However, LiDAR generally hasn't been among them due to its high cost. But that could be about to change with Volvo today announcing LiDAR technology from Luminar will be available in its next generation of production vehicles from 2022.

LiDAR works by emitting sort pulses of laser light millions of times per second, determining the distance to surrounding objects and building a live 3D map of the environment based on light reflected back. This type of technology has enabled Ford's autonomous vehicles to navigate in the snow and in the dark, while Toyota is also using LiDAR tech in the development of its next-generation autonomous vehicles.

It does have its detractors, however, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk who has described the tech as a "fool's errand" and a set of "expensive sensors that are unnecessary."

In any case, Volvo sees LiDAR as key in developing safe, self-driving vehicles. The technology was a part of the mix for the fleets of autonomous XC90 SUVs it developed in partnership with Uber, and now it is looking to apply it to future production vehicles for everyday folk.