LiDAR stands for Light imaging detection and ranging.
This refers to a radar method for optical distance measurement. While conventional radar systems use radio waves, LiDAR works with a laser/light beam. The emitted light pulse is reflected by the striking object, detected by our receiver unit and evaluated. The more precisely the received signal is determined and processed, the smaller objects can be detected.
The calculation of the distance is based on the constant of the speed of light. Important for this is the resulting time from the exit of the signal to the reception of the reflected signal. If this time is halved, the distance to the object can be determined. This system has many applications not only in autonomous vehicles, but is also suitable for integration on our drone systems. In the end, the data obtained can be used to create high-resolution maps for a wide variety of fields. For example, for surveying, geology, forestry….
LIVOX product family
Livox has launched three groundbreaking LiDAR products: the Mid series, the Horizon and the Tele-15.
The Mid-Series is the industrial-grade LiDAR sensor that offers great value and is open to customization.
The Livox Horizon is a high performance LiDAR sensor designed for Level 3 and 4 autonomous driving. The Horizon is poised to reinvent the LiDAR industry and make mass production of autonomous vehicles a reality with innovative technologies and tremendous cost advantages.
The Tele-15 is a low-cost automotive LiDAR with a range of 500 meters and an extremely dense point cloud. These features enable vehicles to detect and avoid obstacles in advance, even at high speeds.
With flexible combinations of the above products, Livox LiDAR units can meet different scenarios in a cost-effective and innovative way.
Unique scanning process
Livox LIDAR sensors feature non-repetitive scanning patterns that differ significantly from the repetitive linear scanning of conventional mechanical LIDAR sensors. The scanned areas within the field of view (FOV) of a Livox sensor become larger the longer the integration time, increasing the likelihood of detecting objects and other details within the FOV. As shown in the images, as integration time increases, a Livox LIDAR unit can scan almost the entire area within the FOV. After extensive testing, it is clear that the FOV coverage of Livox’s sensors can keep up with Line LiDAR sensors. The Livox Tele-15 even achieves 99.8% FOV coverage within 100 ms, outperforming 128-line mechanical LiDAR sensors.
Example of the application areas.
RoboTaxis.
Ideally, the cost of LiDAR sensors should be less than 5% of the vehicle value. The Horizon and Tele-15 LiDAR sensors were developed for this use case, and are versatile and cost-effective enough to make self-driving cabs a reality.
– Detection range of up to 500 meters. (Tele-15)
– 360degree Coverage. (5pcs Horizon)
– Easily embedded into existing designs.
Mobile Robotics.
The Livox Mid series offers flexible robotics solutions for a wide range of applications. The Mid-100 provides wide FOV, high-density point cloud, and obstacle detection in complex environments. The Mid-40 detects obstacles at close range and effectively supports mapping, navigation and and obstacle avoidance.
– 100degree FOV. (Mid-100)
– Short distance object detection at 30cm
Showcase.
To illustrate the enormous potential of 3D mapping using Livox LiDAR sensors in conjunction with a drone system, Livox mapped the three-kilometer “Huizhou Bay Bridge” in southern China’s Guangdong province, near Hong Kong. For the example, Livox Mid-40 was used in conjunction with a DJI M600. Due to the small dimensions of the Mid-40, the setup could also be attached to a smaller drone, such as the DJI M200 series. The attachment is facilitated by the numerous mounting holes on the Livox Mid-40, thus the integration on drones is achievable with few components.
For more technical details, click here: https://www.livoxtech.com/de/showcase/1
For information on the LiDAR technology portfolio at Solectric, feel free to contact: industrial@solectric.de