Perceptix Project Awarded MIT R&D Collaboration Grant
Dopplium is proud to announce that the Perceptix project has been awarded an MIT R&D Collaboration Grant by the Province of Zuid-Holland. Perceptix is a collaborative R&D project advancing European radar and AI technology for reliable (semi-)autonomous navigation in complex and dynamic environments.
Advancing European Radar & AI Technology for Autonomous Navigation
Dopplium is proud to announce that the Perceptix project has been awarded an MIT R&D Collaboration Grant by the Province of Zuid-Holland.
Perceptix is a collaborative R&D project developing a next-generation AI-powered radar perception system for reliable (semi-)autonomous navigation in complex and dynamic environments. The project is a collaboration between Dopplium, radar hardware specialist, and Perciv, expert in radar-based AI perception.
Within the project, Dopplium develops an advanced 4x4 MIMO radar board capable of continuously streaming low-level range-Doppler radar data in real time, without reducing it to simplified point clouds. This hardware innovation forms the foundation for a new paradigm in radar-based perception.
A Fundamental Shift in Radar Signal Processing
Conventional radar systems convert raw radar signals into point clouds before interpretation. While effective for object detection, this approach discards valuable signal information such as phase, amplitude variations, and Doppler structure.
Perceptix takes a fundamentally different approach.
The Dopplium radar board preserves the full richness of the radar signal and streams low-level range-Doppler data directly to AI models. By tightly integrating radar hardware with advanced deep learning software, the system enables:
- Accurate free-space segmentation
- Reliable obstacle detection
- Dynamic object tracking
- Robust performance in fog, rain, darkness, and maritime clutter
This architecture transforms radar from a simple object detector into a full semantic perception system capable of operating in challenging real-world conditions.
Built on European Semiconductor Technology
At the core of the Perceptix radar board is advanced radar chip technology from NXP Semiconductors, a leading European semiconductor company headquartered in the Netherlands.
By building on NXP's radar chipset platform, Perceptix is developed on a fully European semiconductor foundation. The radar hardware is designed and engineered in the Netherlands, while the AI perception software is also developed locally.
In an increasingly complex geopolitical environment, maintaining European control over critical sensing technologies has become strategically important. Radar systems are key enabling technologies for mobility, maritime safety, robotics, and defense-related applications.
Perceptix contributes to strengthening Europe's technological sovereignty by delivering:
- European-designed radar hardware
- European semiconductor technology
- European-developed AI perception software
- Local system integration and validation
This fully European radar stack reduces dependence on non-European sensor technologies and reinforces the regional high-tech ecosystem.
First Application: Semi-Autonomous Maritime Navigation
The initial validation of Perceptix will focus on semi-autonomous maritime navigation in collaboration with Damen Shipyards.
Harbor environments present some of the most demanding navigation challenges: dynamic traffic, reflective water surfaces, poor visibility, and complex infrastructure. Traditional camera and LiDAR systems often struggle under these conditions.
Radar, however, performs reliably in rain, fog, and darkness. By combining high-resolution MIMO radar hardware with AI-based signal interpretation, Perceptix enables enhanced situational awareness and safer navigation in busy port environments.
Testing and pilot deployments will take place in operational maritime conditions, providing real-world validation of the integrated system.
Strengthening Zuid-Holland's High-Tech and Maritime Ecosystem
The Perceptix project reinforces Zuid-Holland's position as a leading hub for maritime innovation, embedded AI, and advanced sensing technologies.
Through this R&D collaboration, Dopplium expands its radar hardware portfolio toward high-performance MIMO systems designed for intelligent perception applications. The project will also create new high-skilled R&D roles and stimulate regional manufacturing and system integration activities.
The MIT R&D Collaboration Grant plays a crucial role in accelerating development, enabling high-risk, deep-tech innovation that would otherwise require significantly longer timelines.
Driving the Future of Intelligent Radar
Perceptix represents more than a product development initiative, it marks a shift toward intelligent radar systems that integrate hardware and AI at the signal level.
By preserving low-level radar information and combining it with advanced deep learning architectures, Dopplium and Perciv are pushing radar technology beyond traditional boundaries.
We thank the Province of Zuid-Holland for their support and look forward to bringing this fully European AI-radar solution to market.
The future of autonomous perception will be intelligent, robust, and built on European technology.