In the fast-evolving world of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), innovation isn’t just about groundbreaking algorithms or cutting-edge sensors – sometimes, it’s about a fresh perspective on how to integrate existing, powerful technologies. We recently encountered a fascinating design challenge from a customer aiming to build next-generation AMRs with a particularly slim form factor. Their goal: advanced navigation, robust collision avoidance, and precise SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping), all within a confined space.
The solution? A clever orientation of a high-performance LiDAR, paired with the unparalleled AI processing power of NVIDIA’s Orin series GPUs.
AMRs are increasingly being deployed in environments where space is a premium – think crowded warehouses, narrow factory aisles, or public spaces. This often necessitates a low-profile design, making the integration of critical sensors like LiDAR a significant hurdle. Traditional LiDAR units, while powerful, can sometimes be too tall or bulky for these sleek designs.
Our customer needed a LiDAR that could deliver a comprehensive 3D point cloud for detailed environmental perception but couldn’t accommodate a standard, upright mounting.
Enter the Hesai JT128 LiDAR, distributed by CRATUS Technology. This isn’t just any LiDAR; it’s a 128-channel powerhouse designed specifically for robotics and industrial applications. While its impressive technical specifications – high resolution, a wide 360° (H) x 187° (V) field of view, and an integrated IMU – are well-known, it was its physical dimensions that sparked an “aha!” moment.
The JT128 boasts an approximately 50 mm diameter and 68 mm height. While 68 mm might still be too tall for some slim applications, we realized that by mounting the JT128 sideways, its roughly 50 mm dimension (the side profile when oriented horizontally) perfectly fit the customer’s stringent form factor requirements.
This seemingly simple reorientation opened up a world of possibilities, allowing the customer to achieve their slim design without compromising on sensor performance. The JT128’s hyper-hemispherical FOV ensures no blind spots, providing robust environmental perception even in this novel mounting configuration. Its integrated IMU is crucial for accurate pose estimation and robust SLAM, especially when navigating complex paths.
