LiDAR: Revolutionizing Supply Chain Automation with Accurate 3D Sensing

Remote sensing technology LiDAR is gaining popularity in supply chain automation, according to Peipei Zhao, president of North America with Robosense. LiDAR stands for light detection and ranging and uses pulsed lasers to measure range, allowing devices and vehicles to sense objects with high accuracy in real time. This technology has become essential for autonomous driving systems, robots, and smart-city infrastructures.

In logistics and warehouses, LiDAR has numerous applications. It can be used at every stage of distribution from the time goods arrive at the distribution center to when they are stored, picked, packaged and transported to the consumer. The ability of LiDAR to sense objects in three dimensions allows facilities to maximize their use of space, making the entire process more efficient.

LiDAR also plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of autonomous robots and lift trucks operating within a warehouse. By linking to an emergency braking system, LiDAR can stop vehicles instantly if they are in danger of colliding with people, objects or structures. This technology represents a significant improvement over previous camera systems and allows operations to continue without requiring additional illumination.

Zhao predicts that there will be greater adoption of LiDAR-equipped devices in the future as warehouses seek to optimize storage, increase operational speed and reduce overall shipping costs. LiDAR technology is poised to revolutionize supply chain automation and bring about significant improvements in efficiency and safety.