Velodyne Lidar, Inc. announced a five-year sales agreement for its lidar sensors with QinetiQ Inc., a leading defense and security company. QinetiQ selected Velodyne’s sensors to provide perception and mapping capabilities across its unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) portfolio.
QinetiQ offers a full range of unmanned ground systems ranging from 5 pounds to 50,000 pounds and has been a leading provider of UGVs for defense and first response users for over 20 years. While QinetiQ’s UGV offerings originally focused on the dangers of Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Route Clearance, its systems are now found in a range of operational missions distancing operators from new everchanging threats.
QinetiQ will use Velodyne Lidar’s next-generation sensors as part of its open architecture approach to unmanned systems. “This sales agreement with Velodyne gives QinetiQ a competitive edge when delivering our autonomous system by providing strategic insight into their technological roadmap,” said Jon Hastie, Director UMS Programs, QinetiQ. “In addition, the operational aspects will help us meet on-time delivery schedules and pass along cost efficiencies to the customer.”
“With its mission-led approach, QinetiQ is a proven developer of cutting-edge solutions. We are proud that our lidar technology is playing an important role in helping the U.S. Department of Defense advance their autonomous capabilities with new unmanned vehicles,” said Laura Wrisley, Vice President, North America Sales, Velodyne Lidar.
