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
The RoboSense RS-Bpearl 3D laser range finder offers an extended field of view and effective blind spot detection for equipping robots and automated equipment without breaking the bank.
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.
The LPX-T1 represents the first high-performance medium and long-range LiDAR laser developed by SLAMTEC.
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.
RS-Fusion-P3 from Robosense is a complete and advanced obstacle detection system. It integrates 2 sets of 16 beam LiDAR and 1 set of 32 beam LiDAR to develop your autonomous driving system.
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.
Need a small but efficient scanner for your autonomous mobile robot? Allow me to introduce YDLIDAR G2!
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 OS0 lidar has an ultra-wide (90°) field of view, meaning it can see everything from floor to ceiling.
For researchers and teachers looking for an even more advanced solution than the RS-Fusion-P3 system, there is the RS-Fusion-P5 from Robosense. The very high-definition combination of one LIDAR RS-RUBY and four LIDAR RS-BPearl, to combine long and short-range detection.
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.
Check out this YDLIDAR G4 360° laser range finder: an ultra-reduced model offering an amazing performance!
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 most popular laser range finder from Hokuyo. Thousands of robots accross the world use this sensor recognised for its accuracy and its robustness.
SLAMTEC has introduced a new generation of laser rangefinders with integrated mapping and localization features.
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.
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 RS-Lidar-M1 Plus Laser Rangefinder is a high resolution sensor designed for equipping vehicles with autonomous navigation systems. It facilitates decision making by detecting, analyzing and classifying possible obstacles.
Offering a scanning time almost four times faster than the URG-04LX telemeter, the Hokuyo UBG-04LX-F01 laser range finder remains very compact with a low power consumption.
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.
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 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.
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 future of autonomous vehicles is shaping up with Robosense's RS-Ruby 3D laser Rangefinder, a Lidar with impressive performance and effecient in all weathers.