Velodyne Lidar introduces solid-state sensors for autonomous moving machines

     Velodyne Lidar has announced the Velarray M1600, an innovative solid-state lidar sensor designed to serve mobile robotics applications. The sensor is the latest in Velarray's new product family and the first in the new M series. It is built using Velodyne's ground-breaking proprietary microlidar array architecture (MLA) and leverage Velodyne's manufacturing partnerships for cost optimization and high volume production.

     The Velarray M1600 enables contactless mobile and "last mile" delivery robots to operate autonomously and safely without human intervention. The use of online shopping and delivery services for food, pharmaceuticals, consumer and commercial products has increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to CNBC, the Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday holiday shopping periods in the US broke all records for the use of online shopping and delivery services, in part due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Adobe Analytics forecasts that online spending will reach $184 billion throughout the holiday season, a 30% increase over 2019.

     Velodyne Lidar CEO Anand Gopalan said: "The Velarray M1600 Lidar sensor is the latest proof of Velodyne's legacy of innovation. Designed for high-volume mobile robot applications, this sensor is delivered directly from the robot and 'last mile' to the customer. This rugged, compact sensor can be deployed in a variety of environmental and weather conditions and can operate almost 24/7. It can provide the intelligent real-time perceptual data needed by autonomous mobile robots to ensure safe, long periods of operation without human intervention."

     The Velarray M1600 provides autonomous robots with superior near-field perception up to 30 meters and a 32-degree vertical wide viewing Angle, enabling them to navigate complex and changing environments. This sensor enables the robot to safely navigate crowded urban areas and aisles for distribution and security applications. Other environments where the Velarray M1600 supports the operation of autonomous mobile robots include warehouses, retail centers, factories, and medical facilities. Velodyne also offers Vella software for customers seeking a suite of sensing solutions, which utilizes Velarray M1600 data for object and hazard detection to protect road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and pets.

     The Velarray M1600 is functionally safe and durable to support autonomous mobile robots in challenging environmental conditions such as high temperatures, low light and precipitation. This compact sensor is ideal for external installation and can be easily embedded into robotic systems. To learn more about LiDAR Enhanced robots, download Velodyne's white paper: Benefits of 3D LiDAR for Autonomous Mobile Robots.