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InfographicsSolid-State LiDAR Explained
Learn how solid-state LiDAR works, how it differs from mechanical LiDAR, and where this compact sensing technology can improve navigation, obstacle detection and spatial awareness in industrial automation.
What Is Solid-State LiDAR?
Solid-state LiDAR is a laser-based sensing technology that measures the distance between a sensor and surrounding objects without relying on the large rotating assemblies used by many traditional mechanical LiDAR systems.
Like other LiDAR technologies, it sends laser light into the surrounding environment and measures the reflected signal. The sensor uses this information to calculate distance and create a representation of nearby objects and surfaces.
In simple terms: solid-state LiDAR gives machines the ability to detect and understand their surroundings using electronically controlled laser scanning in a compact, durable sensing platform.
Depending on the sensor design, solid-state LiDAR technology may use electronic beam steering, MEMS-based components or other methods to direct laser energy across a defined field of view. Reducing mechanical motion can make the sensor well suited for equipment exposed to vibration, frequent movement and continuous industrial operation.
How Does Solid-State LiDAR Work?
A solid-state LiDAR sensor determines distance by transmitting laser light, receiving the reflected signal and calculating how long the light takes to return. This is commonly known as time-of-flight measurement.
1. Emit
The sensor directs laser light toward a defined area within its field of view.
2. Detect
Objects and surfaces reflect a portion of that light back toward the LiDAR receiver.
3. Measure
The sensor calculates distance data and uses multiple measurements to create spatial information about the environment.
In a 3D solid-state LiDAR system, measurements are collected across both horizontal and vertical dimensions. This enables the sensor to identify height, depth, position and the general shape of objects—not simply their location along a single scanning plane.
Solid-State LiDAR vs. Mechanical LiDAR
Solid-state and mechanical LiDAR systems perform the same fundamental task, but they use different approaches to scan the surrounding environment. Neither option is automatically right for every application.
| Consideration | Solid-State LiDAR | Mechanical LiDAR |
|---|---|---|
| Scanning method | Uses electronic beam steering or minimal mechanical movement. | Typically uses rotating components or moving mirrors. |
| Field of view | Usually monitors a defined area based on the sensor design. | Can provide wide-area or full-surround scanning. |
| Durability | Reduced mechanical motion can support operation in vibration-prone environments. | Proven technology, but moving components may require additional consideration in demanding applications. |
| Size and integration | Often compact and easier to integrate into mobile equipment. | Size and mounting requirements vary by scanning mechanism. |
| Typical applications | Mobile robots, industrial vehicles, obstacle detection and spatial recognition. | Mapping, navigation and applications requiring broad scanning coverage. |
The correct choice depends on the detection range, field of view, resolution, environmental conditions, mounting position, interface requirements and the type of data the automated system needs.
For a broader look at available sensor options, explore Hokuyo LiDAR sensors for industrial automation.
Benefits of Solid-State LiDAR Technology
Compact integration
A compact sensor can be easier to incorporate into AMRs, AGVs, forklifts, service robots and other space-constrained equipment.
Reduced mechanical wear
Designs with fewer moving components can reduce potential points of mechanical wear in continuously operating systems.
Resistance to vibration
Solid-state construction can be beneficial for mobile equipment and industrial environments where vibration is a regular operating condition.
Detailed spatial awareness
3D measurement data can help machines identify object position, height and depth within the monitored area.
Real-time environmental data
Repeated distance measurements give automated equipment current information about objects and changes in its surroundings.
Flexible automation
LiDAR data can support navigation, obstacle detection, positioning, mapping and other machine-awareness functions.
Limitations and Design Considerations
Solid-state LiDAR provides important advantages, but sensor selection should always be based on the complete application—not on the scanning technology alone.
- Field of view: A fixed solid-state sensor may not provide the same surrounding coverage as a rotating LiDAR system.
- Detection range: The required distance should be evaluated against the sensor’s operating specifications.
- Resolution: Confirm that the available point-cloud detail can reliably identify the objects relevant to the application.
- Environmental conditions: Lighting, reflective surfaces, dust, moisture, temperature and mounting conditions can affect sensor selection.
- System integration: Interfaces, data formats, processing requirements and control-system compatibility must be considered.
- Safety requirements: Obstacle-detection LiDAR should not automatically be treated as a safety-rated device. Applications requiring personnel protection should use technology designed and rated for that purpose.
Industrial Applications for Solid-State LiDAR
AMR and AGV navigation
LiDAR provides environmental data that can support localization, route planning and obstacle detection for autonomous mobile robots and automated guided vehicles.
Industrial vehicles
Automated forklifts and other industrial vehicles can use 3D sensing to identify nearby objects, structures and changing conditions.
Warehouse automation
Solid-state LiDAR can support navigation and spatial recognition in distribution centers, storage areas and material-handling environments.
Obstacle detection
Machines can use LiDAR measurements to recognize objects within a defined monitoring area and respond according to the control logic.
Robotics
Mobile and service robots can use 3D distance information to understand their surroundings and operate in complex environments.
Object and load awareness
Three-dimensional measurements can help identify object height, depth, position and irregular load conditions.
See more examples of 3D LiDAR applications for industrial automation .
YLM-10LX Solid-State 3D LiDAR
The Hokuyo YLM-10LX is a solid-state 3D LiDAR designed for factory automation and industrial robotics. It uses Light Control Metasurface beam-steering technology to provide three-dimensional environmental recognition without conventional mechanical scanning assemblies.
Its applications include industrial vehicles, automated guided vehicles, autonomous mobile robots, distribution, warehousing, material handling, packaging, automotive and aerospace systems.
Explore the YLM-10LXHow to Choose a Solid-State LiDAR Sensor
Begin with the operating problem the sensor needs to solve. A sensor selected for mobile robot navigation may require different range, resolution, field-of-view and interface capabilities than one used for object detection on stationary equipment.
- Define the required detection distance.
- Identify the smallest object that must be detected.
- Determine the necessary horizontal and vertical field of view.
- Evaluate indoor or outdoor operating conditions.
- Account for vibration, temperature, dust and moisture.
- Confirm the required scan rate and response time.
- Verify communication interfaces and data-processing capabilities.
- Determine whether safety-rated detection is required.
An application specialist can help evaluate these requirements and determine whether solid-state, mechanical, 2D or 3D LiDAR is the appropriate sensing approach.
Solid-State LiDAR FAQs
What is solid-state LiDAR?
Solid-state LiDAR is a laser-based technology that measures the distance to surrounding objects using electronic scanning or minimal mechanical movement instead of a conventional rotating scanning assembly.
How does solid-state LiDAR measure distance?
The sensor transmits laser light and measures the reflected signal returning from an object. It uses the travel time of the light to calculate the distance between the sensor and the detected surface.
What is the difference between solid-state and mechanical LiDAR?
Mechanical LiDAR commonly uses rotating components or moving mirrors to scan an area. Solid-state LiDAR uses electronic beam steering or greatly reduced mechanical movement, which can support a smaller and more durable sensor design.
Is solid-state LiDAR the same as 3D LiDAR?
Not necessarily. “Solid-state” describes how the sensor directs or scans laser light, while “3D LiDAR” describes the dimensional information it captures. A solid-state LiDAR sensor can provide 3D measurements, but the terms do not mean exactly the same thing.
Where is solid-state LiDAR used?
Common applications include AMR and AGV navigation, industrial vehicles, warehouse automation, robotics, obstacle detection, spatial recognition, mapping and material-handling systems.
Does solid-state LiDAR have moving parts?
It depends on the design. Some technologies have no moving components, while others use very small MEMS-based elements. Both approaches reduce reliance on the larger rotating mechanisms associated with traditional mechanical LiDAR.
Is solid-state LiDAR safety rated?
Not automatically. A LiDAR sensor may provide obstacle detection or environmental data without being certified for personnel protection. Applications requiring functional safety should use appropriately rated safety devices.
How do I choose the right LiDAR sensor for my application?
Consider detection range, field of view, resolution, scan rate, target size, operating environment, mounting position, communication interface and safety requirements. Hokuyo can help evaluate these factors for a specific automation system.
Find the Right LiDAR Technology
Need help selecting a solid-state, mechanical, 2D or 3D LiDAR sensor? Talk with Hokuyo USA about your application, operating environment and performance requirements.