Available UAV sensing solutions for position and range measurements as well as for collision avoidance are still far from perfect: GPSs and barometers aren’t foolproof–even outdoors–and can’t be relied upon when navigating indoors. Ultrasonic altimeters have very limited range. Optical flow sensors require good lighting and textured surfaces, and camera vision is still a work in progress and tends to be processing intensive.
SSLiDAR solid-state LiDAR technology, with its narrow or wide field of view, rich data acquisition and multi-segment/multi-object detection capability, might be the best all-around sensing solution to provide efficient and reliable spatial awareness for a new generation of UAVs.
Solid-State LiDAR Benefits for Drones and UAVs
- Highly accurate, stable measurements
- Wide field of view and rich spatial awareness
- Enabling up to 360° obstacle and surface detection
- Fast data acquisition time of up to 140 Hz
- Reliable operation indoors and outdoors
- Immune to light, noise, vibrations and wind
Applications
Single-Point LiDAR for Drone Altimetry
New optical altimeters integrating the highly optimized SSLiDAR technology deliver accurate distance measurements above ground level while meeting the size, weight and cost requirements of UAV manufacturers.
Highly optimized optical range finders, such as the SSLiDAR One, are being implemented in new generations of commercial drones.
Featured product: SSLiDAR One
2D Multi-Segment Solutions for Drone Collision Avoidance
2D multi-segment solutions such as SSLiDAR Vu8 leverage a no-moving-part, solid-state design that combines multiple independent active elements into a single device, generating critical ranging data for safe navigation and precise positioning. The SSLiDAR Vu8’s obstacle detection capabilities over a wide field of view make it a top performer as part of a sense-and-avoid solution.
Featured product: SSLiDAR Vu8
Featured Products
SSLiDAR Vu8
8-Segment 2D Solid-State LiDAR Module
SSLiDAR Vu8 is an affordable, versatile solid-state LiDAR sensor module that delivers exceptional detection and ranging performance in a small, robust package. SSLiDAR Vu8 modules provide the ability to detect and track multiple objects simultaneously over eight distinct segments with superior lateral discrimination capabilities.
SSLiDAR One
Single-Segment Solid-State LiDAR Module
The SSLiDAR One sensor module is dedicated to single-point detection and precise distance measurements. This low-cost, lightweight module integrates patented SSLiDAR digital signal processing technology for reliable, consistent altimeter performance for drones at distance ranges of 10 m and more.
Related Information
Is Your Commercial Drone Flying Blind?
Learn more about commercial drones’ collision avoidance challenges and the sensing solutions for obstacle detection and avoidance enabling safe flights and landings. Ask us for more information.
Customer story: Draganfly
One of the first major UAV manufacturers to leverage the SSLiDAR One’s advanced distance measurement capabilities is Draganfly Innovations Inc., which integrated the optical range finder as a standard feature on its Draganflyer Commander model.
Customer story: Robota
When drone-maker Robota began designing the Eclipse, a brand new model of advanced fixed-wing drone for surveying applications, its engineers knew they would have to leverage the latest and best technologies available in order to set their offering apart from the competition.