At a Glance
- Teradar unveiled its flagship terahertz sensor, Summit, at CES 2026 after a $150 M Series B.
- Summit promises long-range, high-resolution sensing in any weather, bridging the gap left by radar and lidar.
- If automaker contracts are secured, shipping could start in 2028, enabling partial or full vehicle autonomy.
- Why it matters: Automakers seeking cost-effective, weather-resistant sensors may adopt Summit, reshaping the automotive sensor market.
In the midst of a shifting sensor landscape, Boston-based Teradar showcased its terahertz sensor at CES 2026, positioning it as a game-changer for automotive autonomy.
Summit: A New Sensor Paradigm
Teradar’s Summit is a solid-state sensor that uses the under-used terahertz band between microwaves and infrared.
It offers the best qualities of lidar and radar with no moving parts, delivering long-range, high-resolution data in any weather.
The company is already testing the technology with five leading automakers from the U.S. and Europe, plus three Tier 1 suppliers.
Market Timing and Competition
The launch comes as U.S. lidar leader Luminar filed for bankruptcy after losing contracts with Volvo and Mercedes-Benz, while Chinese lidar makers continue to scale up.
Hesai reported building more than 1 million lidar sensors in 2025, and U.S. rivals like Ouster have diversified into robotics and smart infrastructure.
Beyond Automobiles
Teradar’s $150 M Series B was backed by Lockheed Martin’s venture arm and VXI Capital, a defense-focused fund led by the former CTO of the U.S. military’s Defense Innovation Unit.
The funding signals a broader vision that extends beyond cars to defense and other high-tech markets.
Industry Response and CEO Outlook
Rivian announced it will fit a roof-mounted lidar sensor from an unnamed supplier in its upcoming R2 SUV, showing that autonomous-sensor demand remains strong.
Matt Carey said:
> “Our main job is to make sure our sensor gets on all automobiles, and whatever the best way to do that is, that’s what we’re going to pursue.”
He believes Summit can meet the industry’s performance marks and is eager to capture the opportunity.
Key Takeaways
- Summit is the first solid-state terahertz sensor aimed at automotive autonomy.
- Shipping could begin in 2028 if automaker contracts materialize.
- The $150 M Series B includes defense-focused investors, hinting at broader applications.
The unveiling signals a potential shift in the sensor market, as automakers look for reliable, weather-resistant alternatives to lidar and radar.
