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.
Our main LiDAR brands
This YF2A15-020UB5XLEAX Cable is designed to connect the SICK laser range finders.
The TF Mini Micro LiDAR Range Finder combines a satisfyingly small size, low price and min-consumption. And in terms of performance, you’ll be delighted with its reliability and accuracy, both indoors and out.
The USB backboard for TeraRanger Evo makes up the communication base of the TeraRanger distance sensor. Without it, you cannot stream distance data nor analyse them. You’d better invest in one or two!
Do you wish to communicate easily with your TeraRanger distance sensor without taking up your programming board’s USB port? It’s possible with the I2C/UART backboard for TeraRanger Evo!
Want to make using your Terabee TeraRanger distance sensors even easier? Plug in a TeraRanger USB adapter and connect it directly to your computer.
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
The YDLIDAR X4 laser range finder offers accurate 360° readings and can be used in complete safety.
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.
Multiplying loaves and fishes is so has-been. With the TeraRanger Hub, you can now multiply your ToF distance sensors, which is much more practical.
Mounting bracket for Sick LMS500 laser scanner for direct rear fitting to a wall or on a machine, no adjustment possible
This small, ultra-light ToF distance sensor allows measurements up to 5 m indoors. It offers a field of view of 15° with a resolution of 64 pixels.
TeraRanger Multiflex, by Terabee, gives you access to 8 distance sensors operating at a range of 1.1 metres. Flexible and adaptable, it is the ideal kit for creating obstacle avoidance robots.
Need a small but efficient scanner for your autonomous mobile robot? Allow me to introduce YDLIDAR G2!
Offering long range and high resistance, the TF02 micro LiDAR range finder from Benewake can equip all your robots and drones, even the most compact ones.
M12 Input/output cable with 12 pins for LMS511, 5m
With Terabee, you’ll discover a brand-new distance sensor technology, the more efficient and lighter time-of-flight technology offering unbeatable value for money. There are two box design: Spider (lighter) and Box (better protection).
This cable for SICK laser range finders has a 12-pin female connector for quickly connecting your installation.
With its 12 g and high accuracy, the Teraranger Evo 3M distance sensor meets all the requirements of designers in robotic navigation and obstacle detection.
TeraRanger Hub Evo allows you to connect up to 8 TeraRanger distance sensors for distance measurements that are accurate to within a millimetre.
TeraRanger Evo is a tiny, ultra-light and compact ToF distance sensor. Yet in terms of detection it packs a punch!
Check out this YDLIDAR G4 360° laser range finder: an ultra-reduced model offering an amazing performance!
The Terabee 3D ToF Camera offers a resolution of 4800 pixels for indoor surveillance and detection. It allows discreet installation and quick mounting on any surface.