Why your LiDAR Sensor Range May Be Less Than You Think

Range is usually one of the main specifications people look at when selecting a LiDAR sensor for their AGV, AMR, or industrial automation application.

If a LiDAR sensor can measure an object at 30 meters, you might assume you can use it for an application that requires measurements at 20 meters. But that is not always the case. Just because a LiDAR has a measurement range of a certain number of meters does not mean it can detect all objects at that range.

Understanding why a LiDAR's maximum range may not meet your application's requirements can help you find the best solution for your project.

What Is LiDAR Detection Range?

LiDAR sensors measure objects by sending out laser light and receiving the light that reflects off those objects. These readings are used to calculate how far away objects are and where they are positioned within the LiDAR's scanning area.

The detection range specified for a LiDAR sensor is typically based on specific conditions.

Several factors can influence these conditions, including the object being measured, the angle at which the measurement is taken, and the environment in which the LiDAR is operating.

When selecting a LiDAR sensor, it's important to understand these conditions and whether they apply to your application.

For example, you may be able to detect a light-colored wall at a considerable distance. You may also be able to detect a smaller, darker object, but not necessarily at the same distance.

Both objects could be within the LiDAR's stated measurement range but produce different detection results.

Five Reasons Your LiDAR May Not Detect Objects at Its Maximum Range

1. Surface Reflectivity

Different objects can affect your LiDAR's ability to measure distance accurately.

Objects that are lighter in color generally reflect more light than objects that are darker in color.

Your LiDAR may be able to detect one object at a particular distance but not another.

Questions to consider:

• What types of objects will your LiDAR be measuring?
• What materials are these objects made from?
• Are there dark-colored objects?
• Are there reflective metals or unusual materials?
• How small are the objects you need to detect?

Understanding the characteristics of the objects in your application will help you determine whether a LiDAR sensor can provide the measurements you need.

2. Operating Environment

Your LiDAR may perform differently depending on the environment in which it operates.

Dust in the air, direct sunlight, rain, and other environmental conditions can affect the data returned by the sensor.

For example, if you have a robot traveling throughout a building and moving in and out of loading dock doors, changing environmental conditions may influence its performance.

Review your LiDAR's specifications to understand its operating limitations and environmental requirements.

3. LiDAR Mounting Position

Where you mount your LiDAR can affect which objects it can measure.

2D LiDAR sensors measure objects that intersect their scanning plane.

If your LiDAR is mounted too high, it may not detect objects closer to the ground. If it is mounted too low, it may miss objects that extend above its scanning area.

This is especially important for AGVs and AMRs that transport materials of different sizes and shapes.

Consider the following:

• The height at which your sensor will be mounted
• The location of objects that need to be detected
• Whether materials extend above or below the scanning plane
• Potential blind spots created by equipment or loads

4. Object Size and Angle

The size and angle of an object can also affect your LiDAR's detection range.

As the distance between the LiDAR and an object increases, the spacing between measurement points generally increases for a given angular resolution.

Smaller objects may produce fewer measurement returns than larger objects.

Additionally, if an object is positioned at an angle that does not reflect enough laser light back toward the sensor, the LiDAR may not register it consistently.

Make sure your LiDAR can measure the objects you need to detect at your required operating distances.

5. Measurement Speed and Frequency

Another factor to consider is your LiDAR's measurement speed and scanning frequency.

A LiDAR sensor may offer a long measurement range, but if your equipment cannot process the information quickly enough, that range may not be useful for your application.

You should understand how often your equipment needs updated measurements and whether the sensor and control system can meet those requirements.

This is particularly important for moving equipment where timely measurement information is necessary.

How to Determine Your LiDAR's Effective Detection Range

There are several steps you can take to determine whether a LiDAR sensor is right for your application.

• Identify your required detection range. Determine the minimum and maximum distances at which your equipment needs measurements.
• Understand what you need to detect. Identify the objects your LiDAR will measure, including their materials, colors, shapes, and sizes.
• Test at different distances. Evaluate what your LiDAR can detect throughout its operating range, not just at its maximum specified range.
• Review the mounting position. Make sure your LiDAR is positioned to measure the objects that matter to your application.
• Evaluate your operating environment. Identify environmental factors that may affect the LiDAR's detection range and performance.
• Confirm measurement speed and frequency. Make sure your equipment can receive and process LiDAR measurements at the rate your application requires.
• Test your complete application. Once you understand your equipment's requirements, verify that the LiDAR performs as expected in the actual application.

Following these steps will help you better understand what your LiDAR is capable of and select the most appropriate sensor for your project.

Do You Need 2D, 3D, or Multi-Layer LiDAR?

Sometimes detection range isn't the primary challenge. Your application may need to measure objects at different heights or collect information from more than one scanning plane.

In these situations, you may want to consider a 2D, 3D, or multi-layer LiDAR sensor.

2D LiDAR Sensors

2D LiDAR sensors are commonly used for navigation, localization, and detecting objects that intersect their scanning plane.

They can be useful for AGVs, AMRs, and industrial automation applications where measurements across a defined plane provide the necessary information.

3D LiDAR Sensors

3D LiDAR sensors provide additional information about the surrounding environment, allowing you to measure objects at different heights and collect more detailed spatial data.

They may be useful when your application requires greater awareness of object position, shape, and height.

Multi-Layer LiDAR Sensors

Multi-layer LiDAR sensors collect measurements across multiple scanning layers.

This allows them to detect objects at different heights and can help address some of the limitations associated with a single 2D scanning plane.

There are many options when it comes to LiDAR sensing technology. Understanding what your application needs will help you choose the right solution.

Choose a Hokuyo LiDAR Sensor

Hokuyo offers a variety of LiDAR sensors designed for industrial automation, robotics, and material handling applications.

Whether you're looking for a compact 2D LiDAR sensor or need a solution with greater measurement range or additional scanning coverage, Hokuyo has several options to evaluate.

Explore Hokuyo LiDAR Sensors to compare available products and learn more about their capabilities.

Find the Detection Range Your Application Needs

The next time you're selecting a LiDAR sensor, don't focus only on its maximum measurement range.

Take the time to understand your application, the objects you need to detect, and the conditions in which the sensor will operate.

Evaluating these factors will help you identify a LiDAR sensor that provides the measurement performance your equipment requires.

Need Help Finding the Right LiDAR Sensor?

Hokuyo-USA can help you evaluate sensing technologies based on your application's requirements.

Contact Hokuyo-USA to discuss your project and find the right LiDAR sensor for your application.