Aeva and LG Innotek Partner to Accelerate FMCW LiDAR Adoption Across Automotive, Robotics, and Consumer Markets

Aeva, a leader in next-generation sensing and perception systems, has announced a strategic collaboration with LG Innotek, a major technology manufacturer and affiliate of the LG Group. The partnership includes a potential investment of up to $50 million, covering an equity stake in Aeva, non-dilutive funding for new product development, and capital investments to scale production for Aeva’s advanced FMCW (Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave) perception platform. This collaboration aims to accelerate the commercialization of Aeva’s 4D LiDAR technology across automotive, industrial automation, robotics, and consumer devices. The deal positions Aeva to expand its FMCW-based perception platform, which integrates LiDAR sensors, custom processing chips, and AI software, into “Physical AI”—a field where systems use sensors and real-time data to interact with the physical world. LG Innotek, already a key supplier of optical sensing solutions for major automakers, will manufacture and supply Aeva’s Atlas™ Ultra 4D LiDAR sensor for the automotive sector. This includes a development program with a top 10 global passenger vehicle OEM, covering multiple models across its production platforms. LG Innotek’s CEO, Hyuksoo Moon, emphasized the partnership’s long-term vision, stating it would strengthen the companies’ roles in the LiDAR market. “This collaboration goes beyond product supply, focusing on shared innovation to deliver differentiated customer value,” he said. Moon added that LG Innotek aims to solidify its status as a mobility solutions provider by expanding its LiDAR offerings. Aeva’s CEO, Soroush Salehian, highlighted the significance of the partnership, noting that LG Innotek’s global expertise in advanced components validates FMCW as a critical technology for future sensing systems. “By combining our FMCW platform with LG Innotek’s scale and resources, we can unlock new capabilities in industries where machines need to perceive and understand their environments,” he said. Aeva’s 4D LiDAR sensors stand out for their ability to detect both 3D spatial data and real-time velocity, enhancing safety and decision-making for autonomous systems. The collaboration will initially focus on automotive applications, with plans to extend to industrial automation, robotics, and consumer electronics. In industrial automation, the partners will develop sensing solutions for equipment operating in diverse environments. For robotics, LG Innotek’s existing role in supplying LiDAR modules for humanoid robots aligns with Aeva’s goal of advancing perception systems for this growing sector. In consumer devices, they aim to explore applications in smartphones, AR/VR headsets, and home robotics, where FMCW technology could enable new functionalities. LG Innotek’s involvement includes manufacturing Aeva’s sensors, while Aeva’s proprietary software and hardware will enhance the platform’s performance. The companies also plan to co-develop products tailored to specific industry needs, leveraging their combined strengths in sensor technology and production scale. Top executives from LG Innotek, including CEO Moon and CTO S. David Roh, will participate in Aeva Day on July 31, where they will discuss the partnership’s details. The event will be available via webcast for investors and stakeholders. Aeva, which went public on Nasdaq under the ticker AEVA, has previously raised $1 billion at a $13.8 billion valuation. LG Innotek, a global leader in materials and components, is the world’s top supplier of smartphone camera modules and provides critical parts for mobility, AI, semiconductors, and robotics. The partnership underscores the growing demand for high-precision sensing technologies as AI-driven systems become more prevalent. Both companies aim to address challenges in data accuracy, real-time processing, and scalability, which are essential for advancing autonomous systems and smart devices. This collaboration follows recent industry trends where AI labs and tech firms increasingly rely on specialized data providers. Aeva’s FMCW technology, which offers advantages over traditional LiDAR systems, is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of perception in various sectors. The press release includes forward-looking statements about future product development and market opportunities, noting risks such as commercialization challenges and market acceptance. Aeva’s technology remains in the early stages, with potential hurdles in achieving widespread adoption. The partnership highlights the interdependence of hardware innovation and software integration in AI ecosystems, as companies seek to outpace competitors in emerging markets. Aeva’s ability to scale production and secure industry partnerships will be critical to its success.