Ouster adds LiDAR to Rev8 OS family

Ouster has recently unveiled its latest innovation, the Rev8 OS digital LiDAR sensor family, which is based on the company’s L4 Ouster Silicon technology. This new sensor family is specifically designed for applications in autonomy, robotics, smart infrastructure, and industrial sensing. One of the key features of the Rev8 range is the introduction of native color LiDAR, which integrates 3D depth data with color information directly at the sensor level.

For readers of eeNews Europe, this announcement holds significance as it reflects a notable shift in LiDAR architectures. The focus is now on perception hardware that can support more complex AI datasets while meeting the stringent safety requirements of automotive and industrial sectors.

Enhancing Perception Systems with Native Color LiDAR

According to Ouster, the Rev8 family is the first to offer patented native color sensing technology. This means that every data point captured by the LiDAR sensor includes color information, eliminating the need for post-processing or camera-LiDAR calibration. This advancement can greatly enhance the ability of systems to recognize objects like road signs and brake lights, as well as facilitate colorized 3D mapping.

The L4 architecture of the Rev8 sensors incorporates Fujifilm color science and boasts impressive specifications, including up to 10.4 million points per second, 22.4Gbit/s of off-chip data bandwidth, and a 40kHz measurement rate. Ouster also highlights features such as 48-bit color depth and a dynamic range of 116dB, enabling operation in lighting conditions ranging from 1 lux to 2 million lux.

Angus Pacala, CEO of Ouster, expressed his enthusiasm for the Rev8 release, stating, “Rev8 represents the most advanced family of LiDAR sensors ever introduced, setting a new benchmark in sensing technology. With the L4 Ouster Silicon, we are delivering on the potential of our digital architecture to drive significant improvements in performance. By doubling our core specifications and introducing the world’s first native color LiDAR, we are equipping machines with 3D human-like vision for the next phase of Physical AI."

Introducing OS1 Max for Extended Range and Resolution

In addition to the Rev8 sensors, Ouster has revamped its existing OS0, OS1, and OSDome models, and introduced the 256-channel OS1 Max. The OS1 Max offers an impressive range of up to 200m at 10% reflectivity, a maximum detection range of 500m, and a wide 45° field of view.

These sensors are designed to meet auto-grade and cybersecure standards in accordance with ISO 21434. They are also tailored for functional safety certifications such as ASIL-B to ISO 26262, SIL-2 to IEC 61508, and PLd to ISO 13849. Ouster emphasizes a planned 10-year production lifespan for these sensors, catering to industrial and automotive programs that require stable sensing platforms for long-term deployment.