To bring autonomous vehicles and machines vision, Lightware Lidar LLC has introduced what it claims is the smallest and lightest scanning lidar.
The SF45 microlidar weighs just over 2 ounces but has the necessary features to bring 3D perception to unmanned systems such as drones, robots or other unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs).
The lidar can detect obstacles in bright sunlight at 50 meters to deliver a vision of the environment to machines or vehicles either for onboard autopilot or a remote operator.
"Conventional GPS is often relied upon to provide location information so a drone can follow a pre-determined flight plan,” said Philip Constantine, CEO of Lightware. “Unfortunately, the real world puts unexpected obstacles in the way. This leads to collisions and the loss of both the drone and its expensive payload. The SF45 keeps a continuous lookout for these hazards and warns of potential collisions, giving the autopilot plenty of time to react.”
Data from the sensors allows drones to take-off, precision land, hold position near an object to be inspected, or follow closely along terrain without flying into trees or other obstacles.
The lidar is compatible with standard autopilots and APIs are provided for custom controllers such as Raspberry Pi and Arduino.
"A key advantage of our microLiDAR sensors is that they are not cameras, and do not invade the privacy of the public,” Constantine said. “This is becoming more important as autonomous vehicles and other machines begin to work alongside people in their daily lives."
Lightware will showcase the lidar at this week’s XPONENTIAL, a trade show for unmanned and autonomous systems.
