Israeli start-up Arbe raises $32m for development of HD radar chipset for ADAS & autonomous vehicles

Tel Aviv-based Arbe, which is working on the next-generation 4D imaging radar chipset solution, that the company says enables high-resolution sensing for ADAS and autonomous vehicles, has raised $32 million (Rs 227 crore) in Round B funding from existing, new, and CVC investors Catalyst CEL, BAIC Capital, AI Alliance (Hyundai, Hanwha, SKT), and MissionBlue Capital, and from earlier investors Canaan Partners Israel, iAngels, 360 Capital Partners, O.G. Tech Ventures, and OurCrowd.

The start up says it will use the funding to move towards full production of its breakthrough radar chipset, which generates an image 100 times more detailed than any other solution available at present.

With the new funding, Arbe will focus on expanding its team to support global Tier-1 customers in moving into full production of radar systems based on its radar development platform. The company claims that delivery of radars based on its proprietary chipset is a game changer in the automotive industry, as Arbe’s technology is the first to enable highly precise sensing in all environment conditions.

The radar technology produces detailed images, which separates, identifies and tracks hundreds of objects in high horizontal and vertical resolution to a long range in a wide field of view. This the company says enables OEMs to provide all-conditions, uncompromised safety to their next-generation vehicles all the while using an affordable sensor for mass market implementation.

Kobi Marenka, CEO, Arbe said: “With the funds raised, Arbe will continue to deploy to the market a real breakthrough in radar technology that empowers Tier 1 automakers and OEMs to finally replace their legacy chipsets with one that truly meets the safety requirements of NCAP and ADAS for years ahead. In fact, Arbe provides an affordable sensor for mass market implementation that enables Level 3 autonomy without requiring LiDAR. Our technology is the essential component in achieving a fully autonomous vehicle that drives in every environment and weather condition.”

According to the Israeli company the technology developed resolves some of today’s most pressing radar challenges, which include eliminating false alarms, processing massive amounts of information generated by 4D imaging in real-time, and mitigating mutual radar interference. By achieving high-resolution object separation in both azimuth and elevation, Arbe enables safer and more accurate decisions for all levels of autonomous driving.

According to Yair Shamir, managing partner, Catalyst CEL Fund, Arbe stands alone in its ability to provide ADAS and autonomous vehicles with high-resolution 4D imaging radar technology. “Arbe’s revolutionary technology and its highly skilled team have made impressive strides in the industry. We are very pleased to support their progress, and we foresee an exciting market opportunity ahead.”