Lidar technology is integral in various applications like cartography, autonomous driving, environmental scanning, and intruder monitoring. It’s commonly used in robots and autonomous vehicles for mapping and localization. However, many lidar systems are wired, making them cumbersome for prototyping and testing. This is especially problematic in autonomous driving, where mounting and connecting lidar systems is challenging due to the complexity of the wiring.
To address these challenges, we present a Wi-Fi-enabled standalone lidar system that delivers real-time data wirelessly, making it easier to deploy and use in various environments. By simply connecting the lidar to a battery, the system is ready to scan and transmit data without the need for additional wiring.
Key Features
- Wireless Operation: The lidar system operates without the need for cumbersome wiring, enhancing flexibility for testing and prototyping in autonomous driving and other fields.
- Real-time Data Transmission: It sends real-time scanning data wirelessly, which can be displayed on a web interface. This allows users to remotely monitor and analyze the surrounding environment.
- Easy Deployment: The system uses the IndusBoard microcontroller, combined with a lidar unit, to scan the environment and generate data. The data is transmitted via Wi-Fi and can be visualized on a web page, making it ideal for tasks like mapping and monitoring.
Lidar Unit
For this project, we used the YD X2 lidar, which can scan 360 degrees and measure distances up to 8 meters. However, lidar units can vary in their range capabilities, with some models able to measure up to 1 kilometer. The choice of lidar unit should depend on the specific requirements of your project.
Applications
- Autonomous Driving: The wireless lidar system can be mounted on vehicles without complex wiring, providing real-time mapping and localization.
- Robotics: It can be used in robots for navigation and environment scanning, enhancing flexibility in deployment.
- Intruder Monitoring: The lidar can monitor areas for unauthorized entry, transmitting data wirelessly to a central system.
This Wi-Fi-enabled lidar system is an innovative solution for simplifying lidar deployment, making it more accessible for a wide range of applications in mapping, monitoring, and autonomous technologies.
Author(s): Manjeet Vishwakarma, Abhay Verma and Satywanti Kundu are B.Tech ECE students at GJUS&T HISAR