Choose for the robot's mission
Indoor or outdoor
In warehouses, prioritize field of view, short-range precision and a small blind zone. Outdoors, add IP67 protection, sunlight resistance and a wide temperature range.
2D or 3D for SLAM
A 2D scanner is often enough on flat floors. A 3D LiDAR covers ramps, pallets, overhangs and changing scenes, at a higher compute cost.
Range and safety
Useful range must exceed stopping distance with margin for dark surfaces. A standard navigation LiDAR does not automatically replace a certified safety scanner.
Mobile robot LiDAR comparison
| Product | Manufacturer | Range | FoV | IP | ROS 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RPLIDAR A3 | Slamtec | 25 m | 360° × — | — | ROS driver (open source) |
| multiScan100 | SICK | 60 m | 360° × — | — | sick_scan_xd (ROS 2) |
| Mid-360 | Livox | 40 m typ. (100 m max) | 360° × 59° | IP67 | Livox SDK and ROS drivers |
| RPLIDAR A1 | Slamtec | 12 m | 360° × — | — | ROS driver (open source) |
| E1 | RoboSense | 30 m @10% | 120° × 90° | IP67 / IP6K9K | RoboSense SDK |
| FTX 140 | Hesai | 20 m @10% | 140° × — | — | Vendor SDK |
Indicative specifications: confirm configuration and measurement conditions with the manufacturer.
Integration into an AMR stack
Validate Ethernet throughput, timestamps, the TF frame and the ROS 2 driver before freezing the mount. Then test SLAM in narrow aisles, near glass and with low-reflectivity targets.
Which model should you choose?
For a compact indoor AMR, start with an easy-to-integrate 360° sensor. For a fast outdoor robot, prioritize range, IP67 protection and data stability over maximum resolution.
Compare LiDARsFAQ
FAQ
What range does an indoor AMR need?
A useful range of 20 to 50 m suits many AMRs, but it must always exceed the calculated stopping distance with margin.
Does 3D LiDAR improve SLAM?
Yes, in scenes with elevation changes or complex obstacles. In flat, stable environments, 2D LiDAR can remain simpler and more economical.
Can the same LiDAR work indoors and outdoors?
Yes, if its sealing, temperature range and sunlight resistance cover outdoor use without compromising the robot's packaging.