QUASAR student undertakes placement in autonomous vehicle technology
QUASAR Group member and LIV.DAT student Ondrej Sedlacek has recently undertaken a six month industrial placement where he participated in the cutting-edge field of autonomous vehicle technology during an industrial placement at Valeo, a global leader in automotive innovation. From January to September 2024, Ondrej worked on enhancing the capabilities of LIDAR sensors—an important component in the development of self-driving cars.
During the placement, Ondrej was deeply involved in analysing calibration data and conducting rigorous experiments in Valeo’s state-of-the-art laboratories. These efforts aimed to probe the sensor’s limits and identify potential improvements, pushing the boundaries of what LIDAR technology can achieve.
“Working at Valeo provided me with invaluable hands-on experience,” Ondrej remarked. “I had the opportunity to collaborate with industry experts and contribute to advancements in a field that has the potential to revolutionize transportation.”
LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology is pivotal in enabling self-driving cars to perceive their surroundings. By emitting laser beams and measuring the time it takes for the light to return after reflecting off objects, LIDAR sensors create precise 3D maps of the environment. This capability is essential for safe navigation and object detection in autonomous vehicles.
Ondrej’s work focused on improving the sensor’s performance. By analysing calibration data he ensured the sensors maintained high accuracy and reliability. The experiments conducted also explored innovative ways to extend the sensors’ operational range and robustness.
The placement has not only bolstered Ondrej’s technical expertise but also reaffirmed his passion for driving transformative change in cutting-edge technology making the experience very valuable for professional development.