microLIDAR™ secret: SWaP

Small size, lightweight and low power

As the world moves deeper into autonomy and automated process flows, the demand for remote sensor technology has soared. Sensors are key in providing machines with sense and perception, as well as connecting remote ‘things’ together. With sensors integrated, machines can understand the surrounding environment and perform actions to operate safely and effectively. Sensors can also collect rich data remotely and in real-time, making them as important for monitoring, planning, and terrain-challenging applications.

A sensor is a device that detects and responds to a physical stimulus, i.e., light, sound, heat, pressure, or motion. Sensors can sense, feel, hear, taste, and detect certain properties of objects such as measurement (distance/height), volume, levels, speed, and relative positioning. 

LiDAR – the ideal SWaP sensor 

The last few years has witnessed exponential growth in the fields of robotics, machines, and the Internet of Things (IoT). It is also a time that has seen significant enhancements made in sensor technology, mainly through (small) size, (light) weight, and (low) power (SWaP) characteristics. A clear beneficiary of this revolution is LiDAR.

Light Detection and Ranging, or LiDAR, has transformed remote sensor technology. It uses light in the form of laser pulses to measure distance relative to objects. Through Time of Flight (ToF), LiDAR measures the time it takes for a sensor to emit a laser into the surrounding environment, deflect off objects and return to the sensor. In this way, LiDAR builds a live map of the surrounding environment making it multi-functional for numerous applications.

The beauty of LiDAR is that it can be built at scale to be small. This makes LiDAR the popular choice for size, weight, and energy-constrained applications in the world of Autonomy (AoT) and Internet (IoT) of Things. At LightWare, we invent and manufacture the world’s smallest and lightest professional-grade microLiDAR™ sensors.

The SWaP transformation 

In the past, LiDAR sensors measured and weighed a lot – as much as 46 centimeters and 77 kilograms! Fast forward to today and technological advancements and mass production have transformed LiDAR sensors to be affordable, small, lightweight and low-power.

LiDAR – the future of SWaP

Moving into 2022, the age of miniaturization is very much on. From here, things can only get smaller as smarter processes and production make a telling difference in the demand for SWaP sensors. This demand is fueled by the growing need for size, weight, and power-constrained applications in AoT and IoT, namely drone delivery services, BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight) exercises, difficult terrain surveying, smart parking and SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) in GPS-denied environments.

Key microLiDAR™ benefit: small form & low power consumption

microLiDAR™ sensors are specifically designed for size and weight-constrained applications. Being lightweight and small means that LightWare microLiDAR™ sensors consume a low amount of power. This is often the essential factor for machines and ‘things’ that need to perform at optimum for prolonged periods.

Weighing as small as 9.8 grams and measuring as little as 22 x 34 mm, it’s here where LightWare microLiDAR™ sensors outperform the competition.

LightWare – home of the microLiDAR™

LightWare microLiDAR™ sensors provide enhanced depth perception for machines, robots, and ‘things’ of any size. This gives your machine the ability to safely navigate surroundings, detect movement, measure distances, and transfer data remotely.

We produce high-quality microLiDAR™ sensors (in small and lightweight form) at scale and at an affordable price. Our unique microLiDAR™ sensor is the answer for applications where small size and weight are essential for success! LightWare microLiDAR™ sensors have a minimum scanning range of 50 meters in bright sunlight or challenging weather, making them ideal for a wide range of applications including altitude measurement, obstacle detection, sense and avoid, SLAM, and more.

The ideal microLiDAR™ for you

Finding the lightest LiDAR to achieve the required results can be stressful, so LightWare makes it easy for you by producing affordable microLiDAR™ sensors in various shapes, sizes, and weights.

• View our affordable range of microLiDAR™ sensors

Challenge solved: microLiDAR™

At LightWare, we’re driven to address customer needs that include size, weight, power, data, and affordability considerations. Dedicated to solving, we’ve come up with a LiDAR solution that speaks to all of the above. Through an expert team of engineers, we manufacture the world’s smallest, lightest, scanning microLiDAR™ sensors.

If you’re looking for an affordable LiDAR solution that does not compromise on active work time and payload, LightWare’s microLiDAR™ is the answer. Our technology allows us to produce high-quality microLiDAR™ sensors (in small and lightweight form) at scale. LightWare also partners with you to offer exceptional service and expert after-sales support to ensure you get the best from your microLiDAR™ product.

Partner with us
Contact us on [email protected] and we’ll partner to achieve your LiDAR objectives.

Related Read: Why microLiDAR™?