Sony Electronics has officially commercialized the AS-DT1 LiDAR Depth Sensor. The AS-DT1 is touted as the world’s smallest and lightest LiDAR Depth Sensor structure, measuring only 29mm x 29mm x 31mm (approx. 1.14 inch width x 1.14 inch height x 1.22 inch depth), excluding protrusions, and weighing only 50g (about 1.76 ounces).
The AS-DT1 uses downsizing and optical lens technologies from Sony’s machine vision industrial cameras, making it perfect for applications where space and weight are critical, such as drones and robotics.
The AS-DT1 LiDAR Depth Sensor Utilizes:Â
- ‘Direct Time of Flight (dToF)’ LiDAR technology.
- Delivers fast and accurate measurement, distance resolution, and measuring range.
- The proprietary dToF ranging module, equipped with a Single Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) sensor,
- Utilizes multiple ranging points for distance measurement.
- Can accurately measure distances in three dimensions: length, width, and depth.
The AS-DT1 can determine distances to low-contrast individuals and objects with low reflectivity, which are more difficult to detect using other ranging methods.
This allows for accurate distance measuring in a variety of settings, such as retail establishments, where multiple items, including people and fixtures, are expected.
In addition to its ability to accurately measure distances both indoors and outdoors, the sensor’s compact, lightweight design and rigid aluminum housing make it suitable for integration into a variety of devices, including food service robots in restaurants, autonomous mobile robots in warehouses, and drones for inspections and surveys.
High Measurement Accuracy and Distance Resolution
Sony’s proprietary dToF ranging module, which includes a SPAD sensor, provides very accurate readings and distance resolution. It can measure distances up to 10 meters (32.8 feet) with a margin of ±5 cm (almost 2 inches) indoors and outdoors.
It can also correctly measure distances to objects that other range methods cannot detect. This covers low-contrast topics, low-reflectivity items, and floating objects, making it appropriate for integration into environment-specific robots such as stores and warehouses.
Long Measurement Range
The AS-DT1 is accurate, supporting lengthy distances of 40 meters (131.23 feet) indoors and 20 meters (66.56 feet) outside under bright summer conditions (assuming 100,000 lux), which can be difficult when examining infrastructure such as bridges, highways, and dams5.
Compact, Lightweight, and Robust Housing
The structure is made of an aluminum alloy, which strikes a balance between lightweight design and durability.
The compact housing makes it simple to integrate into a variety of devices, including autonomous mobile robots with limited space for depth sensors and drones whose weight might affect flying time and distance.
Availability
The AS-DT1 is expected to be available in Spring 2026.
A prototype will first be exhibited in the United States at Xponential in Houston, May 20-22, 2025.
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