Ouster’s new color lidar is coming to replace cameras

In a groundbreaking development for the tech industry, Ouster, a prominent lidar manufacturer based in San Francisco, has introduced its latest sensor lineup, dubbed "Rev8." These innovative sensors combine color imaging with three-dimensional depth sensing, effectively merging the functionality of two separate devices into one. Ouster's CEO, Angus Pacala, emphasized the significance of this advancement, describing it as the "holy grail" for roboticists. For years, the challenge has been integrating lidar sensors and cameras, often leading to cumbersome processes of data calibration and fusion. Pacala's vision with the Rev8 sensors is to simplify this equation, stating, "The goal is to obviate cameras. There’s no reason that one sensor can’t do both." The launch comes at a pivotal time for the lidar sector, which has seen extensive consolidation, including Ouster's acquisition of Velodyne. Concurrently, demand for sensors is surging, as companies like Waymo are rolling out operational robotaxis and robotics firms are attracting significant investment. Pacala noted that their collaboration with Fujifilm and DXOMARK has enhanced their understanding of superior camera construction. According to him, the Rev8 sensors boast performance improvements that rival modern cameras, utilizing a "digital lidar" architecture that employs advanced single photon avalanche diode (SPAD) detectors for heightened sensitivity in image capture. The Rev8 sensors offer an impressive specification of 48-bit color and a dynamic range of 116 dB, presenting a formidable alternative for robotics applications. Customers can utilize the sensor data in various forms—pure lidar, pure camera, or a pre-fused data stream—providing flexibility depending on their operational needs. Among the standout products is the OS1 Max sensor, which Pacala claims is "the industry’s best long-range lidar," capable of detecting objects up to 500 meters away. This sensor's compact design positions it to significantly impact high-speed applications, including robo-trucking and drone operations. Ouster is not alone in this pursuit; rival companies like Hesai and Innoviz are also exploring the color lidar space. However, Ouster's approach of integrating lidar and imaging technology onto a single chip offers a streamlined solution for their clients, potentially reducing the reliance on traditional cameras and enhancing operational efficiency. As Ouster begins shipping samples and accepting orders, the Rev8 sensors look set to redefine the landscape of perception technologies in robotics and autonomous vehicles.