If you are interested in building your very own mini DIY LiDAR sensor for less than $40, capable of detecting objects in a 360° area, you may be interested in a new Arduino Instructables project published by Daniel Hingston.
Project Overview
“In this Instructable we’re going to build a budget spinning LiDAR sensor, powered by Arduino. It cost less than £30 to build ($40) and has a diameter of only 30mm (1.18″). It uses two sensors, diametrically opposed to each other, to double the scanning rate, and is suitable for mounting on top of a small robot. All parts are 3D printed and are suitable for small 3D printers too.”
This project is particularly exciting for hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts who are looking to integrate advanced sensing capabilities into their projects without breaking the bank. The use of two sensors placed opposite each other not only enhances the scanning rate but also ensures more accurate and reliable data collection. This makes it an ideal addition to small robots, drones, or any other automated systems that require precise environmental mapping.
Technical Details and Components
“Basic and widely-available components are used throughout, and cost is minimized by the omission of any form of encoder. This would be used to measure the rotational angle of the scanning head. Instead, a pillar is within the scanning arc of the sensors; from this the rotational angle of the head can be calculated by recording when the sensor detects the presence of the pillar, and then calculating the rotational speed and hence angular interval between distance measurements.”
The project leverages basic components that are easy to source, making it accessible to a wide audience. The decision to omit an encoder, which would typically be used to measure the rotational angle of the scanning head, is a clever cost-saving measure. Instead, the system uses a fixed pillar within the scanning arc. By detecting this pillar, the system can calculate the rotational angle and speed, allowing for accurate distance measurements.
Components List:
– Arduino microcontroller
– Two distance sensors
– 3D printed parts
– Basic electronic components (resistors, capacitors, etc.)
– Power supply
Assembly and Calibration:
The assembly process involves 3D printing the necessary parts, which are designed to be compatible with small 3D printers. Once the parts are printed, they can be assembled with the electronic components. Calibration is straightforward, thanks to the use of the fixed pillar for rotational angle calculation. This method simplifies the setup and reduces the need for complex calibration procedures.
Applications and Future Improvements:
This DIY LiDAR sensor can be used in various applications, including:
– Obstacle detection for robots
– Environmental mapping for drones
– Home automation systems
Future improvements could include adding an encoder for even more precise measurements, integrating wireless communication for remote data collection, or enhancing the sensor’s range and accuracy.
In conclusion, this DIY LiDAR project offers an affordable and accessible way to integrate advanced sensing capabilities into your projects. With its clever use of basic components and innovative design, it provides a robust solution for a variety of applications.
Source : AB : Daniel Hingston
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