LiDAR sensors for robotics and automation
LiDARs allow you to map your environment quickly and accurately. They are a key add-on to any mobile robot (or any autonomous vehicle that rolls, flies or swims) or automated machine that requires a safety zone.
What is a LiDAR sensor?
LiDAR stands for "light detection and ranging". It is a method for determining variable distance based on the time for a reflected light to return to its receiver. In addition to measuring distances and sense obstacles, a LiDAR can create a 3D map of its surrounding environment.
This technology has been a small breakthrough in the field of archaeology, for example. It also enables autonomous vehicles to "visualize" their environment in real time.
How does LiDAR work?
LiDAR technology is similar to radar (which uses radio waves) or sonar (which uses acoustic waves). A laser beam is emitted, bounced back from a surface, and then sent back to the detector. LiDAR then calculates the distance to the target. By using light (laser beam), which speed is a constant value, LiDAR is much more accurate than the other two technologies.
Knowing the position and orientation of the sensor, the XYZ coordinate of the reflective surface can be calculated. It is represented by a point. By repeating this process many times (short pulses of laser beam), the device builds up a complex ‘map’ made up of all the points that it collected.
For a detailed explanation of LiDAR technology, feel free to read our blog post on the subject, entitled What is LiDAR technology?
LiDAR: its different applications
LiDAR is a great alternative to various types of proximity sensors. It is used in many sectors, and for wide varety of missions.
Here are a few examples of applications:
- Environmental monitoring:
- Forest monitoring, fight against deforestation
- Study of atmospheric or volcanic activity
- Biodiversity evolution
- Modeling :
- Tsunamis and floods
- Road accidents
- Human activities monitoring:
- Agriculture management
- Pollution rates
- Tourism management
- Maintenance :
- Bridge inspection
- Wind speed and wind turbine surveying
- Exploration :
- Archaeological and oceanographic discoveries
- Oil and gas exploration
- Robotics :
- Autonomous cars
- Delivery of meals, mail, by autonomous mobile robots
- Security on sensitive sites
- Creation of safety zones around industrial robots
- LiDARs are often coupled with other robotic platforms such as humanoid robots, mobile robots, drones, robotic arms, etc.
LiDAR 2D vs LiDAR 3D
3D LiDARs are a more extensive solution, but they are more expensive than 2D LiDARs. However, the former will be more interesting for warehouse automation projects in the medium/long term. Find out why in our blog post "2D LiDAR vs 3D LiDAR".
Our main LiDAR brands
Power cable for an LMS111 or TIM551 type Sick laser scanner
Mounting bracket for the LMS100 laser scanner for rear fitting to a wall or on a machine
Small, accurate, low cost and fast, the 2D 360° RPLIDAR A1M8 laser scanner can perform about everything you can imagine, from 3D mapping to obstacle detection.
Mounting bracket for Sick LMS500 laser scanner for direct rear fitting to a wall or on a machine, no adjustment possible
M12 Input/output cable with 12 pins for LMS511, 5m
Sick indoor laser scanner with 4 m measuring range. The TIM310 is a new scanning laser sensor for multi-zone detection.
Looking for a way to make your robot’s movements more precise? Do you want your mobile robot to be able to avoid obstacles and follow certain markers? By connecting a UST-10LX Scanning Laser Range Finder to your creation you will make it even more autonomous, even more responsive to its immediate surroundings!
The most popular laser range finder from Hokuyo. Thousands of robots accross the world use this sensor recognised for its accuracy and its robustness.
Sick indoor laser scanner with 10 m measuring range. The TIM351 is a new scanning laser sensor for multi-zone detection.
Sick indoor laser scanner with 10 m measuring range. The TIM551 is a new scanning laser sensor for multi-zone detection.
So you thought it was impossible for a device to be even more powerful than the UST-10XL without sacrificing size? Well take a look at the Hokuyo UST-20LX Scanning Laser Range Finder: just as light, just as sturdy – but with much sharper vision!
Laser range finder with a 30m range for indoor use. The UTM-30LX from Hokuyo allows getting accurate measures on a long range.
Medium-range Sick laser scanner for indoor applications.
The UTM-30LX-EW is a major evolution of the UTM-30LX. In addition to the 30m range, it features an Ethernet connectivity, a multi-echo functionnality and an IP67 casing for an outdoor use !
A high-performance and effective outdoor laser measurement sensor up to 80 m, our selection for the more demanding customers.
High-performance and effective indoor laser measurement sensor up to 80 m