Lumotive launches ‘LM10’ optical beam-steering semiconductor

31 Aug 2023

Chip said to ‘transform’ 3D sensing for robotics, smart systems, and automotive applications.

Optical semiconductor developer Lumotive has launched the LM10, the first full production offering of its Light Control Metasurface (LCM) technology designed for digital beam steering.

The developer says its digital beam steering approach overcomes the limitations of traditional lidar sensors with cost, size and reliability benefits compared to mechanical systems. As solid-state optical semiconductors, which can be manufactured in high volume, LCMs are enabling lidar to expand into new applications.

Lumotive also offers the M30 Reference Design, a production-ready lidar sensor built around the LM10, which sensor makers can integrate to bring their own LCM-powered products to market.

“After eight years of R&D, we are thrilled to bring the first ever solid-state optical beam steering product to market,” commented Dr. Gleb Akselrod, Founder and CTO of Lumotive.

“LCM technology, which uses the revolutionary physics of dynamic metasurfaces to actively steer light without any moving parts, is enabling never before seen capabilities in 3D sensing and many other applications where software-controlled optical beamforming is critical.”

Dr. Sam Heidari, CEO of Lumotive, added, “With our LM10, we are entering a new era of programmable optics. By combining the transformative power of metamaterials with our patented semiconductor manufacturing process that enables low-cost mass production, we are democratizing software-definable 3D sensing.”

Analyst and user reactions

Lumotive’s network of partners and customers, as well as leading industry analysts, shared their comments on the potential impact of the LM10 launch for their markets and the future of LCMs for all 3D sensing.

“Solid-state beam steering technology is the future of 3D sensing,” commented Pierrick Boulay, Senior Technology & Market Analyst at Yole Intelligence, part of Yole Group. “Whether it's guiding autonomous vehicles, empowering advanced robotics in manufacturing, or enhancing interactivity and functionality in consumer electronics, Lumotive's LM10 is part of this transformative wave, offering the precise advancements needed to unlock new levels of efficiency, safety, and innovation.”

“The dynamic metasurface technology used in LM10 enables extended range and improved energy utilization of the laser components in a lidar system,” said Matt Everett, Senior Director of Product Line Management at Lumentum.

“The integration between Lumotive and Lumentum enables true solid-state, VCSEL-based lidar with software-definable characteristics in a compact form while providing unparalleled flexibility and performance. LM10 empowers businesses to realize their visions of what lidar can accomplish, revolutionizing industries and opening up new horizons for innovation.”

“The LM10's exceptional performance, compact design, and software-defined scan modes enable precise object detection, shape recognition, and enhanced safety in industrial robotics applications, propelling the industry toward new frontiers of efficiency and productivity,” said Hitoshi Ozaki, President of Hokuyo Automatic.

“LM10 and its digital beam steering capability allows us to bring the unique advantages of a scanning lidar system into the same embeddable form factor as other 3D sensing cameras,” said James Suh, CEO of Namuga.

“With its advanced scanning capabilities and dynamic region of interest adjustment, the LM10 chip revolutionizes subject tracking and autofocus in photo and video camera systems,” said Anoop Gadhrri, CEO at Axibo. “This innovative solution not only enhances the quality and precision of our cinematographic automation but also unlocks unprecedented creative possibilities for cinematographers, VR/AR developers, and visual storytellers.”

Wim Wuyts, Chief Commercial Officer at Gpixel, said, “As a proud partner of Lumotive, we are impressed by the LM10’s remarkable capability to extend the range of time-of-flight sensors such as our GTOF0503 without sacrificing form factor or reliability.

“By overcoming the limitations of pure flash illumination, the LM10 unlocks new possibilities for advanced imaging and we are particularly optimistic about the outstanding performance enhancements it brings to robot navigation in logistics environments.”