Can A Car's LiDAR Sensor Damage Your Phone Camera? Viral Video Sparks Debate
LiDAR, short for light detection and ranging, is the eye of modern autonomous systems. The technology uses infrared light waves to collect information about the car's surroundings and identify the distance to objects and certain aspects of their movement or appearance.
While some claimed that the video was edited, subject experts revealed that smartphone cameras can indeed be damaged when they are pointed straight at the LiDAR sensor.
"Yeah, this is a real thing. As a professional videographer, it has happened to colleagues of mine," said one social media user, while another added: "People freaking out with microwave oven while they are totally fine with car Lidar which beams out high energy high frequency laser."
A third commented: "So that means we probably shouldn't be looking at the car lasers with our face-eyes either, right?"
Filming this car's LiDAR system breaks the phone camera pic.twitter.com/PVMGhpvzbt
— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) May 15, 2025
Volvo warns
Even Volvo, on its website, has issued an official warning, reminding people not to point their cameras or any other device at the sensor.
"Do not point a camera directly at the lidar. The lidar, being a laser-based system, uses infrared light waves that may cause damage to certain camera devices. This can include smartphones or phones equipped with a camera," read the statement.
Though it is not advisable to look directly into LiDAR sensors, Volvo uses 1665-nanometer lasers, which is believed to be harmless as the light cannot reach the retina at that wavelength.
While Volvo uses LiDAR for its autonomous vehicles, Elon Musk's Tesla relies on a combination of cameras for navigation. The billionaire famously called LiDAR a 'crutch' for autonomous vehicles, claiming that they were expensive and not needed for the self-driving technology.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
From Elon Musk to Mark Zuckerberg, these 5 billionaires founded schools
In an era where technology, globalization, and evolving job markets are rapidly reshaping the skills students need, traditional education often falls short. Classrooms bound by rigid curricula and standardized testing struggle to cultivate creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills essential for the 21st century. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Recognizing this gap, billionaires are establishing schools that break away from convention, experimenting with student-centered learning, STEM-driven curricula, and holistic development. These initiatives are not mere acts of philanthropy; they are deliberate attempts to reinvent how education is delivered and to prepare students for an unpredictable, rapidly changing world. Elon Musk: Engineering curiosity Elon Musk, the visionary behind Tesla and SpaceX, has long approached education with the same experimental mindset he applies to rockets and electric cars. He founded Ad Astra in California for his children and the children of SpaceX employees, a school that prioritized inquiry, project-based learning, and STEM excellence. This venture evolved into Astra Nova, an online platform designed to push the boundaries of student-led learning. In 2025, Musk expanded his vision with a private preschool in Bastrop, Texas, focused on nurturing curiosity and analytical skills from the earliest years. Backed by a $100 million foundation endowment, Musk's schools are as much laboratories of innovation as they are institutions of learning. Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan: Holistic development Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan approached education through a lens that marries academic rigor with personal well-being. Their Primary School, launched in 2016 via the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, integrated traditional instruction with health services, creating a learning environment attentive to both mind and body. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Though slated to close after 2026, the school served as a bold experiment, demonstrating that educational success can stem from nurturing the whole child rather than focusing solely on grades. Jeff Bezos: Early learning, scaled for impact Jeff Bezos has turned his attention to the youngest learners, establishing the Bezos Academy in 2020—a network of Montessori-inspired, tuition-free preschools serving under-resourced communities. Emphasizing hands-on exploration, social-emotional growth, and early STEM engagement, the initiative reflects a strategic vision: equitable access to quality education begins at the foundation level. Through the Bezos Day One Fund, these schools exemplify how targeted philanthropy can create sustainable, scalable impact. Global visionaries: Education without borders The movement transcends Silicon Valley. Oprah Winfrey founded the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa in 2007, offering gifted girls from disadvantaged backgrounds a world-class boarding education. Laurene Powell Jobs, via the XQ Institute, funds experimental high school projects across the United States, challenging traditional curricula and fostering innovation. Globally, entrepreneurs like Sunny Varkey (GEMS Education) and Bertil Hult (EF Education First) have built extensive networks of schools and programs, reaching hundreds of thousands of students and redefining what it means to educate at scale. Lessons for students and educators These schools offer a critical insight: learning is evolving beyond rote memorization and standardization. For students, the emphasis on creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving provides a template for thriving in the modern world. For educators and policymakers, these initiatives offer blueprints for designing curricula that balance intellectual rigor with personal growth, preparing learners not just for exams, but for life. Shaping the classroom of tomorrow By redefining what schooling can be, these billionaires are not merely funding institutions—they are shaping a vision of education for the 21st century. In classrooms where curiosity is currency and innovation is expected, students are learning to think differently, question assumptions, and embrace complexity. The lesson is clear: the future of education belongs to those bold enough to reimagine it.
Hindustan Times
9 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Volvo India teases EX30, the brand's upcoming electric SUV. Here's what to expect…
Volvo Cars India has teased its upcoming EX30 SUV on the social media platform, Instagram. The Volvo EX30 will be positioned under the EX40 (formerly C40 Recharge) and will cater to the category of premium compact SUV buyers. The EX30 has already been on sale in the international market for a little while now, and the carmaker will be bringing it into the country in the form of Completely-Knocked-Down units. Rivals of the EX30 in India will include the BMW iX1 LWB, Mercedes-Benz EQA, BYD Sealion 7, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Kia EV6. The EX30 is a crucial product for Volvo in India as it blends compact dimensions with premium features, sustainable design, and strong performance. With its positioning, the SUV has the potential to bring new buyers into Volvo's EV family while strengthening the brand's foothold in the fast-growing premium electric SUV market. Also check these Cars Find more Cars UPCOMING Volvo EX30 69 kWh 69 kWh 474 km 474 km ₹ 40 - 50 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched Hyundai Ioniq 5 72.6 kWh 72.6 kWh 631 km 631 km ₹ 46.05 Lakhs Compare View Offers Volvo XC90 1969 cc 1969 cc Multiple Multiple ₹ 1.04 Cr Compare View Offers Volvo XC60 1969 cc 1969 cc Petrol Petrol ₹ 71.90 Lakhs Compare View Offers Volvo EX40 69 kWh 69 kWh 475 km 475 km ₹ 56.10 Lakhs Compare View Offers Mahindra BE 6 79 kWh 79 kWh 682 km 682 km ₹ 18.90 Lakhs Compare View Offers Volvo EX30: Dimensions and design Measuring 4.23 metres in length, the EX30 is about 20 cm shorter than the XC40 Recharge. Despite its compact footprint, the SUV offers generous cabin space thanks to a long wheelbase. The design language stays true to Volvo's identity: a clean, closed grille with the iconic logo, signature Thor's hammer LED headlights, and tail lamps that extend into the C-pillar, giving it a modern and distinctive stance. Also Read : Volvo confirms launch of EX30, EX90 EVs in India in 2025 Volvo EX30: Interior and features Inside, the EX30 continues Volvo's minimalist approach. The dashboard is button-free, dominated by a vertically mounted 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen that controls everything from climate settings to navigation and multimedia. The system, developed in collaboration with Google, integrates Google Maps, Spotify, and YouTube, while additional apps can be downloaded via the Google Play Store. Notably, the SUV skips a traditional driver display, instead relying solely on the central screen. Adding to its uniqueness is a steering wheel with a flat top and bottom design, further emphasising its futuristic appeal. Volvo EX30: Powertrain and battery options Globally, Volvo offers the EX30 in three configurations. The Single Motor Standard Range version delivers 272 bhp and uses a 51 kWh LFP battery for a claimed range of 344 km. The Single Motor Extended Range retains the same output but pairs it with a larger 69 kWh battery that extends the range to 480 km. Sitting at the top is the Twin Motor Performance variant, which produces 428 bhp from dual motors, accelerates from 0 to 100 kmph in just 3.4 seconds, and offers a range of up to 460 km. Charging is equally impressive, with support for 134 kW to 153 kW DC fast charging that enables the battery to go from 10 to 80 per cent in just 25 minutes. However, it is most likely that the carmaker will offer only the Single Motor Extended Range version for the Indian markets. Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2025, Best SUVs in India. First Published Date:
NDTV
11 hours ago
- NDTV
Volvo EX30 Electric SUV Teased Ahead Of India Launch
Volvo Cars India is preparing to launch the EX30 electric SUV in the Indian market. The electric vehicle of the Swedish automaker has been on the cards for some time. However, this is one of the first teasers released by the brand, hinting at the launch of the upcoming. The EV is already on sale in the international market and will be sold in India as CKD units. Once launched, it will be placed below the EX40. The EX30 shares a resemblance with its siblings, adhering to Volvo's design language. It features a sleek aesthetic, highlighted by a blanked-off grille, narrow LED headlights, Thor's Hammer daytime running lights, pixelated tail lights, and aerodynamic wheels designed specifically for EVs. The vehicle's charging port is located on the rear left quarter panel. Also Read: Mahindra Vision X, Vision T, Vision S, And Vision SXT Unveiled On Independence Day 2025 Inside, the cabin showcases a minimalist Swedish design, complete with a 12.3-inch vertical infotainment display powered by a Google-based operating system, as well as wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The dashboard presents a streamlined driver's display, a new steering wheel, and a tidy layout. The EX30 is equipped with safety technologies, including a 360-degree camera, numerous airbags, and ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) like lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Volvo Car India (@volvocarsin) Built on Geely's SEA platform, the Volvo EX30 comes with two battery sizes - 51 kWh and 69 kWh, offering ranges of 344 km and 480 km (WLTP cycle), respectively. However, in the international market, there are three battery pack choices available. The single-motor configuration delivers 268 hp and 343 Nm of torque, while the dual-motor version provides 422 hp and 543 Nm of torque. Upon its launch in India, the Volvo EX30 will go head-to-head with competitors like the Mercedes-Benz EQA, Hyundai Ioniq 5, BYD Sealion 7, and BMW iX1.
