What is Lidar? Learn How Lidar Works

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Lidar 101

What is Lidar?

Lidar is an acronym for “light detection and ranging.” It is sometimes called “laser scanning” or “3D scanning.” The technology uses eye-safe laser beams to create a 3D representation of the surveyed environment.

How Does Lidar Work?

A typical lidar sensor emits pulsed light waves into the surrounding environment.
These pulses bounce off surrounding objects and return to the sensor.
The sensor uses the time it took for each pulse to return to the sensor to calculate the distance it traveled.

Repeating this process millions of times per second creates a precise, real-time 3D map of the environment. An onboard computer can utilize this map for safe navigation.

How Does Lidar keep Us Safe?

Watch this video to learn all about the technology and how it can advance roadway safety, prevent crashes and save lives.

Gain Further Insight About Velodyne’s Lidar Technology

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Robotic Research Changing the Landscape of Transportation

Alberto Lacaze, president of Robotic Research, discusses how his company is using Velodyne’s lidar sensors to make mobility safer and more efficient.

Top 3 Takeaways from the Velodyne–Kaarta Webinar

Summary of Velodyne-Kaarta Webinar featuring Kaarta CEO Kevin Dowling discussing 3D reality capture with mobile scanning systems, using Velodyne’s lidar.

Making the Future in Logistics with Autonomous Mobile Robots

Twinny discusses how its indoor driving autonomous mobile robots, equipped with Velodyne’s lidar sensors, increase efficiency in for logistics & warehouses.

How Lidar Technology Is Advancing Port Terminal Automation

Port terminal automation and how lidar technology can improve efficiency & safety and reduce costs and risk in seaport, marine & intermodal terminal operations.

Velodyne Lidar Paving the Way for Autonomous Shuttles

Autonomous shuttles, equipped with lidar sensors, are emerging as real-world solutions to first-mile, last-mile gaps in traditional transit services.

Smart, Powerful Lidar Solutions

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