Robotics & Hardware

LiDAR sensors

LiDAR sensors are hardware devices that generate three-dimensional environmental data by combining laser, GPS, and inertial navigation system (INS) technologies. These sensors produce accurate digital elevation models (DEMs) with centimeter-level precision, enabling real-time object detection, positioning, and mapping. They are widely used in autonomous driving, robotics, rail transit monitoring, and industrial automation. Specific models offer varying ranges and fields of view, such as Ouster's OS series with detection ranges up to 200 meters and precisions up to 0.5 centimeters, and Hesai's JT series providing hyper-hemispherical fields of view for robotics applications. These sensors support perception tasks in vehicles, drones, and smart infrastructure.

Updated Jan 12, 2026unknown

Visit LiDAR sensors ↗Visual Guide

Overview

LiDAR sensors provide precise 3D environmental data for applications including autonomous driving, robotics, and mapping.

Pricing

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Autonomous Driving

Detects small objects at high speeds to support advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) at L3+ level.

Robotics Navigation

Enables 3D simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) for unmanned forklifts and other industrial robots.

Rail Transit Monitoring

Detects discrepancies and monitors rail infrastructure for safety and maintenance.

Mapping and Surveying

Generates accurate digital elevation models for ground, aerial, and marine platforms.

Quick Start

Select Sensor Model

Choose a LiDAR sensor based on required detection range and field of view, such as the OS2 for up to 200 meters range.

Mount Sensor

Install the sensor on the intended platform, which could be a UAV, vehicle, or robotic system.

Connect to Compatible Systems

Integrate the sensor with compatible processing units or platforms, for example NVIDIA DRIVE for automotive applications.

Access Sensor Data

Use provider APIs or SDKs to retrieve and process the LiDAR data for mapping or object detection.

Process Data

Analyze the collected data to generate digital elevation models or support perception tasks.

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Assessment

Strengths

Centimeter-level range accuracy enables precise digital elevation modeling.
Capable of detecting small objects at high speeds for autonomous driving applications.
Supports mounting on multiple platforms including UAVs, vehicles, and backpacks.
In-house manufacturing by providers like Hesai ensures product reliability.
Scalable production and global fulfillment available from providers such as Ouster.

Limitations

Some models are relatively heavy, with weights up to 1,100 grams (Ouster OS2).
Compact units have limited detection ranges between 20 to 35 meters.
No transparent or publicly available pricing information.