Teradar reveals its first terahertz-band vision sensor for cars

Teradar, a Boston-based startup, has unveiled its first flagship terahertz-band vision sensor for automotive use, called Summit, at CES 2026. The sensor is designed to offer long-range, high-resolution performance in all weather conditions, addressing limitations of existing radar and lidar technologies. Summit leverages the relatively unused terahertz electromagnetic spectrum between microwaves and infrared and is a solid-state device with no moving parts. Teradar aims to ship the sensor by 2028, contingent on securing contracts with automakers, and envisions the technology enabling partial or full vehicle autonomy. The company is already collaborating with five major U.S. and European automakers and three Tier 1 suppliers. Teradar’s entry into the automotive sensor market comes amid significant shifts, including the recent bankruptcy of leading U.S. lidar company Luminar, which lost key contracts partly due to competition from Chinese lidar manufacturers. While lidar adoption remains strong in China, U.S. companies like Ouster have diversified into other sectors