TFmini Lidar—A new way to make drones open eyes

[sophia lee]

Drones are usually blind—even those carrying cameras rely on a human to navigate safely and spot obstacles. But the autocopter we created used a prototype of a new compact lidar system, TFmini, to detect its surroundings and track other aircraft.

As the drone takes off, you can see the traces of barbed wire fences and trees in the lidar image below. Later, the radar detects another drone nearby and tracks its progress. In other tests the system showed it could detect a small single-propeller plane and an ultralight aircraft.

The technology, from Benewake, could possibly address a major challenge holding up dreams like JD (JD.com) and Baidu plan to deliver packages by drone in China. It is in great need that systems that enable drones to detect and avoid other aircraft before they can be allowed to operate out of the sight of supervising humans.

Similar with prototype driverless cars relying heavily on lidar, they uses laser light to build up a picture of the world. As far as I am concerned, the principle could also be used in drones, and it tests quite well. What is more, electronically scanning radar can’t collect such a detailed image of the shape of objects to tell what kind of obstacle it is facing.

And I strongly recommend you to test the method I perform in drones with TFmini lidar and share with me.

 

[sophia lee]

In order to meet the user's requirement in harsh conditions, we newly added IP65 level waterproof shell to TFmini! In addition, the switching value function is also added. First, let's take a look at the changes in appearance



Left one is the update, pretty cool. Wow!

If interested, please contact bw@benewake.com

Those who don't know TFmini before can get familiar with product through the following introduction



TFmini Product Introduction

TFmini is a milestone for Benewake to promote the process of low cost LiDAR.
With its unique optical, structural, and electronic designs, the product possesses 3 major advantages: low cost, tiny volume and low power consumption. The built-in algorithm adapted to indoor and outdoor environments can guarantee an excellent ranging performance at a low cost and in a tiny volume, which highly expands the application fields and scenarios of LiDAR and lays a solid foundation for future “eyes” in the smart era.



For more information, please visit our website at http://www.benewake.com/tfmini.html

If interested, please contact bw@benewake.com



The highlights of TFmini updating

1. Protective shell
2. Switching value

1. Protective shell
In order to meet TFmini's requirement in some harsh environments, we have launched protective accessory that allow the TFmini to meet IP65 protection level, while only increasing a little volume.



2. Switching value
We update the firmware so that TFmini can output switching value. Current functions are:
① The standard UART communication can be switched to the I/O push-pull output via a serial command, and it can also be switched back through the command to achieve one-touch switching.
② The distance threshold value of switching can be changed via the serial command to increase the flexibility of uses;
③ Default output states: if there are obstacles (range value within the certain distance), TFmini output high level of 3.3V; if no obstacle or out of range (ranging distance outside the certain distance), TFmini output low level of 0V. The the output level can be changed according to requirements.



Coming soon: Wide power supply voltage of 5-28V; upgrade type TFmini which meets IP65 protection level without customized protective shell; output switching value signal without firmware update requirement and switching value output high level up to 24V. Welcome to contact us!

Any questions, feel free to contact us via bw@benewake.com