LiDAR

This guide provides insights and recommendations for choosing cost-effective 3D LiDAR systems for various applications.

This guide is incomplete and a work in progress; you can help by expanding it!

Unitree L1

This model is one of the most affordable 3D LiDAR systems that might fit the budget constraints of students and hobbyists. While not perfect, it offers basic functionality needed for entry-level 3D scanning tasks.

Stereoscopic Cameras

An alternative to traditional LiDAR systems, stereoscopic cameras use dual lenses to capture spatial data, providing a 3D perception at a potentially lower cost. This technology can be a viable option for those unable to afford dedicated 3D LiDAR systems.

Understanding LiDAR Technologies

Regular 2D LiDAR

These devices create a 2D plane of points by rotating around a vertical axis. They are generally more affordable and can offer a high sample rate, making them suitable for applications requiring planar data.

Stacked 2D LiDARs (Multi-layer 3D LiDAR)

Often marketed as 3D LiDAR, these are essentially multiple 2D LiDARs arranged vertically at different angles, rotating around the same axis. They tend to be expensive and do not produce a dense 3D point cloud unless moved in space, making them less ideal for static applications.

3D Scanners

These systems use a 2D LiDAR tilted 90 degrees, combined with a secondary mechanism that rotates the device around its longitudinal axis. While they generate detailed 3D point clouds, they do so slowly and are not suited for real-time applications.

Budget-Friendly Alternatives and DIY Solutions

Smartphone Depth Sensors

For those with access to newer smartphones, utilizing built-in depth sensors can be a cost-effective way to gather 3D data. These devices, like the iPhone's TrueDepth camera, can generate usable 2D depth maps or 3D point clouds.

DIY 3D Scanners

Constructing a 3D scanner from components such as a 2D LiDAR, a Raspberry Pi, and a camera can be an educational and affordable project. This approach requires more technical expertise but allows for customization and potentially lower costs.

Choosing the right LiDAR system depends on the specific needs of the project and the available budget. For projects where real-time data is not critical, alternatives like stereoscopic cameras or DIY solutions might be adequate. However, for more demanding applications, investing in a higher-quality 3D LiDAR may be necessary.

Product	Brand	Approx Price	Description
RPlidar S2 360° Laser Scanner (30 m)	SLAMTEC	$399.00	Offers 30 meters radius ranging distance. Adopts the low power infrared laser light. Provides excellent ranging accuracy. Works well both in an indoor and outdoor environment. Proof Level: IP65
Hokuyo UST-10LX Scanning Laser Rangefinder	HOKUYO	$1,670.00	Small, accurate, high-speed scanning laser range finder. Obstacle detection and localization of autonomous robots. Detection distance (maximum): 30m. Light source: Laser semiconductor (905nm). Scan speed: 25ms (Motor speed 2400rpm)
RPLidar A1M8 - 360 Degree Laser Scanner Development Kit	SLAMTEC	$85.00	360° Omnidirectional Laser Scan. 5.5 - 10Hz Adaptive Scan Frequency. Sample Frequency: 4000 - 8000Hz. Distance range: 0.15 - 12m. Works With SLAMAIg
Slamtec RPLIDAR A3 360° Laser Scanner (25 m)	SLAMTEC	$599.00	White object: 25 m, Dark object: 10 m (Enhanced mode). White object: 20 m, Dark object: TBD (Outdoor mode). Sample Rate: 16000 - 10000 times per second. Scan Rate: 10-20 Hz. Angular Resolution: 0.225°. Supports former SDK protocols
Slamtec Mapper Pro M2M2 360° Laser Mapping Sensor (40 m)	SLAMTEC	$699.00	Features a 40 m laser mapping sensor. Provides large scenarios and high-quality mapping. Offers integrating map building and real-time localization and navigation. Offers tilting compensation and fast-moving
LIDAR-Lite 3 Laser Rangefinder	GARMIN	$124.95	Compact 48mm x 40mm x 20mm module with 40m measuring range. Signal Processing Improvements offer 5X Faster Measurement Speeds. Improved I2C Communications and assignable I2C Addressing. Great for drones, robotics and other demanding applications
Benewake TF03 LIDAR LED Rangefinder IP67 (100 m)	BENEWAKE	$218.46	Features excellent performance and a compact size. Upgrades more than ten key indicators and opens multiple expansion functions. Is used in the fields of intelligent transportation and industrial safety warning. Provides an industrial grade, long-distance of 100 m
RPLIDAR A2M12 360° Laser Range Scanner	SLAMTEC	$229.00	Offers a low-cost 360° Laser Range Scanner. Comes with a rotation speed detection and adaptive system. Features low noise brushless motor. Adopts the low-power infrared laser light. Can run smoothly without any noise
RPLIDAR A2M8 360° Laser Scanner (DISCONTINUED)	SLAMTEC	$319.00	Low Cost 360 Degree Laser Range Scanner. Sample Frequency: 2000 - 8000 Hz. Scan Rate: 5 - 15Hz. Distance Range: 0.15 - 12m. Angular Resolution: 0.45 - 1.35°. Barrel connector available Small Barrel Connector Assembly 0.7x2.35 mm (Needs Soldering)
LIDAR-Lite 3 Laser Rangefinder High Performance (LLV3HP)	GARMIN	$149.05	Compact 53mm x 33mm x 24mm module with 40m measuring range. Sturdy IPX7-rated housing for drone, robot or unmanned vehicle applications. User configurability allows adjustment between accuracy, operating range and measurement time. Communicates via I2C and PWM. Low power consumption; requires less than 85 milliamps during acquisition
LD19 D300 LiDAR Developer Kit, 360 DToF Laser Scanner, Supports ROS1/2, Raspberry Pi & Jetson Nano	HIWONDER	$98.99	Long Service Time of 10,000 hours. Resistance to Strong Light of 30,000 lux. Distance Measurement up to a Radius of 12 m. All-round Laser Scanning of 360 degrees
Benewake TFMINI Plus Micro LIDAR Module UART/I2C (12 m)	BENEWAKE	$49.90	Features a cost-effective LiDAR. Offers a small-size and low power consumption. Improves the frame rate. Introduces IP65 enclosures. Requires TTL-USB converter to change between UART and I2C
RPLIDAR S1 360° Laser Scanner (40 m)	SLAMTEC	$649.00	Can take up to 9200 samples of laser ranging per second. Offers a high rotation speed. Equipped with SLAMTEC patented OPTMAG technology
Benewake TF-Luna 8m LiDAR Distance Sensor	BENEWAKE	$19.98	Features a low-cost ranging LiDAR module. Has an operating range of 0.2 - 8 m. Gives unique optical and electrical design. Provides highly stable, accurate, sensitive range detection. Supports power saving mode for power-sensitive applications. Suitable for scenarios with strict load requirements
Slamtec RPlidar S3 360° Laser Scanner (40 m)	SLAMTEC	$549.00	Offers a next-generation low-cost 360-degree 2D laser scanner. Smaller size, better performance. Comes with a rotation speed detection and adaptive system. Performs a 2D 360-degree scan within a 40-meter range. Low reflectivity at 15 meters measurement radius. Ideal for both outdoor and indoor environments. Compatible with the SLAMTEC ecosystem
YDLIDAR TG30 360° Laser Scanner (30 m)	YDLIDAR	$399.00	Offers 360-degree omnidirectional scanning. Compact structure, suitable for integration. Provides TOF (Time of Flight) ranging technology. Enclosed housing and IP65 proof level. Equipped with related optics, electricity, and algorithm
YDLIDAR G2 360° Laser Scanner	YDLIDAR	$159.00	Features a 360° Omnidirectional scanning range. Offers small distance error, stable performance and high accuracy. Has a 5-12 Hz adaptive scanning frequency
Benewake TF02-Pro LIDAR LED Rangefinder IP65 (40m)	BENEWAKE	$86.39	Features a single-point ranging LiDAR. Can achieve stable, accuracy, sensitive and high-frequency range detection. Offers a sensor range up to 40 meters. Has an ambient light resistance up to 100 Klux