA’s safety performance requirements, including the newest and toughest requirement of a forward collision warning effective at speeds of up to 90 miles per hour; (vii) the risks that despite Apollo having a small form factor, it may require OEMs to compromise some or all of their design standards; (viii) the risks that Apollo may not play a role in the future of automotive safety to the extent anticipated, or at all; (ix) the risks that high-resolution data collection at long distances may not be essential for enhancing automotive safety or security applications to the extent anticipated, or at all; (x) the risks that AI-based decision-making systems may not be significantly enhanced by long-range high-resolution data to the extent anticipated, or at all; (xi) the risks that Apollo may not be able to significantly offload front-end complexity from AI-models to expedite the development and deployment of embodied AI systems to the extent anticipated, or at all; (xii) the risks that AEye may be unable to continue leading innovation in this space or push the boundaries of what is possible with Apollo to the extent anticipated, or at all; (xiii) the risks that AEye’s 4Sight technology may not advance the overall safety experience, whether in autonomous driving or security, to the extent anticipated, or at all; (xiv) the risks that lidar adoption may occur slower than anticipated or fail to occur at all; (xv) the risks that AEye’s products may not meet the diverse range of performance and functional requirements of target markets and customers; (xvi) the risks that AEye’s products may not function as anticipated by AEye, or by target markets and customers; (xvii) the risks that AEye may not be in a position to adequately or timely address either the near or long-term opportunities that may or may not exist in the evolving autonomous transportation industry; (xviii) the risks that laws and regulations are adopted impacting the use of lidar that AEye is unable to comply with, in whole or in part; (xix) the risks associated with changes in competitive and regulated industries in which AEye operates, variations in operating performance across competitors, and changes in laws and regulations affecting AEye’s business; (xx) the risks that AEye is unable to adequately implement its business plans, forecasts, and other expectations, and identify and realize additional opportunities; and (xxi) the risks of economic downturns and a changing regulatory landscape in the highly competitive and evolving industry in which AEye operates.  These risks and uncertainties may be amplified by current or future global conflicts and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which continues to cause economic uncertainty.  The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive.  You should carefully consider the foregoing factors, and the other risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of the periodic report that AEye has most recently filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, and other documents filed by us or that will be filed by us from time to time with the SEC.  These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made.

Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements; AEye assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.  AEye gives no assurance that AEye will achieve any of its expectations.

Investor Relations Contacts

Agency Contact

Financial Profiles, Inc.
Evan Niu, CFA
[email protected]
310-622-8243

Company Contact

AEye, Inc. Investor Relations
[email protected]
925-400-4366