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Protecting borders, critical infrastructure, and transportation corridors is becoming increasingly challenging as the number of threats and users operating within these environments continues to grow. Conventional cameras often struggle to provide a complete operational picture under changing lighting conditions, while many detection systems have difficulty distinguishing between a person, vehicle, animal, or drone at long distances. The result is a growing volume of alerts and a reduced ability to make timely decisions.
Against this backdrop, Drive Group and Innoviz have announced a strategic partnership aimed at integrating LiDAR sensors into perimeter security and intelligent transportation systems. At the center of the collaboration is the Barak LightGuard platform, designed to provide automated detection, tracking, and classification of objects in open environments through the integration of multiple sensing layers.
The system is built around the InnovizSMART sensor, which utilizes three-dimensional LiDAR technology. Unlike a conventional camera that produces a two-dimensional image, LiDAR emits laser pulses and measures the time it takes for them to return from surrounding objects. This process generates a highly detailed 3D map of the environment, including information on the distance, size, and movement of every object within the monitored area.
Complementing the sensing layer are a video camera and an AI-powered analytics platform developed by Cogniteam. The algorithms fuse data from the various sensors and automatically classify objects such as people, vehicles, animals, and drones while reducing false alarms. According to the companies, the system is capable of detecting and tracking targets at distances of up to approximately 1,000 meters.
The primary applications include border security, protection of critical infrastructure, safeguarding sensitive facilities, and smart transportation systems. In transportation environments, the combination of LiDAR and artificial intelligence can support traffic management, intersection monitoring, and real-time detection of unusual events. In defense and homeland security applications, the platform is designed to provide a persistent perimeter surveillance capability that can operate under changing environmental conditions and around the clock.
As part of the agreement, an initial purchase order for sensor units has already been placed for integration into the platform. The two companies have also established a joint goal of reaching approximately $20 million in sales by the end of 2027. Beyond the commercial aspect, the partnership reflects a broader industry trend toward combining 3D sensing, AI-driven analytics, and intelligent security systems to improve real-time understanding of the physical environment.
