#China #Beijing #Robotics #Lidar #Benewake

Benewake Introduces the SR Series of 360° 3D LiDARs for Mobile Robots

In a groundbreaking development in mobile robotics, Benewake has unveiled its SR Series, a new family of compact and energy-efficient 360° 3D LiDAR sensors. This launch is set to mark a significant advancement in autonomous navigation technologies across various industries. The initial lineup features two primary models: the SR18 and the SR96, with the SR18 entering full-scale production.

Key Features of the SR Series

The SR Series boasts several features that address the unique challenges faced by mobile robots in today's complex environments. Both the SR18 and SR96 are engineered to reduce blind spots and improve long-range detection capabilities. One of the standout elements of these devices is Benewake's proprietary sensing architecture, which minimizes inter-channel crosstalk, thereby enhancing perception accuracy in reflective and challenging conditions.

Design and Specifications

The SR18, with a compact design measuring only 71.8 mm in diameter and 64 mm in height, weighs 190 grams and operates with an average power consumption of just 5 watts. This low energy requirement makes it easier for developers to incorporate robust 3D sensing capabilities into robots, especially those with limited spatial and power resources.

The LiDAR's integrated transmitter-receiver setup employs a dedicated photodetector for each laser emitter, significantly reducing interference and preserving object contours crucial for mapping and localization. Moreover, the SR18 performs exceptionally well in detecting objects as close as 15 centimeters and as far as 30 meters even in less-than-ideal conditions. With a comprehensive 360° horizontal field of view and a vertical range from -8° to +40°, it ensures thorough coverage in diverse environments.

Applications in Mobile Robotics

Benewake's SR Series is designed for a wide array of applications, including commercial cleaning robots, robotic lawn mowers, quadruped robots, embodied AI platforms, last-mile delivery bots, and industrial mobile robots. Particularly notable is how this technology can benefit robotic lawn mowers, which need to navigate uneven terrains. The downward-angled channels of the SR18 enhance the detection of low-lying obstacles and terrain transitions, reducing the risk of accidents.

Remote Firmware Updates

A particularly innovative feature of the SR Series is the ability to perform remote firmware updates. This functionality allows users to enhance features and improve performance without the need for physical hardware changes, thus saving on maintenance costs and increasing operational efficiency.

Competitive Pricing and Availability

The SR18 is competitively priced at just $299 and will be available globally through major retailers including Mouser Electronics, Amazon, Robu.in, and Alibaba.com starting from November 30, 2026. This accessible pricing is expected to facilitate mass adoption across various sectors, making 3D sensing technology more ubiquitous in the realm of robotics.

About Benewake

Founded in 2015, Benewake has established itself as a leader in AI-driven perception solutions, specifically tailored for the burgeoning era of physical AI. The company merges a deep understanding of optics, mechanical engineering, electronics, software, algorithms, and chip design to create advanced 'eyes for robots'. To date, Benewake serves customers across over 90 countries, further cementing its position as a crucial player in the global technology landscape.

This launch symbolizes a significant milestone in the evolution of mobile robotics, paving the way for smarter and safer robotic solutions that can adapt to the complexities of real-world environments.