Small and Light Miniature Precision LiDAR Depth Sensor

From News Desk

Sony Electronics is announcing commercialisation of the AS-DT1 LiDAR Depth Sensor. The AS-DT1 is a small and light LiDAR Depth Sensor structure measuring just 29mm x 29mm x 31mm (approximately 1.14 inch width x 1.14 inch height x 1.22 inch depth), excluding protrusions; and weighing only 50g (approximately 1.76 ounces). The AS-DT1 leverages miniaturisation and optical lens technologies from Sony’s machine vision industrial cameras making it ideal for applications where space and weight constraints are paramount, including drones, robotics, and more.

The AS-DT1 utilizes ‘Direct Time of Flight (dToF)’ LiDAR technology, which delivers fast and accurate measurement, distance resolution, and measuring range. The proprietary dToF ranging module, equipped with a Single Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) sensor, utilises multiple ranging points for distance measurement and can accurately measure distances in three dimensions – length, width, and depth.

The AS-DT1 can measure distances to low-contrast subjects and objects with low reflectivity, which are more difficult to detect with other ranging methods. This enables accurate measurement of distances in diverse environments, such as retail stores, where various objects, including people and fixtures, are expected. In addition to its ability to accurately measure distances both indoors and outdoors, the sensor’s compact, lightweight design and rigid aluminum housing allow for integration into a wide range of devices, such as food service robots in restaurants, autonomous mobile robots in warehouses, and drones used for inspections and surveys.

The specifications described in this press release are current as of the date of announcement and may differ from the final specifications.