Compact 2D LiDAR comparison

Hokuyo UST-10LX vs. UST-20LX vs. UST-30LX

Compare range, environmental protection, resolution and application fit before selecting a scanner for an AMR, AGV, localization or industrial obstacle-detection system.

Quick answer Choose the UST-10LX when a compact indoor robot needs up to 10 m of specified range, the UST-20LX when the same compact platform needs up to 20 m, and the UST-30LX when the application needs up to 30 m plus IP67 protection, multi-echo capability, colder-temperature operation or selectable 0.125° resolution. None is safety-rated.

This comparison is part of our LiDAR for AMRs & AGVs selection guide, which covers navigation versus safety sensing, 2D versus 3D, and ROS integration.

UST-10LX10 m · 270° · indoor AMRs and cartsProduct page Spec sheet (PDF)

UST-20LX20 m · 270° · large indoor facilitiesProduct page Spec sheet (PDF)

UST-30LX30 m · 270° · IP67, outdoor and coldProduct page Spec sheet (PDF)

UST-10LX, UST-20LX and UST-30LX at a glance

All three are compact, Ethernet-connected 2D scanning laser range finders with a 270° field of view and 25 ms scan time. The decision usually turns on the distance required for the target, the operating environment and whether the additional resolution and echo processing of the UST-30LX are needed.

Specification	UST-10LX	UST-20LX	UST-30LX
Specified detection range*	0.06–10 m; 4 m at 10% diffuse reflectance	0.06–20 m; 8 m at 10% diffuse reflectance	0.05–30 m; 12 m at 10% diffuse reflectance
Field of view	270°	270°	270°
Scan time	25 ms	25 ms	25 ms
Angular resolution	0.25°	0.25°	0.25° or selectable 0.125° high-resolution mode
Interface	100BASE-TX Ethernet	100BASE-TX Ethernet	100BASE-TX Ethernet
Protective structure	IP65	IP65	IP67; specification notes connectors are not IP67
Operating temperature	−10°C to +50°C	−10°C to +50°C	−30°C to +50°C; reduced specified range below −11°C
Multi-echo	Not listed in current sheet	Not listed in current sheet	Yes
Listed size / weight	50 × 50 × 70 mm / 130 g	50 × 50 × 70 mm / 130 g	50 × 50 × 70 mm / 130 g
Safety-rated personnel protection	No	No	No

*Ranges shown are from current Hokuyo-USA specification sheets under stated factory test conditions. Target reflectivity, size, angle, weather, contamination, ambient light and installation can affect results. Verify the complete model and current sheet before design release.

Which model should you choose?

Choose UST-10LX when

The robot is compact and primarily indoor.
A 10 m specified range covers navigation and localization needs.
Low power and small mounting space matter.
IP65 protection is appropriate for the installation.

Choose UST-20LX when

You need additional indoor aisle or map coverage.
The same compact 50 × 50 × 70 mm listed form factor is valuable.
A 20 m specified range reduces the need for the UST-30LX's outdoor-oriented features.

Choose UST-30LX when

You need up to 30 m specified range.
The installation benefits from IP67 protection and multi-echo processing.
Cold or outdoor-oriented operation is expected.
Selectable 0.125° angular resolution supports the application.

Match the model to your robot

Range sets the shortlist, but the robot's size, travel speed and operating area usually decide it.

Your robot and facility	Start with	Why
Small AMRs, carts and tuggers in narrow aisles	UST-10LX	Close racking and walls stay within 10 m, and the low power draw suits battery platforms.
Indoor AMRs crossing open floors, cross-docks or large warehouses	UST-20LX	Distant walls stay in view, so the robot keeps enough landmarks to localize in open space.
Robots that go outdoors, into cold storage or between buildings	UST-30LX	IP67, multi-echo, operation to −30°C and selectable 0.125° resolution for long-range detail.
Outdoor robots that don't need 30 m	UST-15LX	IP67 and multi-echo in a 15 m range class, filling the gap between the UST-10LX and UST-30LX.

What travel speed means for scan rate

All three models complete a scan every 25 ms. At 1 m/s a robot moves about 2.5 cm between scans; at 2 m/s, about 5 cm. Faster vehicles also need to see obstacles earlier, so they benefit from the longer range of the UST-20LX or UST-30LX even indoors. Stopping for people is a separate, safety-rated function handled by a safety laser scanner.

Range is not the only selection factor

Target reflectivity and object size

Dark, low-reflectivity, angled or small targets can be harder to detect than a white reference target. Use the lower-reflectivity distances in the specification sheets as a more conservative comparison point, then test representative pallets, tires, clothing, forks, rack legs and floor-level objects at the required speed and distance.

Indoor versus outdoor exposure

The UST-30LX adds IP67 protection, multi-echo capability and a wider listed temperature range, but this does not guarantee detection in every weather condition. Hokuyo notes that strong interference light, rain, snow, fog and contamination on the optical window may make operation unstable. Protect connectors appropriately and validate the full installation.

Resolution and software integration

The UST-10LX and UST-20LX list 0.25° angular resolution. The UST-30LX can operate at 0.25° or 0.125° on supported product and firmware versions. All three use 100BASE-TX Ethernet. Confirm protocol, driver, ROS/ROS 2 package, timestamping and compute requirements for the exact software stack rather than assuming compatibility from the interface alone.

Important safety distinction: The UST-10LX, UST-20LX and UST-30LX are measurement LiDAR sensors—not safety laser scanners. Their specification sheets state that they are not safety devices and cannot be used for human-body detection under machinery directives. For personnel protection, select and validate an appropriate safety laser scanner and safety control architecture.

Common mistakes when defining the sensing task

Most selection problems start before the shortlist, when the job the sensor has to do hasn't been pinned down.

Choosing by maximum range alone. Rated range assumes a bright target. Against 10%-reflectance surfaces, specified detection drops to 4 m on the UST-10LX, 8 m on the UST-20LX and 12 m on the UST-30LX. Size for the darkest object you need to see.
Expecting a navigation LiDAR to protect people. UST sensors are measurement devices. Personnel protection needs a certified safety laser scanner such as the UAM-05LP.
Buying scan data when you only need zone outputs, or the reverse. A UST-LN model can save integration work on a fixed-path AGV; a UST-LX model is required as soon as the robot maps or re-plans.
Ignoring mounting height and the rear blind sector. A 270° scan leaves 90° unseen behind the sensor, and one scan plane misses overhangs and low obstacles. Decide where the sensor sits before deciding which one it is.
Specifying indoor hardware for a mixed environment. Dock doors, cold rooms and yard runs bring moisture, dust and sunlight. If the robot ever leaves conditioned space, look at the UST-30LX or UST-15LX.

What about UST-15LX and other UST variants?

This page compares the three models most often searched together, not the complete UST family. The outdoor-oriented UST-15LX can fill the range gap between 10 m and 20 m, and suffix variants may change resolution, connector, output or interface details. Use the Hokuyo Product Guide and current specification library to compare the full model number.

UST-LX or UST-LN?

The UST family comes in two versions that look alike but do different jobs. The LX models stream scan data to the robot's computer. The LN models watch configured zones and switch outputs when something enters them.

Navigation & mapping

UST-LX series

Distance and intensity data over Ethernet
ROS1 and ROS2 compatible for SLAM and localization
The right choice when the robot builds a map or plans its own path
Models: UST-05LX, UST-10LX, UST-15LX, UST-20LX, UST-30LX

Zone-based obstacle detection

UST-LN series

Three independently configurable detection areas with outputs
31 switchable field sets for different travel modes
Replaces light curtains and mat switches on AGVs and carts
Models: UST-05LN (5 m, USB), UST-10LN (10 m, USB/RS422), UST-20LN (20 m, USB/RS422)

A simple rule of thumb: if your controller needs to know where things are, choose LX. If it only needs to know whether something is in a zone so the vehicle can slow or stop, an LN model is often simpler to integrate. Neither version is a safety-rated device.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main difference between the UST-10LX, UST-20LX and UST-30LX?

The principal differences are specified detection range and environmental capability. The UST-10LX measures specified targets to 10 meters, the UST-20LX to 20 meters, and the UST-30LX to 30 meters. The UST-30LX also adds IP67 protection, multi-echo capability and a selectable 0.125-degree high-resolution mode.

Which Hokuyo UST LiDAR is best for an indoor AMR?

The UST-10LX is often a practical starting point for compact indoor AMRs when a 10-meter specified range is sufficient. The UST-20LX provides more range in the same listed sensor dimensions. Final selection should be based on braking distance, speed, target reflectivity, mounting position and required map coverage.

Can the UST-30LX be used outdoors?

The UST-30LX is designed for outdoor-oriented applications with IP67 protection, multi-echo capability and operation down to minus 30 degrees Celsius. Outdoor performance still depends on targets, visibility, precipitation, contamination, connectors, installation and application testing.

Are Hokuyo UST-10LX, UST-20LX and UST-30LX safety laser scanners?

No. Their current Hokuyo specification sheets state that these sensors are not safety devices and cannot be used for human-body detection under machinery directives. Use an appropriate safety-rated scanner and validated safety system when personnel protection is required.

What is the difference between the UST-10LX and the UST-10LN?

The UST-10LX streams distance and intensity data over Ethernet for navigation, SLAM and localization. The UST-10LN is an obstacle-detection sensor with three configurable detection areas, 31 switchable field sets and USB/RS422 interfaces, used to trigger outputs when something enters a zone. Neither is a safety-rated device.

Can I test a UST sensor before buying?

Yes. Hokuyo-USA offers 90-day evaluation units so engineering teams can test a sensor on their own platform. Contact Hokuyo USA to request one.

Technical basis: Hokuyo-USA UST-10LX, UST-20LX and UST-30LX specification sheets accessed October 12, 2026; UST-LN product pages accessed October 29, 2026. Specifications and available variants can change; verify the current document for the exact model before purchasing or integrating.