AEye announced the Stratos lidar sensor, a third‑generation device that extends detection to 1.5 km while maintaining a compact, smartphone‑sized form factor. The sensor delivers twice the resolution of its predecessor, Apollo, and is engineered for high‑resolution, long‑range detection even when mounted behind a vehicle’s windshield, where it achieves a 500‑meter range in automotive and trucking applications.
Stratos builds on AEye’s Apollo platform and leverages 1550‑nanometer laser technology to achieve its extended range. The software‑defined architecture allows the sensor to be updated and optimized through firmware, giving customers the flexibility to adapt the system to new use cases without hardware changes. The 1.5‑km capability opens opportunities in aviation, defense, and rail, where early object recognition is critical for safety and operational efficiency.
The launch follows AEye’s recent partnership with NVIDIA’s DRIVE AGX platform, which validated the company’s technology in a major automotive ecosystem, and a manufacturing agreement with LITEON that supports scaling of Apollo units. These collaborations position Stratos to reach a broader customer base across multiple verticals, from autonomous vehicles to smart infrastructure solutions.
AEye’s financials remain modest: the company reported a third‑quarter net loss of $9.3 million and $0.18 million in revenue over the last twelve months, with a market capitalization of $95.07 million. While the Stratos launch is a strategic investment in future revenue growth, the current financial picture reflects the high‑cost, high‑risk nature of the lidar market and the company’s focus on scaling through partnerships rather than immediate profitability.
CEO Matt Fisch emphasized the significance of the new sensor, stating that Stratos “represents a significant leap forward in long‑range lidar capability, bringing the ultimate perception capability to the realm of physical AI.” He added that the 1550‑nanometer technology makes the sensor cost‑disruptive and enables earlier detection of small objects, improving safety at high speeds.
AEye’s broader strategy centers on software‑defined lidar and the physical‑AI market, integrating sensing with artificial intelligence to create end‑to‑end solutions. The Stratos launch, coupled with NVIDIA and LITEON partnerships, signals a concerted effort to expand into high‑value verticals while maintaining a flexible, software‑centric approach that can adapt to evolving customer needs.
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