Hesai Picasso LiDAR Chip Enables Full-Color 3D Perception for Autonomous Vehicles

Hesai has introduced a breakthrough in perception technology with the launch of its Picasso chip, the world’s first full-color LiDAR solution. Designed to combine color recognition with precise distance measurement at the hardware level, this innovation marks a significant step forward for autonomous driving systems. The chip will power the company’s next-generation ETX LiDAR series, which is scheduled for mass production in the second half of the year. This advancement enables more accurate environmental understanding, helping vehicles interpret complex road scenarios more efficiently.

Full-Color Perception Enhances LiDAR Capabilities

Traditional LiDAR systems primarily capture spatial geometry and object shapes, functioning similarly to monochrome imaging systems. This limitation forces autonomous systems to rely on additional computational processes to infer contextual details such as traffic signals or lane markings. With the Picasso chip, Hesai addresses this gap by enabling pixel-level fusion of color and distance directly within the sensor hardware. As a result, the system can generate native color 3D point clouds without requiring post-processing from separate camera inputs.

Advanced Performance with High Sensitivity

The Picasso chip delivers a photon detection efficiency exceeding 40%, positioning it among the highest-performing LiDAR technologies globally. This increased sensitivity allows sensors to detect objects more clearly and at greater distances while maintaining the same laser power levels. The enhanced capability enables autonomous vehicles to identify traffic lights, road markings, and construction zones with improved precision, bringing machine perception closer to human-level recognition. This leap in sensor efficiency supports safer and more reliable driving automation.

ETX Series Integration and Flexible Configurations

The upcoming ETX LiDAR series from Hesai will incorporate the Picasso chip, offering scalable configurations tailored to different use cases. The platform supports multiple channel options, including 1,080, 2,160, and 4,320 laser channels, allowing automakers to balance performance and cost requirements. This flexibility is expected to accelerate adoption across various vehicle segments, particularly as LiDAR technology becomes more accessible due to declining production costs.

Hesai LiDAR Shipment Growth and Financial Performance

The company’s recent financial performance reflects strong market demand for its sensing solutions. In 2025, Hesai reported its first full-year profitability, driven by a sharp increase in shipments. The expansion of LiDAR into cost-sensitive segments has played a key role in this growth, especially as the company targets vehicles priced below 100,000 yuan and expands into new applications such as electric two-wheelers.

Hesai LiDAR Shipment and Profit Overview

Expansion into New Mobility and AI Applications

Beyond automotive applications, Hesai is extending its technology into broader mobility and artificial intelligence domains. The company has begun supplying solid-state LiDAR solutions for electric two-wheelers developed by Niu Technologies, highlighting its push into diversified transportation segments. Additionally, it introduced Kosmo, a spatial intelligence device designed to capture high-quality 3D data for training AI models. This system is positioned as a foundational tool for developing advanced physical AI applications.

Future Growth and Production Expansion

With rising demand for advanced sensing solutions, Hesai plans to significantly scale its production capacity. The company aims to exceed an annual output of 4 million units by 2026, ensuring it can meet increasing global demand. As manufacturing costs continue to decline, LiDAR adoption is expected to expand further into mainstream vehicle segments. This positions China as a key hub for innovation and large-scale deployment in the autonomous driving ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Hesai Picasso LiDAR chip different from traditional LiDAR systems?
The Hesai Picasso LiDAR chip integrates color perception with distance measurement directly at the hardware level, eliminating the need for separate camera fusion. This enables the sensor to generate native color 3D point clouds, improving object recognition accuracy. Unlike traditional LiDAR, which captures only shape and distance, this technology allows autonomous systems to identify traffic elements such as signals and markings more efficiently, reducing computational load and enhancing real-time decision-making capabilities.