Introducing LightWare’s SF45

We’re especially proud of this unit, because it earned us a nomination in the Hardware – Component category in the Auvsi Xcellence Awards, which recognizes companies that have demonstrated a commitment to advancing technology and the safety of unmanned systems.

The SF45 certainly fits this description: its entire purpose is to give UAV/UGV/Robots the gift of ‘sight’, upping the safety (not to mention reliability) factor by enabling them to see the world in 3D, rather than as a series of code. The difference is remarkable: it’s being able to navigate a room you know by memory, compared to navigating the same room, but adjusting your actions because you realize someone has moved a chair or left a piece of Lego in your way.

It’s also the world’s smallest scanning sensor. And it’s those scanning abilities that make this 35g microLiDAR truly noteworthy: whereas most units are fixed, the SF45’s swivel motion allows it to take in a field of view of 320° taking your UAV/UGV/Robot to the next level by making it possible to “see around corners”.

Not that it’s for drones only. These features will certainly benefit any type of autonomous ground vehicle, from ground robots to carpet vacuum cleaners, pallet trucks, grocery cart delivery trolleys and automatic butlers. From altitude measurements to object detection, it’s the sensor’s versatility that truly impresses.

SF000: The world’s smallest & lightest microLiDAR

It’s no exaggeration to say that we’ve made microLiDAR history with this tiny model, which weighs just 8.8g and measures less than a single inch. But, don’t let its size fool you – when it comes to capability, the SF000 is a giant: easy to use, highly accurate and superfast. Able to deliver 388 readings per second, the SF000 is immune to background light, noise and wind, while an adapter board ensures the unit can be fitted to a variety of different interfaces, including Pixhawk, Arduino and Raspberry Pi, quickly and easily. It can be modified just as easily, with a cable supplied specifically so that it can be connected to the breakout board.

Then there’s its range: the SF000 can ‘see’ up to 50m, even through rain and dusty conditions, thanks to multiple return signals – a feat not achieved by other smaller units. These features ensure that the SF000 has a range of applications, from landing assist or ground confirmation to defining height above ground level and altitude, detecting obstacles or position hold – whether used by a drone, an Unmanned Ground Vehicle or as part of an Internet of Things activation.