Huawei unveils world's highest-spec 896-line LiDAR for AITO and Maextro

Huawei has unveiled what it calls the world's highest-specification 896-line LiDAR in mass production, a dual-optical-path system capable of detecting objects as small as 14 centimetres from 120 metres away.

The company introduced the new sensor at its HarmonyOS Smart Driving Technology Innovation event. According to Huawei, the dual-optical architecture boosts resolution up to four times compared with previous generations, delivering what the firm describes as a "high-definition picture-in-picture" imaging effect.

"One [receiving unit] provides a wide-angle overview while the other focuses on long-distance details ahead," said Jin Yuzhi, CEO of Huawei Intelligent Automotive Solutions BU. "Working together, they create a high-definition picture-in-picture imaging effect."

Jin added that the system can even capture a dog wagging its tail clearly from 55 metres away, underscoring its ability to identify low-reflectivity and irregularly shaped obstacles.

What the line count means

In LiDAR terminology, "lines" refer to the number of independent laser emission channels in the vertical direction. More lines produce denser vertical scans and clearer 3D point clouds, improving the detection of pedestrians, vehicles and small obstacles.

Common automotive LiDARs today feature 16, 32 or 128 lines. The previous industry record for mass-produced units was 520 lines, making Huawei's 896-line system a notable step forward.

First models and wider rollout

The AITO M9 and Maextro S800 under Huawei's HIMA brand will be the first vehicles to receive the new LiDAR. Both models are now open for orders, with the M9 starting from approx. $66,639 (China market 479,800 RMB) and the Maextro S800 from approx. $101,111 (China market 728,000 RMB).

According to Cailian Press, an insider revealed that additional Huawei-collaborated brands across various price points will also incorporate the 896-line LiDAR in future models.

Non-HIMA brands are also on board. AVATR and Voyah confirmed that their upcoming vehicles — the Avatr 12 and Voyah FE — will be equipped with the new sensor system.

The rollout signals Huawei's intent to make high-line-count LiDAR mainstream across multiple brands and price segments, potentially raising the baseline for autonomous-driving sensor performance in the NEV market.