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
SLAMTEC Aurora is an all-in-one 3D sensor that delivers precise localization and autonomous mapping through the fusion of LiDAR, vision, and IMU technologies.
The Slamtec Mapper M2M3 is a 360° LiDAR scanner with built-in SLAM, capable of real-time mapping and localization without any external accessories. Compact, precise, and easy to integrate, it is ideal for mobile robots and indoor/outdoor mapping applications.
Robosense’s Airy LiDAR delivers precise hemispherical vision in an ultra-compact format, ideal for robotic navigation and mapping.
The E1R is a LiDAR sensor offering a 120°×90° field of view, a detection range of up to 75 m, and high-density point cloud output. Compact, reliable, and precise, it is ideal for navigation, mapping, and obstacle avoidance in all robotic applications.
SLAMTEC's LPX-E3P1 LiDAR offers 360° industrial surveillance with high accuracy at ranges of up to 40 metres. Featuring SL-DToF technology, it guarantees reliable performance and flexible management of up to 64 simultaneous surveillance configurations.
The YDLIDAR X4PRO LiDAR is a 360-degree two-dimensional rangefinder developed by the EAI team, providing accurate distance measurements.
The LPX-T1 represents the first high-performance medium and long-range LiDAR laser developed by SLAMTEC.
SLAMTEC has introduced a new generation of laser rangefinders with integrated mapping and localization features.
SLAMTEC presents the RPLIDAR A2M12, a new-generation 360-degree 2D laser scanner offering an affordable, high-performance solution.
SLAMTEC has introduced the RPLIDAR S3, a new generation of lightweight, high-performance and compact LiDAR.
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 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.
Discover the YDLIDAR TG50, a powerful and precise 360° laser scanner that utilizes 360°2D LiDAR technology for high-frequency distance measurements.
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.
The YDLIDAR TG15 Lidar is a 2D LiDAR with a 360° scanning angle.
The OS2 lidar stands out for its maximum range, of up to 400 metres, and high-precision data, both made possible by its new L3 chip.
The OS1 lidar is a high-performance sensor built around the new L3 chip, offering the best combination of range, field of view and resolution.
The OS0 lidar has an ultra-wide (90°) field of view, meaning it can see everything from floor to ceiling.
The OSDome is a hemispherical digital lidar with a 180° field of view offering a range of 20 metres and a resolution four times higher than other sensors.
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.
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.
The YDLIDAR X2 360° is a highly compact, energy-efficient laser range finder that offers omni-directional scanning. Ideal for embedded robotics.
The OS1 LiDAR (Rev 6) is another model from the Ouster OS series, offering a range of 120 metres, high-definition output data, and an image reproduction almost as accurate as a video recording.