Daniel Mercer
Chinese lidar sensors are becoming increasingly attractive to American automotive manufacturers due to their affordability. the Idaho National Laboratory is investigating potential national security implications associated with this technology.
According to a report from TechCrunch, which cites two anonymous sources knowledgeable about the situation, the laboratory is examining whether the adoption of Chinese-made lidar sensors could introduce cybersecurity vulnerabilities if they become prevalent in U.S. vehicles. This review is being funded by a consortium of companies within the electric and autonomous vehicle sector, although the specific entities involved remain undisclosed.
The ongoing tests aim to identify possible cybersecurity flaws, which could address rising concerns in Washington regarding the security risks of Chinese lidar technology, as noted by TechCrunch’s sources.
The Idaho National Laboratory has not responded to inquiries for comments. a representative previously informed TechCrunch that “this isn’t a project that we’re at liberty to discuss with reporters.”
Lidar technology, which utilizes laser light pulses for distance measurement and the creation of intricate 3D maps of environments, is extensively utilized by firms working on autonomous driving solutions.
An exception to this trend is Tesla. Elon Musk has consistently maintained that autonomous driving can be achieved using cameras and artificial intelligence alone. He has famously described lidar as a “fool’s errand,” asserting that “anyone relying on LiDAR is doomed.”
Nevertheless, the cost of lidar has significantly decreased over the past few years, largely due to advancements made by Chinese manufacturers. Sensors that were once priced in the tens of thousands of dollars are now available for just a few hundred dollars, making the technology increasingly appealing to U.S. auto manufacturers.
Earlier this year, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe mentioned to Reuters that the company was contemplating the production of lidar sensors in the United States, potentially leveraging Chinese technology through a joint venture. Scaringe noted that with lidar sensors now costing only a few hundred dollars, “all the real choices are coming out of China.” He also indicated that other automakers are engaged in discussions regarding the development of production capabilities outside of China.
“Several different car manufacturers are exploring how they could collaborate, or at least align on shared goals to establish production capacity in the United States for this technology, or at least outside China,” Scaringe stated.
Some lawmakers have urged caution. Congress has already introduced at least two bills aimed at banning the use of Chinese-made lidar in the United States. the Commerce Department has instituted restrictions on automotive technologies linked to China and Russia.
Legislators and security officials have expressed worries that these sensors could gather sensitive data and transmit it back to China, or potentially be used to remotely disable vehicles that depend on them.
Despite these concerns, TechCrunch emphasizes that “fears regarding the widespread disabling of Chinese lidar remain just that — fears.”
