AS-DT1 Affords Correct 3D Measurement in a Compact, Light-weight Design for Drones, Robotics, and Extra
Sony Unveils AS-DT1 Miniature LiDAR Sensor
Sony Electronics has introduced the AS-DT1, a compact and light-weight LiDAR depth sensor designed for exact 3D measurement. Measuring solely 29mm x 29mm x 31mm and weighing 50 grams, the AS-DT1 is now the world’s smallest and lightest precision LiDAR sensor, in keeping with the corporate.
Sony developed the AS-DT1 utilizing know-how from its machine imaginative and prescient industrial cameras. Its small dimension and sturdy aluminum housing make it very best for drones, robots, and different methods the place house and weight matter.
Superior Sensing with Direct Time of Flight Know-how
The AS-DT1 makes use of Sony’s proprietary Direct Time of Flight (dToF) LiDAR know-how. This technique measures distance by calculating how lengthy it takes for gentle to replicate off a floor. A Single Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) sensor allows the system to measure a number of factors in three dimensions—size, width, and depth—directly.
The sensor additionally works properly in tough situations. It could possibly detect low-contrast or low-reflectivity objects that different methods could miss. This makes it appropriate for a variety of makes use of, together with folks detection in retail shops, object monitoring in warehouses, or construction inspection in out of doors environments.
Excessive Accuracy and Lengthy Vary
Sony says the AS-DT1 delivers robust efficiency indoors and open air. It measures distances as much as 10 meters with an accuracy of ±5 centimeters. For longer-range wants, the sensor helps as much as 40 meters indoors and 20 meters open air, even in vibrant daylight.
“Sony’s proprietary dToF ranging module, outfitted with a SPAD sensor, achieves extremely correct measurements and distance decision,” the corporate stated.
The sensor’s efficiency at lengthy vary makes it appropriate for infrastructure inspection duties, resembling checking bridges or dams, the place constant efficiency is crucial.
Constructed for Integration
Through the use of a robust but light-weight aluminum construction, the AS-DT1 is simple to put in in methods that should preserve weight and house. This consists of small drones, service robots, and warehouse automation platforms.
The AS-DT1 will probably be accessible commercially in Spring 2026. Sony will showcase a prototype of the sensor on the AUVSI XPONENTIAL occasion in Houston, Texas, from Might 20–22, 2025.
To study extra, go to Sony’s product web page.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, an expert drone providers market, and a fascinated observer of the rising drone business and the regulatory atmosphere for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles centered on the business drone house and is a global speaker and acknowledged determine within the business. Miriam has a level from the College of Chicago and over 20 years of expertise in excessive tech gross sales and advertising for brand spanking new applied sciences.
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