#China #Beijing #Lidar #NOVA20 #Benewake

Introduction to NOVA20

On October 12, 2026, Benewake made a significant stride in robotic safety technology with the launch of the NOVA20 LiDAR. This advanced solid-state multi-point LiDAR unit aims to address the challenges faced by robots operating in unstructured, real-world environments. As robotic applications evolve, the necessity for precise near-field perception, obstacle detection, and safety around humans is more paramount than ever. The NOVA20 predominantly focuses on sensing within a one-meter range, filling the gaps left by existing sensor technologies.

Challenges in Existing Robot Perception Systems

Traditional robotic perception systems encounter several limitations, particularly when it comes to near-field scenarios:

1. Blind Spots of Traditional LiDAR: Conventional 360° spinning LiDAR devices excel in long-range detection and overall localization but struggle in close-range sensing. Many of them create blind spots that can render robots vulnerable to nearby obstacles.
2. Occlusions and Lighting Issues with Cameras: Cameras used for robot perception can be obstructed by the robot's own structure, like arms or body parts. Additionally, their effectiveness can be significantly hampered by variable lighting conditions, which complicates the processing that needs to be performed on visual data.
3. Inadequate Resolution from Legacy Sensors: Older technologies, such as ultrasonic and single-point infrared sensors, often fail to provide the necessary resolution for accurately detecting nearby obstacles, especially those with low profiles or sharp edges.

How the NOVA20 Addresses These Issues

The NOVA20 has been engineered to tackle these limitations through its innovative design and solid-state components:

• - Multi-Point Detection Capabilities: The sensor features a 20-point detection array with a 40° field of view, enabling precise measurements across a detection range of 0.05-1 meter. It remains effective even under challenging ambient light conditions reaching up to 100 Klux.
• - Compact and Lightweight: Weighing less than 5 grams and using under 1 watt of power, NOVA20 is compact and energy-efficient, characterized by an absence of mechanical moving parts. This property makes it adaptable for deployment in various locations on robotic platforms, including the chassis, limbs, and joints.
• - Focus on Direct Distance Sensing: Unlike conventional methods that generate 2D image outputs, NOVA20 directly provides distance measurements, eliminating the need for extensive image processing. This allows for quicker and more accurate interpretations of the robot’s immediate surroundings.

Applications of NOVA20

The NOVA20's unique features enable it to support several critical applications:

• - Lateral Edge Detection and Navigation: The multi-point lateral distance measurements are invaluable for Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), cleaning robots, and mowers, facilitating safer navigation in confined spaces and reducing lateral collision risks.
• - Ground Edge Recognition: For bipedal or quadrupedal robots, NOVA20 effectively identifies negative obstacles and edges on stairs, which is crucial for preventing accidents and ensuring safe operations.
• - Human-Robot Interaction: By measuring proximity, the sensor enables robots involved in delivery or security tasks to decelerate before making contact with humans, ensuring safer collaboration between robotic and human workforce.

About Benewake

Founded in 2015, Benewake is a pioneering force in LiDAR technology and physical-world AI perception. With over 3 million units delivered to more than 90 countries, the company continues to assist developers and manufacturers in creating safer robotic solutions. For additional information regarding technical integrations or partnerships, you can check Benewake’s official website.