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
This YF2A15-020UB5XLEAX Cable is designed to connect the SICK laser range finders.
The YDLidar GS2 is both compact and lightweight, it has a field of view of 100° and a range of 30 cm. It can be integrated easily into small smart devices.
Mounting bracket for the LMS100 laser scanner for rear fitting to a wall or on a machine
Power cable for an LMS111 or TIM551 type Sick laser scanner
SLAMTEC has introduced the RPLIDAR C1, a cost-effective and high-definition LiDAR.
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.
The YDLIDAR X2 360° is a highly compact, energy-efficient laser range finder that offers omni-directional scanning. Ideal for embedded robotics.
The YDLIDAR X4PRO LiDAR is a 360-degree two-dimensional rangefinder developed by the EAI team, providing accurate distance measurements.
Mounting bracket for Sick LMS500 laser scanner for direct rear fitting to a wall or on a machine, no adjustment possible
The YDLIDAR Tmini Pro is the perfect choice for developers, engineers, and robotics enthusiasts looking to integrate a high-performance laser sensor into their projects. Its combination of precision, range, and scanning speed makes it a versatile tool for a wide range of applications.
M12 Input/output cable with 12 pins for LMS511, 5m
Need a small but efficient scanner for your autonomous mobile robot? Allow me to introduce YDLIDAR G2!
This cable for SICK laser range finders has a 12-pin female connector for quickly connecting your installation.
Check out this YDLIDAR G4 360° laser range finder: an ultra-reduced model offering an amazing performance!
SLAMTEC presents the RPLIDAR A2M12, a new-generation 360-degree 2D laser scanner offering an affordable, high-performance solution.
The YDLIDAR TG15 Lidar is a 2D LiDAR with a 360° scanning angle.
Offering a highly accurate performance and a detection range of up to 16 metres, the YDLIDAR G6 360° laser range finder is your robotics accessory of choice for mapping and other 2D detection tasks.
Dive into the world of the YDLIDAR TG30 Lidar, a powerful and versatile 360° laser rangefinder designed to push the boundaries of detection and environmental analysis.
Discover the YDLIDAR TG50, a powerful and precise 360° laser scanner that utilizes 360°2D LiDAR technology for high-frequency distance measurements.
The new SLAMTEC RPLIDAR S2 is a compact, affordable and durable device offering stability and superior performance.
The LiDAR 4D L1 developed by Unitree is a powerful detection sensor for small mobile robots, offering a 360° x 90° field of view, high precision, and optimal proximity detection.
The YDLIDAR TIA utilizes ToF (Time of Flight) telemetry technology for precise distance measurements, making it ideal for outdoor industrial applications. It offers resistance to ambient light, dust, and water.
The LPX-T1 represents the first high-performance medium and long-range LiDAR laser developed by SLAMTEC.