A new #technology expands lidar sensing beyond distance and motion by mapping location, speed and material properties in a single measurement. The system, which uses a coherent optical modem as the transmitter and receiver, captures millimeter-accurate distance, velocity and surface material while using eye-safe laser power. This could lead to safer autonomous vehicles, more capable robots, better industrial inspection and sensing systems that work in poor visibility caused by glare, fog, or heavy rain. #Lasers #Lidar #AutonomousDriving Robotics Research performed by a Cienalife and UofT team.