When you hear the word “LiDAR”, most people think of the expensive looking “spinnie things” on top of autonomous test vehicles. This technology is used to create a 3D “point cloud” of the environment. It’s very cool, and yes, very expensive.
“LiDAR” stands for Light Detection and Ranging. It is a remote sensing method that uses light to measure distance. The technology has come a long way such that miniature LiDAR range finders are easily available. The simplified versions of these range finders are excellent at measuring the straight line distance to the nearest object.
The latest generation of these sensors are fast, low power, accurate, and (most importantly) inexpensive. LiDAR sensors with a max range of 40 meters are under $100. A sensor with a max range of 25 meters might cost $35. These sensors are commonly utilized in slow moving applications like drones and automation. They also make an excellent range finder for active safety systems in slower moving vehicles like e-scooters and e-bikes.
GEKOT Inc. is proud to introduce our premier collision detection system utilizing LiDAR technology. Take a look and contact us for a demo.