Panasonic’s new 3D LiDAR has the following features:

1. Wide view angles: 60 degrees in vertical and 270 degrees in horizontal directions
2. Variable detection settings for viewing angles and resolution in vertical
3. Accurate detection under strong sunlight
 
1.             Wide view angles: 60 degrees in vertical and 270 degrees in horizontal directions

Existing 3D LiDARs cannot detect objects around them with wide view angles especially for the vertical direction. Panasonic developed the laser-scanning technologies utilizing its proprietary design of optical system and motor controlling technology to move the mirror that have been developed for the mass production of optical disk drives. The 3D LiDAR employs a single laser and moving mirror for the detection. Laser light travels the same optical path in the original optical system. The mirror moves toward two different directions by two motors. The single-path design and wide angle of the mirror-move enable wide view angles with 60 degrees in vertical and 270 degrees in horizontal directions. The 3D LiDAR does not require any additional sensors for the detection of the objects around including those on the ground, which makes the detection system in autonomous robots very simple.
 
Picture 1: Details of laser-scanning system in Panasonic’s 3D LiDAR