{"id":105945,"date":"2025-04-15T12:37:27","date_gmt":"2025-04-15T16:37:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dronelife.com\/?p=105945"},"modified":"2025-04-15T12:37:27","modified_gmt":"2025-04-15T16:37:27","slug":"sony-launches-worlds-smallest-and-lightest-precision-lidar-sensor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dronelife.com\/2025\/04\/15\/sony-launches-worlds-smallest-and-lightest-precision-lidar-sensor\/","title":{"rendered":"Sony Launches World\u2019s Smallest and Lightest Precision LiDAR Sensor"},"content":{"rendered":"

AS-DT1 Offers Accurate 3D Measurement in a Compact, Lightweight Design for Drones, Robotics, and More<\/h3>\n

Sony Unveils AS-DT1 Miniature LiDAR Sensor<\/h3>\n

Sony Electronics has announced the AS-DT1, a compact and lightweight LiDAR depth sensor designed for precise 3D measurement. Measuring only 29mm x 29mm x 31mm and weighing 50 grams, the AS-DT1 is now the world\u2019s smallest and lightest precision LiDAR sensor, according to the company.<\/p>\n

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Sony developed the AS-DT1 using technology from its machine vision industrial cameras. Its small size and durable aluminum housing make it ideal for drones, robots, and other systems where space and weight matter.<\/p>\n

Advanced Sensing with Direct Time of Flight Technology<\/h3>\n

The AS-DT1 uses Sony\u2019s proprietary Direct Time of Flight (dToF) LiDAR technology. This system measures distance by calculating how long it takes for light to reflect off a surface. A Single Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) sensor enables the device to measure multiple points in three dimensions\u2014length, width, and depth\u2014at once.<\/p>\n

The sensor also works well in difficult conditions. It can detect low-contrast or low-reflectivity objects that other systems may miss. This makes it suitable for a wide range of uses, including people detection in retail stores, object tracking in warehouses, or structure inspection in outdoor environments.<\/p>\n

High Accuracy and Long Range<\/h3>\n

Sony says the AS-DT1 delivers strong performance indoors and outdoors. It measures distances up to 10 meters with an accuracy of \u00b15 centimeters. For longer-range needs, the sensor supports up to 40 meters indoors and 20 meters outdoors, even in bright sunlight.<\/p>\n

\u201cSony\u2019s proprietary dToF ranging module, equipped with a SPAD sensor, achieves highly accurate measurements and distance resolution,\u201d the company said.<\/p>\n

The sensor\u2019s performance at long range makes it suitable for infrastructure inspection tasks, such as checking bridges or dams, where consistent performance is critical.<\/p>\n

Built for Integration<\/h3>\n

By using a strong yet lightweight aluminum structure, the AS-DT1 is easy to install in systems that must conserve weight and space. This includes small drones, service robots, and warehouse automation platforms.<\/p>\n

The AS-DT1 will be available commercially in Spring 2026. Sony will showcase a prototype of the sensor at the AUVSI XPONENTIAL event in Houston, Texas, from May 20\u201322, 2025.<\/p>\n

To learn more, visit Sony\u2019s product page<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Read more:<\/p>\n