Lidar survey 2022

Environment perception techniques for vehicles and work machines are currently under strong development. This survey focuses on the technology and performance of state-of-the-art LIDARs (Light Detection and Ranging) meaning new lidar type called Solid State Lidar (SSL), which means no moving parts in its design, and lidars based on Microelectro-mechanical System (MEMS) mirrors. This test contains of two SSL type lidars and three samples with MEMS designs. Test included also one lidar utilising the novel 1550 nm wavelength, which allows to apply more laser power eyesafely, resulting in longer detection range and somewhat higher penetration through environmental conditions than lidars operating around 900 nm. 900 nm is the wavelength used by the rest of the tested lidars; one benefit of this technology is that it allows to use cost efficient components.

The previous lidar survey was carried out during 2018. Compared to the previous work, this report contains more test results thanks to the more automated test arrangements. Since the new lidars produce larger point clouds than earlier, the total amount of analysed measurement data has increased considerably. The visualised results of this survey were produced using Matlab scripts.

The tests were carried out in VTT facilities with test tube chamber and in a full size fog and rain chamber at Ingolstadt, Germany. The test conditions included various fog densities, various dust concentrations and opposing light from strong floodlight, another lidar, and strong camera flash. The targets were both easily detectable (calibrated 90% reflective target, and reflective fabric used in safety clothing), and poorly detectable (calibrated 5% target, and tread pattern of a car tyre) to allow consideration, how the surface features of the object affects the detection reliability.