The order covers the design, development and delivery of prototypes (A-samples) and pre-series units (B-samples) of Gapwaves’ waveguide antennas for the customer’s new front and corner radar sensors. The radar sensors are used primarily for functions such as emergency braking, blind spot warning and adaptive cruise control, and meet the highest requirements for range and resolution, which is where the advantages of Gapwaves’ waveguide technology are most evident. Through this collaboration, Gapwaves adds a new Asian customer and thereby strengthens the company’s long-term presence in one of the largest Asian markets.
 
The initial order value for the prototypes amounts to approximately 6 MSEK, with deliveries expected during 2026 and 2027. Start of Production (SOP) is estimated to potentially take place in early 2029 and, if so, will be confirmed in a supply and production agreement.
 
“The fact that one of the world’s five largest Tier 1 suppliers has now chosen Gapwaves’ waveguide antennas for its new ADAS radar sensors is an important confirmation of the value of our technology. The customer supplies several of the world’s largest car manufacturers, which makes the collaboration strategically significant and strengthens our position in Asia. Our understanding is that the intended car manufacturer for these radar sensors is one of the three largest car manufacturers in the world, and we therefore see significant potential for Gapwaves. Our first development order from this new customer and leading Asian Tier 1 supplier represents a further expansion among leading ADAS suppliers in the automotive industry,” says Gapwaves CEO Jonas Ehinger.
 
From development order to series production
Gapwaves has previously taken several customers from development to series production. A development order means that the customer has chosen to develop its new sensor using Gapwaves’ antennas. The work takes place in two stages: the antennas are first adapted to the customer’s sensor (A-samples) and then delivered as pre-series units close to the final production version (B-samples). The goal is then to enter into a supply and production agreement ahead of the start of production, which for this project is expected to take place in early 2029. It is in series production that the majority of the commercial value lies, since a radar platform is normally manufactured over several years and in large volumes.
 
Growing market for ADAS radar sensors
As vehicles include more and more driver assistance and the development of autonomous driving accelerates, the importance of ADAS for improved comfort and legally mandated active vehicle safety is also increasing. This drives the need for sensors that can perceive and analyze the vehicle’s surroundings. Examples of such ADAS functions are radar-based functions such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control (ACC) and blind spot warning. The market for radar sensors with waveguide antennas will continue to grow in the coming years. With antennas based on Gapwaves’ waveguide technology, it becomes possible to deliver cost-effective radar solutions with significantly improved performance.