Sony Unveils the Smallest and Lightest Lidar Depth Sensor

by sksxihve on 4/17/2025, 1:19:41 AM with 19 comments

  • by thot_experiment on 4/17/2025, 2:07:19 AM

    A very meandering article, here's the info you want:

    ~30deg fov 24x24 resolution 940nm IR

    50g, approx 3cm^3

    max range in 15fps mode @ center of fov, 50% albedo

    outdoor 20m indoor 40m

    30fps default mode (range expectations not stated for this mode)

    5mm accuracy @ 10m (unclear in which mode)

    no word on price

    first party info: https://pro.sony/ue_US/products/lidar/as-dt1

  • by Animats on 4/17/2025, 3:33:32 AM

    There are already LIDAR units for drones about that size.[1] About the same weight, better resolution, available now. There are smaller phone time of flight cameras, with better resolution.

    Really needs price info. There's good expensive stuff, and not very good cheap stuff, in this space.

    [1] https://www.digikey.com/en/product-highlight/l/lightware-lid...

  • by solardev on 4/17/2025, 3:50:47 AM

    Wait, haven't iPhones and iPads had lidars for several years now? Aren't they much smaller?

    https://www.ifixit.com/products/iphone-13-pro-lidar-sensor

    This Sony one looks huge in comparison. Am I missing some fundamental difference between them?

  • by solardev on 4/17/2025, 5:12:32 AM

    The title is misleading. There are smaller similar sensors. From the actual PR:

    > Sony Electronics Announces the World's Smallest and Lightest[1]

    > [1] As a 3D LiDAR with a measurement range of 10m or more under sunny outdoor conditions (excluding modules), according to Sony research, as of April 2025

    So the smallest within those constraints, not overall. The iPhone ones are smaller. (And I think they also use Sony receivers?)

    https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sony-electronics-an...