Glossary / Core technology
What is LiDAR?
LiDAR is a sensor that measures distance by firing laser pulses and timing their reflection, giving a robot a precise 3D picture of its surroundings.
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LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is the primary sensor most commercial robots use to build a map of a building and detect obstacles in real time. It spins or scans continuously, producing thousands of distance readings per second to build a live point cloud of walls, furniture, people and other objects.
Because it works by measuring light rather than relying on visible contrast, LiDAR performs reliably in both bright and dim environments, which matters for buildings that are cleaned overnight or in low-light plant rooms and corridors. It's typically combined with cameras and sometimes ultrasonic sensors for a fuller picture, particularly for detecting glass, low obstacles or drop-offs like stairs.
When comparing robots, the range and resolution of the LiDAR unit affects how far ahead the robot can see and how tightly it can navigate around furniture, though software quality matters just as much as the sensor spec sheet.
Common questions
- Does LiDAR work in the dark?
- Yes, LiDAR uses its own laser pulses rather than ambient light, so it works equally well at night or in unlit areas, which suits overnight cleaning schedules.
- Is LiDAR the only sensor a robot needs?
- No, most commercial robots pair LiDAR with cameras and sometimes ultrasonic or drop sensors to cover blind spots such as glass, low kerbs and stairs.
- Does LiDAR affect a robot's price?
- Higher-range, higher-resolution LiDAR units cost more, which is one reason robot pricing varies, though it's not the only factor.
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