Sensor maker Orbbec has unveiled what is billed as the industry’s first direct time-of-flight (dToF) 3D lidar designed for robotic applications.
Called Pulsar ME450, the lidar uses a combination of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and a motor to offer configurable scanning patterns and adjustable vertical field of view.
The sensor allows robots to switch scanning modes instead of swapping devices. Additionally, the sensor allows for diverse 3D perception requirements in multiple scenarios.
The Pulsar ME450 transforms single-mode lidar designs by enabling switching between:
- Non-repetitive scanning
- Repetitive scanning (non-dense)
- Dense repetitive scanning
Combined with the adjustable vertical field of view and rotation speeds, the lidar adapts to various robotic scenarios without using multiple dedicated devices.
Orbbec said the lidar enables a single sensor to handle navigation and fine-grained 3D reconstruction tasks, which reduces system complexity, simplifies integration and lowers total cost of ownership.
This could be applicable for robotic devices like:
- Smart forklifts
- Logistics robots
- Lawn mowers
- Surveying equipment
Orbbec said the lidar system delivers millimeter-level precision with high-fidelity 3D reconstruction capabilities while maintaining stable performance across diverse materials and interference conditions.
