Waveguide antennas for next-generation imaging radar
Gapwaves and Waymo partner to advance next-generation imaging radar for autonomous vehicles
Gapwaves has been awarded funding from Vinnova to advance Gapwaves’ Multi-Layer Waveguide (MLW) technology for the next-generation imaging radar for fully autonomous vehicles (AV). The project is carried out in partnership with Waymo, a global leader in AV technology and robotaxi services headquartered in Mountain View, California, USA.
Autonomous vehicles and robotaxi services are already live across several cities, particularly in the United States. Initial deployments in geofenced and controlled environments have become standard, while pilot programs continue to scale as regulatory frameworks evolve to support fully autonomous operations. Looking ahead, broader commercial rollouts in delivery, freight, and ride-sharing are expected to accelerate over the coming years. However, moving from limited urban pilots to large-scale global deployment demands more than incremental progress. Autonomous platforms must rely on sensing technology that delivers uncompromising perception performance – while also being designed for industrial scalability, without ever trading off safety.
Through the Future Mobility initiative, Gapwaves has been awarded funding from Vinnova and the Swedish Energy Agency to further strengthen high-performance sensing solutions for autonomous driving. Gapwaves has developed and industrialised its unique Multi-Layer Waveguide (MLW) antenna technology for automotive radar sensors. This project aims to build on these compact, cost-efficient solutions and adapt them for autonomous vehicles – enabling advanced, scalable imaging radar technology that fulfils the stringent safety and reliability standards essential for autonomous driving.
Hanna Kumlin, Gapwaves Project Manager. Picture: Magnus Lundin
Through Gapwaves MLW technology, we are enabling radar solutions that provide vehicles with superior environmental perception and higher reliability – the prerequisites for the furture of mobility.
Deepening innovation ties between Sweden and the United States
This collaboration has been enabled through a joint initiative driven by Future Mobility, in close cooperation with Vinnova and the Swedish Energy Agency, alongside key California authorities including the California Air Resources Board, the California Public Utilities Commission, and the California Energy Commission. The ambition is clear: to strengthen transatlantic partnerships and further integrate the research and innovation ecosystems of Sweden and the United States – accelerating the transition toward sustainable mobility.
By enabling high-resolution sensing at a lower cost – without compromising precision – Gapwaves is not only advancing sensor performance, but also contributing to the foundation required for safe, scalable autonomous mobility.
