Industries FAQ, 4D Imaging Radar

Zadar Labs builds Software-Defined Imaging Radar (SDIR) that helps organizations see clearly in all conditions. Our platform combines high-resolution 4D radar, the zVUE radar OS, and software like zPRIME to deliver reliable perception for cities, security, robotics, and industrial automation.

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FAQ

  • What is 4D imaging radar in simple terms?

    4D imaging radar measures an object’s distance, speed, direction, and height, building a high-resolution view of the world in any environment. Unlike traditional radar, it can see how high or low objects are, enabling reliable perception where cameras and LiDAR struggle with fog, dust, glare, or darkness.

  • How is Zadar radar different from other radars?

    Zadar radars deliver performance over 100x greater performance than conventional imaging radars. With denser point clouds, sharper resolution, and greater sensitivity, Zadar unlocks applications once thought impossible to solve. From mission-critical automation to safety-reliant systems, Zadar makes radar a prime solution in places where no other sensor can deliver.

  • What makes your flagship product, zPRIME, stand out?

    In driving environments, zPRIME generates an average of 200,000 data points per second-on par with lidar-giving customers high-resolution 4D perception with radar’s reliability and resilience.

  • Is Zadar reliable in tough environments?

    Yes. Zadar’s solid-state, automotive-grade sensors are built for harsh, low-maintenance deployments and keep working through changing weather and lighting.

  • What is Software-Defined Imaging Radar (SDIR)?

    Zadar pioneered SDIR with our zVUE radar operating system, transforms radar from a fixed sensor into a flexible platform.

    SDIR lets teams adjust performance in real time by adjusting range, resolution, and sensitivity trade-offs as mission needs change. With zVUE and the zPRIME family, customers can tune signal-processing settings, fuse multiple radars, and unlock lidar-like performance even before perception algorithms begin.

  • Does Zadar offer software packages and support?

    Yes. Our zVUE OS and software packages, including zPRIME Core and Pro, deliver advanced features and real-time radar tuning. Beyond standard offerings, Zadar provides custom software, platform development, new algorithms, and licensing for specialized applications involving radar and multi-sensor fusion. 


    Unlike typical radar providers, we have the in-house expertise to engineer and deliver tailored solutions at scale, ensuring customers achieve best-in-class performance for their most challenging sensing & automation problems. We also support customers directly with onsite visits, pilot programs, and deployment assistance to guarantee success.

  • Which industries benefit most from 4D radar on the Zadar platform?

    Zadar powers applications in industrial automation, robotics, automotive, autonomous vehicles, smart cities, security and surveillance, transportation hubs, and large venue crowd intelligence. Our platform works on both moving and stationary systems, from delivery robots and trucks to border security and stadium safety.

  • How does Zadar support crowd monitoring?

    4D radar provides accurate, privacy-preserving occupancy and flow data that enhances camera analytics and improves safety for large crowds at venues or religious sites.

  • How does Zadar help with security and surveillance?

    Zadar radar delivers long-range, all-weather detection and tracking, complementing cameras for more reliable perimeter and wide-area monitoring.

  • What about anti-drone detection or airspace awareness?

    Zadar radar with AI can detect, classify, and track low-slow-small drones, filtering out birds and clutter for faster, more accurate response.

  • Does Zadar integrate with mobile robots or autonomous systems?

    Yes. The platform plugs into perception stacks to map, detect, and track multiple moving objects, and our high point cloud resolution improves navigation in complex environments.

  • What is Software-Defined Imaging Radar (SDIR)?

    Zadar pioneered SDIR with our zVUE radar operating system, transforms radar from a fixed sensor into a flexible platform.

    SDIR lets teams adjust performance in real time by adjusting range, resolution, and sensitivity trade-offs as mission needs change. With zVUE and the zPRIME family, customers can tune signal-processing settings, fuse multiple radars, and unlock lidar-like performance even before perception algorithms begin.

  • How much performance uplift can zVUE deliver?

    In Full-Stack SDIR mode, Zadar has documented up to 250x higher sensing performance compared to fixed, non-SDIR systems - especially when pairing zVUE with Zadar sensors. This level of performance leadership is unmatched in the industry.

  • How does 4D radar compare to cameras and LiDAR?

    Radar doesn’t replace other sensors; it strengthens them. Radar works in rain, fog, dust, darkness, and through partial obstructions. It measures height and motion (Doppler) for robust tracking, and fuses seamlessly with vision systems.

  • What is Zadar’s stance on privacy?

    Radar is naturally privacy-preserving. It doesn’t capture identifying imagery. Radar generates signals and tracks, making it ideal for safety and operations in sensitive environments.

  • How does Zadar integrate with existing VMS, VMS-AI, or analytics layers?

    zVUE provides APIs and integrations for track outputs, occupancy data, and alerts. Teams can fuse radar data with video analytics to increase accuracy and reduce false alarms.

  • What does a typical pilot look like?

    Pilots include a site survey, placement modeling, zVUE integration, KPI setup, and a 60-90 day run to validate detection ranges, tracking accuracy, and alert quality.

  • How scalable is the system for city or campus deployments?

    zVUE supports connected radar fusion across many nodes, enabling large-scale situational awareness and joint sensing for city or campus environments.

  • How do I evaluate pricing and packages?

    We offer sensors and software in Core and Pro tiers. Pricing depends on site size and KPIs. Contact our sales team for bundle options.

  • Where is Zadar based and how do I contact the team?

    We’re headquartered in Silicon Valley (Campbell, CA) with a global presence. Reach us anytime through our website’s contact page.