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
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- Brand: SICK
Small, compact and very quickly installed, the SICK TIM100-3010200 Laser Range Finder is a good solution for controlling all types of indoor surfaces. Connections not included, contact us for more info.
Suitable for a wide range of indoor and outdoor applications, the SICK LMS111-10100 Laser Range Finder offers an excellent compromise between compact size, cost and performance.
The TIM561-2050101, another member of the large family of SICK laser range finders, is a 2D LiDAR range finder that is particularly suitable for outdoor use.
The SICK TiM571-2050101 Laser Range Finder offers a maximum range of 25 metres and is able to operate outdoors and in all weathers, making it an essential detection tool for all your monitoring systems and industrial applications.
This cable for SICK laser range finders has a 12-pin female connector for quickly connecting your installation.
This YF2A15-020UB5XLEAX Cable is designed to connect the SICK laser range finders.
A high-performance and effective outdoor laser measurement sensor up to 80 m, our selection for the more demanding customers.
Sick indoor laser scanner with 4 m measuring range. The TIM310 is a new scanning laser sensor for multi-zone detection.
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.
Medium-range Sick laser scanner for indoor applications.
High-performance and effective indoor laser measurement sensor up to 80 m
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
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
The new generation of SICK microScan3 Core safety laser scanners for industrial environments combine high-performance scanning technology and smart integration.