The drone market is growing fast and so is the need for obstacle detection technologies and accurate sensing. LiDAR offers an accurate 3D map of a drone’s surroundings, performs well in bad weather conditions, and is easy to add to drones for use.
Drone LiDAR service with LiDAR sensing is becoming an important technology for autonomous drones. Drone LiDAR consulting services help users utilize LiDAR sensing for industries needing accurate obstacle detection.
Why LiDAR Sensing Is Great for Drones
LiDAR is great for several reasons: it’s a versatile technology that complements other detection methods, even outperforming them. It became a game changer for drone and unmanned vehicle manufacturers over using traditional sensing technologies (i.e. sonar or radar) due to its flexibility with specifications, integration, and form factor.
Some drones use ultrasound and stereo cameras, but these have limited range. LiDAR has no such limitations. While stereo cameras can create high-res images, they’re more sensitive to varying light conditions.
Scanning LiDAR vs. Solid-State LiDAR
It’s important to understand the difference between scanning and solid-state LiDAR. Scanning LiDAR is known as the technology that enabled revolutionary changes such as high-resolution terrain mapping or Google self-driving cars. Scanning LiDAR can create precise depictions of their surroundings; however, it comes at a high cost. This technology is often expensive, heavy, bulky, and requires fragile mechanical mobility. These factors make it not a great resource for commercial UAVs.
Solid-state (also known as fixed-beam) LiDAR is different than scanning LiDAR. Rather than being projected in several directions as single-point rays, the light source that’s the detection medium is emitted in a fixed, diffused beam. While limited in resolution and range compared to scanning, solid-state LiDAR is smaller, lighter, and require less processing.
Solid-state LiDAR has no moving parts which offer better durability. While they lack the range, resolution, and sensitivity, they are less expensive than scanning LiDAR for drone applications.
LiDAR Sensing Helping Applications for Drones and UAVs
With drone LiDAR service and sensing used for navigation, applications are varied and can include collision warning, pilot assistance, or higher levels of autonomy. Sensors are also capable of altimetry to ensure smooth takeoff and landing.
Can Drones Have a Full 360-degree View of their Environment?
Currently, there isn’t a fully autonomous system available to provide accurate multi-directional sense-and-avoid technology for commercial UAVs. They need to be able to detect potential obstacles, determine the risk of a collision, and take action by overriding a pilot’s input (if needed) in a 360-degree sphere around the device.
This may be a few years away for consumer and commercial drones. While the sensor technology exists, other core functionalities need to be perfected such as artificial intelligence and perception algorithms. Weight and price are also significant factors for drone use. LiDAR will likely be a key factor in autonomous drones with a sensor fusion approach including LiDAR sensing for collision avoidance systems.
At Insitu, we offer professional drone LiDAR consulting and drone LiDAR service to help organizations gain accurate obstacle detection. If you’re interested in learning more about our drone LiDAR consulting services, contact us today.
Drone LiDAR service with LiDAR sensing is becoming an important technology for autonomous drones. Drone LiDAR consulting services help users utilize LiDAR sensing for industries needing accurate obstacle detection.
Why LiDAR Sensing Is Great for Drones
LiDAR is great for several reasons: it’s a versatile technology that complements other detection methods, even outperforming them. It became a game changer for drone and unmanned vehicle manufacturers over using traditional sensing technologies (i.e. sonar or radar) due to its flexibility with specifications, integration, and form factor.
Some drones use ultrasound and stereo cameras, but these have limited range. LiDAR has no such limitations. While stereo cameras can create high-res images, they’re more sensitive to varying light conditions.
Scanning LiDAR vs. Solid-State LiDAR
It’s important to understand the difference between scanning and solid-state LiDAR. Scanning LiDAR is known as the technology that enabled revolutionary changes such as high-resolution terrain mapping or Google self-driving cars. Scanning LiDAR can create precise depictions of their surroundings; however, it comes at a high cost. This technology is often expensive, heavy, bulky, and requires fragile mechanical mobility. These factors make it not a great resource for commercial UAVs.
Solid-state (also known as fixed-beam) LiDAR is different than scanning LiDAR. Rather than being projected in several directions as single-point rays, the light source that’s the detection medium is emitted in a fixed, diffused beam. While limited in resolution and range compared to scanning, solid-state LiDAR is smaller, lighter, and require less processing.
Solid-state LiDAR has no moving parts which offer better durability. While they lack the range, resolution, and sensitivity, they are less expensive than scanning LiDAR for drone applications.
LiDAR Sensing Helping Applications for Drones and UAVs
With drone LiDAR service and sensing used for navigation, applications are varied and can include collision warning, pilot assistance, or higher levels of autonomy. Sensors are also capable of altimetry to ensure smooth takeoff and landing.
Can Drones Have a Full 360-degree View of their Environment?
Currently, there isn’t a fully autonomous system available to provide accurate multi-directional sense-and-avoid technology for commercial UAVs. They need to be able to detect potential obstacles, determine the risk of a collision, and take action by overriding a pilot’s input (if needed) in a 360-degree sphere around the device.
This may be a few years away for consumer and commercial drones. While the sensor technology exists, other core functionalities need to be perfected such as artificial intelligence and perception algorithms. Weight and price are also significant factors for drone use. LiDAR will likely be a key factor in autonomous drones with a sensor fusion approach including LiDAR sensing for collision avoidance systems.
At Insitu, we offer professional drone LiDAR consulting and drone LiDAR service to help organizations gain accurate obstacle detection. If you’re interested in learning more about our drone LiDAR consulting services, contact us today.
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