Porsche Backs TriEye's Low-Cost Sensors for Autonomous Driving in Bad Weather
Porsche takes a minority stake in Israeli startup TriEye, which develops short-wave infrared sensors to help self-driving cars navigate safely through fog, rain, and dust.
Porsche invests in TriEye, an Israeli startup that develops short-wave infrared sensors to help autonomous and driver-assistance systems operate effectively in poor weather. This strategic investment expands TriEye's Series A funding round to $19 million and brings the company's total raised capital to $22 million. The startup plans to use the new funding to advance product development, expand operations, and hire additional talent.
Most current vehicle safety systems rely on a combination of cameras, radar, and lidar to navigate, but these standard sensors struggle to see clearly in fog, rain, or dust. TriEye argues that simply fusing these existing technologies does not solve the low-visibility problem. Instead, the company creates high-definition short-wave infrared cameras that penetrate harsh weather conditions to provide a clear view of the road ahead.
TriEye bases its technology on nano-photonics research from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and utilizes a unique semiconductor design to manufacture its HD cameras at a fraction of the usual cost. The startup promises to deliver a smaller, higher-resolution, and more affordable sensor compared to traditional infrared technology. Porsche board member Michael Steiner praises both the promising sensor technology and the deep expertise of the TriEye team as key factors in the investment decision.