What is lidar?
Lidar, short for "light detection and ranging," is a remote sensing technology that uses eye-safe laser beams to generate real-time, highly accurate 3D views of the environment. It precisely measures distances and detects movement, giving machines and computers an exceptionally clear view of their surroundings.
In simple terms, lidar acts as the "eyes" of autonomous vehicles, using safe laser light to visualize and measure objects around them. Imagine shining a flashlight into the dark and instantly knowing how far away anything is, even if it's moving or at a significant distance. Lidar helps robots and computers interpret the world just like our eyes help us understand depth and distance, enabling safer navigation and decision-making.
As an essential sensor for various technologies, lidar comprises three key components: a laser emitter, a receiver, and a processor. The laser emitter sends out laser beams that bounce off surfaces and return to the receiver. By calculating the round-trip time for each beam, the processor can determine the precise distance to the object. This distance measurement method is called Time of Flight (ToF). By emitting and receiving numerous laser beams simultaneously, lidar can accurately render the details of all objects in three-dimensional space, forming the lidar's 3D-vision "point cloud."
Navigation precision and safety are paramount in the autonomous mobility industry, which encompasses robotaxis, roboshuttles, and robotrucks. Lidar empowers this growing industry by providing high-resolution 3D vision and real-time object detection to ensure safe vehicle operation.
2. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
ADAS requires reliable systems to enhance driver safety and vehicle control. Lidar supports ADAS by delivering accurate spatial data, which enables features like AEB (Automated Emergency Braking) and NOA (Navigate on Autopilot). For example, Hesai’s AT128 lidar provides over 3 million real-time data points, helping manufacturers enhance road safety.
3. Robotics
Service Robots
Service robots must operate in dynamic environments with minimal human intervention. Lidar empowers these robots by offering precise localization and obstacle-avoidance capabilities.For example, Nuro utilizes Hesai’s Pandar64 and QT64 for its autonomous delivery vehicles to navigate unpredictable urban roads and successfully deliver groceries.
Mapping
Accurate and detailed environmental data is crucial for effective mapping in dangerous situations and complex environments such as dense vegetation or search-and-rescue operations after natural disasters. Lidar revolutionizes this industry by efficiently capturing high-resolution data points that are seamlessly transmitted to our customers' computers to power their applications.
Warehousing & Logistics
Warehousing demands efficient space utilization and inventory management. Lidar boosts company operations by providing accurate scanning for real-time inventory tracking and layout optimization.
Stationary Applications
Lidar empowers the stationary applications industry by offering precise real-time data for traffic management. This technology enhances operational efficiency and improves safety through accurate perception and data analysis.
Lidar holds great promise for the future, and Hesai is leading the way in its development. Through its development of cutting-edge vertical integration technologies, Hesai is continuously enhancing lidar performance while driving down costs. This progress is expanding lidar's applications in ADAS, Level 4 autonomous driving, robotics, and other industries. As lidar becomes more accessible, it promises safer and more efficient transportation and automation. Hesai’s commitment to innovation will help shape the future of autonomy, creating safer and smarter systems that improve everyday life for people worldwide.
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