Neural Propulsion Systems

Neural Propulsion Systems (NPS) develops digital imaging radar technology that delivers lidar-like performance at radar-like cost for autonomous driving and defense applications. The company's core innovation is the Hyper-Definition Radar Operating System (HROS), powered by Atomic Norm, a new mathematical framework for 4D imaging radar that delivers significantly enhanced angular resolution, enabling the system to distinguish tightly grouped targets more effectively than traditional radar modes. NPS technology provides 10x higher resolution for ADAS applications, resolving closely spaced targets at distance and in any condition, day or night, with improved target clarity and efficient signal processing that achieves theoretical resolution limits with streamlined high-speed data handling. The company has rebranded as Physical AI, positioning its radar technology as a foundational sensing layer for autonomous systems. NPS's team comprises mathematicians from Caltech, Stanford, UC Berkeley, and the Technical University of Munich. The technology targets automotive applications including taxis, trucks, and passenger vehicles, as well as defense use cases. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Pleasanton, California, NPS has raised $17.5M in Series B funding from investors including Cota Capital, GM Ventures, RTX, Marbruck Investments, and DICP.