Owl Autonomous Imaging develops high-definition long-wave infrared (LWIR) thermal imaging solutions for autonomous vehicles, enabling detection of vulnerable road users in complete darkness and adverse conditions. This technology addresses the rising pedestrian fatalities at night by enhancing vehicle safety systems beyond the limitations of traditional sensors.
Funding
$35.3M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
SFFounders
Product
Problem
Existing automotive sensor suites using visible light cameras and radar exhibit limitations in detecting vulnerable road users, particularly in low-light conditions, adverse weather, and situations involving glare. This leads to an increased risk of pedestrian fatalities, especially at night, despite advancements in vehicle safety systems.
Solution
Owl Autonomous Imaging develops long-wave infrared (LWIR) thermal imaging solutions designed to enhance the capabilities of autonomous vehicles and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Their technology enables detection and classification of objects, including vulnerable road users, in complete darkness, adverse weather conditions, and other degraded visual environments where traditional sensors struggle. By integrating passive thermal imaging, the solution provides a strategic and safety advantage, augmenting existing sensor suites and addressing the rising concerns of pedestrian safety regulations. The LWIR technology operates by sensing objects' temperature, offering a non-emitting, passive sensing modality that can see beyond the limitations of headlights and other light-based systems.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes automotive manufacturers and suppliers developing ADAS and autonomous vehicle technology, as well as defense and civil organizations requiring enhanced surveillance capabilities in degraded visual environments.
Features
- High-definition LWIR thermal focal plane array in wafer-scale package
- Thermal imaging capabilities for object detection and classification in challenging visibility conditions
- Passive, non-emitting sensing modality operating in the long-wave infrared spectrum
- Solutions for automotive ADAS, enabling detection of vulnerable road users beyond headlight range
- Technology applicable to battlefield intelligence, civil use surveillance, and other dual-use scenarios
- Compliant with emerging government mandates for pedestrian safety