New 4D vision chip can help robots, drones track distance and speed of moving objects

Researchers in Zürich have developed a revolutionary 4D vision chip that can simultaneously map environments and track the speed of moving objects in real-time. Unlike traditional bulky LiDAR systems that fire light pulses and calculate velocity by comparing frames, this compact silicon chip uses continuous laser beams and 61,952 pixels to detect frequency shifts for instant distance and speed measurements. Testing showed the chip successfully mapped indoor spaces and captured architectural details from 65 meters away, potentially enabling affordable 4D imaging in smartphones, drones, and autonomous robots.