Autonomous cars continue to capture the collective imagination, and 2025 is no exception. An unexpected phenomenon was recently filmed, arousing the astonishment and curiosity of technology enthusiasts and the general public alike. As these driverless vehicles become increasingly common on our roads, this particular event raises new questions about how they work and their impact on our daily lives.
Technological innovation seems to be constantly pushing back the boundaries of what’s possible, and this new video may well change our perception of autonomous cars. Find out what makes this incident so fascinating and why it’s attracting so much attention.
Impact of lidar sensors on phone cameras
Lidar sensors, essential for navigation in autonomous cars, can cause irreversible damage to phone camera sensors. A video shared on Reddit illustrates this phenomenon: filming a lidar sensor on a Volvo EX90, the image is marked by permanent colored dots.
Unlike a simple lens effect, this is physical damage caused by the lidar’s infrared laser beams, invisible to the naked eye but destructive to sensitive camera sensors. Although Volvo warns its users, some discover this risk the hard way, like an engineer whose Sony camera was damaged at a technology trade show.
Precautions and tips to protect cameras from lidar sensors
Volvo, aware of the risks posed by lidar sensors, warns its users against potential damage to cameras. Infrared laser beams, while harmless to the human eye, can damage camera sensors. To minimize this risk, it is advisable to avoid pointing a camera directly at a lidar sensor. The use of filters or lens protectors can also mitigate the impact of lidar exposure.
Some cameras even incorporate protection against intense light sources. Volvo emphasizes the importance of these precautions in its manuals, but the phenomenon continues to surprise some owners.
General risks of lidar sensors and recommendations
Lidar sensors, used by many car manufacturers for autonomous driving, present a potential risk to cameras beyond Volvo vehicles. Infrared laser beams, although harmless to the human retina, can cause irreversible damage to camera sensors. It is therefore crucial not to point a camera directly at a lidar sensor. To protect equipment, the use of filters or lens protectors is recommended.
In addition, some cameras are designed with built-in protection mechanisms against intense light sources. These precautions make it possible to preserve the integrity of the equipment while taking advantage of the technological advances of autonomous vehicles.
