Apple Outfits Self-Driving Test Vehicle With New LIDAR Equipment [Video]

Apple has outfitted its self-driving test vehicles with new LIDAR equipment. The setup was spotted by Amy, a MacRumors reader who lives near Apple's offices in Sunnyvale, California.



The newer model Lexus 450h features a much more expansive setup than the previous one spotted earlier this year. While it's difficult to make out the exact components, AppleInsider suggests that Apple may be using Velodyne's new Puck LiDAR sensor which is a 16-channel unit capable of logging 300,000 points per second at a range of 100 meters.


There seems to be 14 Pucks mounted around the car, four facing forward, two behind and two each at the corners.

There's also a slew of cameras and other sensors collecting data.



Apple has purportedly shifted focus from developing its own vehicle to working on the technology which could power an autonomous car. A recent report claims the company is developing a self-driving shuttle service called PAIL which will take employees between its various Silicon Valley offices and help test its technology.




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