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Industrial Sensor Selection Guide

How to Choose a LiDAR Sensor for an AMR or AGV

Short answer: Choose an AMR or AGV LiDAR sensor by defining its job first: navigation, localization, obstacle detection, or safety. Then match detection range, field of view, angular resolution, scan speed, interface, enclosure rating, target reflectivity, mounting height, power use, and operating environment to the vehicle’s real stopping and detection requirements.

Technical content by Hokuyo Automatic USA CorporationLast reviewed: September 14, 2026

Start with the sensor’s job

A navigation LiDAR supplies measurement data to mapping, localization, or obstacle-avoidance software. A safety laser scanner performs a safety-rated protective function. These roles can coexist, but a standard LiDAR such as the UST-20LX is not a safety device. Use a safety-rated model such as the UAM-05LPA when personnel protection is required.

Selection checklist

Define the required detection distance at the target reflectivity, blind zone, scan plane, field of view, angular resolution, update rate, interface, voltage, environmental exposure, mounting space, vehicle speed, stopping distance, functional-safety requirement, and software compatibility. Validate the complete system under worst-case operating conditions.

Best choices by application

Choose UST-10LX for compact indoor vehicles and short-range mapping, UST-20LX when indoor applications need additional range, UST-30LX for longer-range or exposed robotic applications, YVT-35LX when vertical structure or 3D point-cloud information is needed, and a UAM-series safety scanner for protective fields around people.

Limitations to plan for

A 2D scanner only sees objects crossing its scan plane. Low objects, overhanging loads, forks, transparent surfaces, dark targets, dust, rain, glare, and changing payload geometry can require additional sensing or testing. Never infer a safety rating from detection performance alone.

Comparison table

Model Type Nominal range / field Scan / coverage Best fit Important limitation
UST-10LX 2D LiDAR 0.06–10 m on white target 270°; 25 ms; 0.25° Compact indoor AMRs/AGVs Not safety-rated; IP65
UST-20LX 2D LiDAR 0.06–20 m on white target 270°; 25 ms; 0.25° Longer-range indoor navigation Not safety-rated; IP65
UST-30LX 2D LiDAR Up to 30 m 270°; 0.25° or 0.125° Outdoor-capable mapping and detection Not safety-rated
YVT-35LX 3D LiDAR 0.3–35 m 210° H × 40° V 3D mapping and spatial recognition More data and integration complexity
UAM-05LPA Safety laser scanner 5 m protective; 30 m warning 270°; 128 area patterns Personnel protection on mobile equipment Protective-field design requires risk assessment

Product pages and technical documentation

Browse all Hokuyo-USA product specification sheets

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Frequently asked questions

Can one LiDAR handle navigation and safety?

A standard measurement LiDAR may support navigation and obstacle detection but cannot perform a safety function unless the product and system are certified for that use.

Is a longer range always better?

No. Range must be evaluated with target reflectivity, resolution, scan time, vehicle speed, mounting position, environment, cost, and the required stopping distance.

Does Hokuyo LiDAR work with ROS?

Hokuyo lists the UST-10LX and UST-20LX as compatible with ROS 1 and ROS 2. Confirm the driver and operating environment during integration.

How should I validate a selected sensor?

Test representative targets at the required distances and angles under worst-case lighting, contamination, weather, speed, load, vibration, and traffic conditions.

Need help selecting the right sensor?

Share your application, target, range, environment, interface, mounting, speed, and safety requirements with Hokuyo-USA’s application team.

Talk to a Hokuyo sensor specialist
Technical review: Hokuyo Automatic USA Corporation. Verify specifications against the linked current product documentation before procurement, integration, or safety approval.