Velodyne LiDAR Inc. is expanding their Megafactory in San Jose, CA and research and development facility in nearby Alameda in mid-January, 2017.
The new Megafactory will focus on producing the latest in 3D LiDAR sensors for autonomous vehicle systems, industrial applications and 3D vision for UAVs. The facility will continue to manufacture the HDL -64 LiDAR sensor.
The research facility, Velodyne Labs, will focus on advanced LiDAR and ASICs chip technology among other things.
The latest investments and expansions will allow the spacious Megafactory to begin high-volume manufacturing consistent with Velodyne's goals to ramp up production for the company's entire product portfolio. More than one million LiDAR sensors are expected to be produced in the facility by 2018 to satisfy growing global demand.
This high-volume production will promote the manufacturing of the Solid-State Hybrid LiDAR, a main component for autonomous car systems across the globe. The Solid-State hybrid LiDAR is also used for automotive safety systems, 3D aerial mapping and 3D mobile mapping.
“This Megafactory provides Velodyne LiDAR the space it requires to manufacture its cutting edge, long-range sensors in a single location, as well as the ability to scale to meet growing global customer demand for LiDAR while pursuing an aggressive growth strategy,” said VP of operations, Mark Shandley, Velodyne LiDAR. “In addition, the location in Santa Clara County is ideal, as it allows us to produce LiDAR sensors in the US with a skilled workforce alongside precision robotic manufacturing processes so we can continue to grow and deliver world-class products.”
For more information on the Megafactory and Velodyne Labs, visit the Velodyne LiDAR Inc. website.