Volvo’s new all-electric EX90 has faced criticism after it was revealed that its pulsed lasers used in the LiDAR safety system could permanently damage smartphone camera sensors. A Reddit user shared footage showing the pulse lasers causing contrails on a smartphone screen as the camera sensors shorted out.
The issue is not unique to Volvo or the EX90, but affects multiple vehicle manufacturers including Polestar 3, Mercedes’ S-Class, BMW i7, and Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz. LiDAR systems use laser light to scan the road and surroundings ahead of a vehicle, creating an artificial map of potential obstacles.
While pulsed laser technology is designed to be “eye-safe,” its higher intensity means it can cause significant damage to camera sensors. Volvo has advised users not to point their cameras directly at the LiDAR system, comparing it to staring directly into the sun. The company recommends avoiding close-up shots and suggests that zoomed-out shots are less likely to cause damage.
This issue comes as a challenging time for Volvo, which recently had to recall 400,000 vehicles in the US due to an issue with rearview cameras. The brand’s new EX90 has been touted as an electric flagship with premium interior features, but some aspects of its technology may require users to adjust their camera settings.
Source: https://carbuzz.com/volvo-ex90-lidar-system-smartphone-camera-damage