Ainstein Launches K-79 Autonomous Vehicle Imaging Radar Sensor at NAIAS, First-to-Market Solution Validated for Hazardous Operating Conditions

Demos Available at NAIAS AutoMobili-D Event in Detroit at Booth CC004

 

DETROIT, Mich. – January 14, 2019 – Ainstein, a leader in intelligent radar systems, announced today the launch and availability of the K-79 autonomous automotive imaging radar sensor, the first commercially available sensor that is optimized and validated for autonomous operation of vehicles in hazardous conditions, such as low-light and extreme dust. It is designed for use in self-driving industrial trucks, tractors and similar specialty vehicles.

“There is an urgent market need for sensors that provide LiDAR-like images, but that can function effectively where LiDAR is compromised, such as extremely bright, extremely dim, dusty and similar conditions,” said Andrew Boushie, Ainstein’s Vice President of Strategy and Partnerships. “These extreme conditions can make existing camera and LiDAR solutions unreliable. For industry to adopt autonomous driving technology, it is essential that functionality is near flawless in all environments.”

 

How It Works

Ainstein’s Autonomous Automotive Imaging Radar K-79 produces a high-resolution, detailed point cloud of a vehicle’s surroundings for both moving objectives, such as other vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians; as well as stationary objects, including railings, idled equipment and buildings. Other key features include:

  • Pinpoints the location of objects and provides range, speed, azimuth and elevation information.
  • Creates a 2D point cloud mapping of surroundings.
  • Capable of producing 3D shapes of detected objects, offering LiDAR-like image quality in poor conditions.
  • Allows for target classification to distinguish between vehicles and pedestrians.

This functionality opens unlimited possibilities for all types of autonomous vehicles, including self-driving excavators, snow removers, shuttles, sweepers, forklifts, agricultural equipment and more. A custom K-79 based sensing solution is currently being piloted by an industry leading organization to automate mining excavation and material removal.

The K-79 combines advanced algorithms in imaging and localization, and radar system design, which allows Ainstein to leverage low-cost commercial radar components to provide a 4D radar point cloud with the most granular details of surroundings at a fraction of the cost of LiDAR systems.

For additional information about Ainstein’s Autonomous Automotive Imaging Radar K-79, please visit https://ainstein.ai/k-79/ or download the media kit.

Ainstein will exhibit at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) AutoMobili-D event, January 14-17, Cobo Center, Detroit, in the Connected Car section (Booth CC004).

To schedule a meeting  at AutoMobili-D, please visit here.

About Ainstein

Founded in 2015, Ainstein enables safer driving, flying, working and living through radar-based technology. Leveraging our radar technology and know-how, we love imagining, developing, and building things that haven’t been built before. We make radar more affordable and easier to deploy, offering complete customized solutions for autonomous drones, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), autonomous vehicles, and industrial sensing – incorporating a combination of mmWave radar, sensor fusion and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. Located in Lawrence, Kansas, Ainstein is in the business of improving safety and protecting valuable assets through innovations in radar technology. Learn more: https://ainstein.ai

 

Media Contact

Ari Brosowsky
UPRAISE Marketing + PR 415-397-7600
ainstein@upraisepr.com

Latest Posts

CUAV 2026

Reflecting on Commercial UAV 2026

SmartAg Drone at Kelly Fields Day 2026

Key Takeaways from Kelly Hills Field Day 2026

heavy-lift cargo drone

The Rise of Industrial-Scale Cargo UAVs: Radar as the Backbone of Autonomous Logistics

iVT 2026

Reflecting on iVT 2026

Ready to Start a Conversation?

See what Ainstein can do for you — Just reach out to us with the form below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

You May Also Like...

Ainstein Vehicle Portfolio

Ainstein’s Automotive Radar Growth

Ainstein's vehicle portfolio growth in 2025 and positioning for 2026
Grote's Booth at Work Truck Week 2026

Key Takeaways from Work Truck Week 2026

CEO Dr. Zongbo Wang Speaking at AOMT 2025

AOMT 2025 Summit Key Takeaways: Automation, Radar, and the Road to Autonomy