AS-DT1 Provides Correct 3D Measurement in a Compact, Light-weight Design for Drones, Robotics, and Extra
Sony Unveils AS-DT1 Miniature LiDAR Sensor
Sony Electronics has introduced the AS-DT1, a compact and light-weight LiDAR depth sensor designed for exact 3D measurement. Measuring solely 29mm x 29mm x 31mm and weighing 50 grams, the AS-DT1 is now the world’s smallest and lightest precision LiDAR sensor, in keeping with the corporate.
Sony developed the AS-DT1 utilizing expertise from its machine imaginative and prescient industrial cameras. Its small dimension and sturdy aluminum housing make it preferrred for drones, robots, and different techniques the place house and weight matter.
Superior Sensing with Direct Time of Flight Expertise
The AS-DT1 makes use of Sony’s proprietary Direct Time of Flight (dToF) LiDAR expertise. This technique measures distance by calculating how lengthy it takes for mild to mirror off a floor. A Single Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) sensor allows the machine to measure a number of factors in three dimensions—size, width, and depth—directly.
The sensor additionally works effectively in tough situations. It may well detect low-contrast or low-reflectivity objects that different techniques could miss. This makes it appropriate for a variety of makes use of, together with individuals detection in retail shops, object monitoring in warehouses, or construction inspection in outside environments.
Excessive Accuracy and Lengthy Vary
Sony says the AS-DT1 delivers sturdy efficiency indoors and outside. It measures distances as much as 10 meters with an accuracy of ±5 centimeters. For longer-range wants, the sensor helps as much as 40 meters indoors and 20 meters outside, even in vivid daylight.
“Sony’s proprietary dToF ranging module, outfitted with a SPAD sensor, achieves extremely correct measurements and distance decision,” the corporate stated.
The sensor’s efficiency at lengthy vary makes it appropriate for infrastructure inspection duties, reminiscent of checking bridges or dams, the place constant efficiency is essential.
Constructed for Integration
Through the use of a powerful but light-weight aluminum construction, the AS-DT1 is straightforward to put in in techniques that should preserve weight and house. This consists of small drones, service robots, and warehouse automation platforms.
The AS-DT1 will likely be out there commercially in Spring 2026. Sony will showcase a prototype of the sensor on the AUVSI XPONENTIAL occasion in Houston, Texas, from Could 20–22, 2025.
To be taught extra, go to Sony’s product web page.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, knowledgeable drone companies market, and a fascinated observer of the rising drone trade and the regulatory setting for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles centered on the industrial drone house and is a world speaker and acknowledged determine within the trade. Miriam has a level from the College of Chicago and over 20 years of expertise in excessive tech gross sales and advertising for brand new applied sciences.
For drone trade consulting or writing, E-mail Miriam.
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