TL;DR
Teradar debuted Summit, a solid-state terahertz-band vision sensor, at CES 2026 after a recent $150 million Series B. The company says the sensor aims to combine strengths of lidar and radar, plans limited shipping by 2028 if automaker contracts are secured, and is already working with unnamed OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.
What happened
At CES 2026, Boston startup Teradar introduced Summit, its first production terahertz-band automotive vision sensor. The announcement follows the company’s emergence from stealth two months earlier and a $150 million Series B round. Summit is a solid-state device that operates in the terahertz portion of the electromagnetic spectrum — between microwaves and infrared — and is positioned to offer long-range, high-resolution sensing in a compact package without moving parts. Teradar says the sensor is intended to deliver the complementary strengths of lidar and radar while avoiding some of their drawbacks. The company reported it is working with five top automakers across the U.S. and Europe and three Tier 1 suppliers to validate the technology. Teradar’s backers include Lockheed Martin’s venture arm and VXI Capital. The firm says Summit could ship by 2028 if it finalizes contracts with vehicle manufacturers.
Why it matters
- Terahertz sensing could offer automotive-grade range and resolution with a solid-state form factor, addressing cost and reliability concerns tied to some lidar designs.
- If Summit meets its targets, automakers could gain a different path to add advanced driver assistance or autonomy without relying solely on lidar or radar.
- Teradar’s timing intersects with turbulence in the lidar market, creating an opening for alternative sensor technologies among OEMs and suppliers.
- A successful terahertz product would expand the supplier landscape for vehicle perception stacks and influence future sensor integration choices.
Key facts
- Teradar emerged from stealth two months before CES 2026 and raised $150 million in a Series B.
- The company unveiled Summit, a long-range, high-resolution sensor that uses the terahertz band of the spectrum.
- Summit is a solid-state design with no moving parts, according to Teradar.
- Teradar says it is working with five top automakers in the U.S. and Europe and three Tier 1 suppliers to validate the sensor.
- The firm expects Summit could begin shipping by 2028 if it secures contracts with automakers.
- Investors in the round included Lockheed Martin’s venture arm and VXI Capital.
- The launch comes amid industry shifts: U.S. lidar firm Luminar filed for bankruptcy after major contracts fell apart, and Chinese lidar deployment remains strong.
- Chinese lidar maker Hesai reported producing more than 1 million lidar units in 2025, underscoring competitive pressure in sensing hardware.
- Some lidar adoption continues: Rivian said it will integrate a roof-mounted lidar on its upcoming R2 SUV.
What to watch next
- Whether Teradar finalizes production contracts with automakers and begins shipments as planned by 2028.
- Independent validation of Summit’s range, resolution, and performance in varied weather and lighting conditions — not confirmed in the source.
- Which specific OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers sign deals with Teradar and in what volumes — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Terahertz band: Portion of the electromagnetic spectrum between microwaves and infrared, often explored for imaging and sensing applications.
- Solid-state sensor: A sensor design that has no mechanically moving parts, generally aiming for greater reliability and lower maintenance.
- Lidar: A ranging technology that uses laser light to measure distances and build detailed 3D maps of an environment.
- Radar: A sensing method that uses radio waves to detect objects and measure their distance and velocity, typically robust in poor weather.
- Tier 1 supplier: A company that supplies parts or systems directly to an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), such as a carmaker.
Reader FAQ
When will Teradar’s Summit sensor ship?
Teradar says Summit could start shipping by 2028 if it secures contracts with automakers.
Which automakers will use the Summit sensor?
Not confirmed in the source.
How does terahertz sensing compare to lidar or radar?
Teradar positions terahertz as combining the range and resolution advantages of lidar with radar’s all-weather capability, but independent performance data is not provided in the source.
How much funding has Teradar raised?
Teradar completed a $150 million Series B.
Two months after coming out of stealth with a $150 million fundraise, Boston-based Teradar is showing off its first flagship terahertz sensor at Consumer Electronics Show 2026 this week. The…
Sources
- Teradar reveals its first terahertz-band vision sensor for cars
- Teradar Unveils the World's First Terahertz Vision Sensor …
- Teradar Introduces World's First Terahertz Vision Sensor to …
- Teradar Unveils Terahertz Vision Sensor for Automotive …
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