Asian Tech Press -- Samsung Electronics has begun research and development of an ultra-small lidar for self-driving, according to Korean industry media outlet TheElec.

The company aimed to commercialize the technology in 2026, people familiar with the matter said, to strengthen its automotive business. In addition, Samsung recently introduced an automotive image sensor, the ISOCELL Auto 4AC.

The company's System LSI division has recently finalized the development of Meta LiDAR Chipset, which will serve as a computing chip for lidar sensors.

Samsung is developing a pulse laser and detector based on the time-of-flight principle (ToF).

A complete lidar set is expected to be available within the next five years, and Samsung is aiming for a detection range of 100 meters for its lidar set.

Unlike other lidars that are attached to the center of a car's roof like an antenna, Samsung plans to attach several ultra-small lidar modules to the car.

The company aims to make the modules cost less than 50,000 won (about $281) so as to reduce the price of automotive lidar sensor.