You read that right. It is a LiDAR sensor you can buy. Not just any LiDAR, though. It is a super tiny one measuring no more than 3.48 cm in thickness and tips the scales at mere 47g (1.7 oz).
Folks, this is the LDROBOT LD-AIR LiDAR and yes, it is tiny enough to be outfitted on a drone too. So, if ever wanted to develop your own obstacle avoidance system for you DIY drone, this hardware may help you realize that.
Billed as an ultra-small and high-accuracy LiDAR sensor, LDROBOT LD-AIR LiDAR is capable scanning 360-degree and has a measuring distance of between 0.02 – 12 meters (7.9″ to 39′) with a ranging accuracy of 30 mm (1.2″). Moreover, it is a compliant LiDAR sensor that makes it compatible with all autonomous robotic applications.
Here are some of the key features as per its maker:
• Adopting Advanced Technology, LD-AIR LiDAR utilizes the Time of Flight measuring method to detect distance precisely with a range of 0.02 to 12m. With the 360° omnidirectional Scanning Range, LD-AIR TOF can sense its surrounding environment with no dead corner to actualize obstacle detection and autonomously mapping.
• LD-AIR LiDAR is built to serve business and research purposes like robot navigation and obstacle avoidance, robot ROS teaching and research, and 3D environmental reconstruction, etc. It is also made for creative makers to create DIY drones or self-driving cars. Even can be used for Algorithm verification! It supports coding software like Raspberry PI, Python, C++, and Javascript, etc.
• LD-AIR LiDAR can run perfectly in any conditions with 10000+ running hrs, IPX5 Water & Dust Proof, and Anti-ambient light 30000lux resistance.
• LD-AIR LiDAR is an Ultra-small & Ready-To-Use laser sensor that is small and versatile enough to fit in any appliance.
• Certified LD FDA Class 1 Laser Safety Standard, LD-AIR LiDAR adopts the low power infrared laser light as its light source and drives it by using a modulated pulse, ensuring both effectiveness and safety.
It is not clear if this tiny size LiDAR will kill the image sensor of a camera like someone has claimed a few years ago.
If your interest is piqued, you may learn more over at LDROBOT LD-AIR LiDAR’s Kickstarter campaign page where you can also pre-order a unit for US$129 and up. And oh yes, it is pretty affordable too.
Images: LDROBOT.
Submitted via TIP US Page.