Affordable, Next-Gen 3D LiDAR Sensor to Make Public Debut at Boston Event

MORGAN HILL, Calif. October 07, 2014

In one of the first deployments of its new, low-cost, high performance, pocket-size 3D LiDAR Puck, Velodyne LiDAR will partner with QinetiQ North America to demonstrate the VLP-16 at RoboBusiness, October 15-17, 2014 at Hynes Convention Center in Boston.

The VLP-16 will be mounted on QinetiQs durable, highly flexible TALON robot, known for its resilience in military, law enforcement and first responder applications. RoboBusiness is an international executive-level robotics event that connects cutting-edge solutions providers with investors, end users and new business partners to accelerate the growth of the industry. The event, now in its 10th year, is recognized as the leading business development event for the global robotics market -- the only robotics event that operates at the intersection of consumer, service, and industrial robotics applications.

"Velodynes VLP-16 LiDAR Puck is a perfect match for the TALON platform," said Daniel Deguire, Director of Unmanned Systems for QinetiQ North America. "Its field of view, light weight, low power consumption and low cost promise to bring a host of new opportunities to deploy autonomous TALON robots, easing the burden on our soldiers and first responders." The TALON robot system includes an array of specialized models, modules, and attachments, and can be configured for many applications, including IED defeat, CBRNE/hazmat identification, route clearance, reconnaissance, combat engineering support and SWAT/MP unit assistance.

"Around the world, TALON military robots have earned a reputation for durability, reliability and flexibility when protecting personnel by remotely dealing with improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other hazards -- attributes that are precisely what we had in mind when we developed the Puck," said Wolfgang Juchmann, Director of Sales and Marketing, Velodyne LiDAR. "The TALON is an ideal platform on which to put the VLP-16 through its paces and demonstrate, in a very powerful way, how far LiDAR technology has advanced."

Large enough to get the job done yet small enough to be easily transported, the TALON represents a breakthrough in robotic technology. Initially deployed in 2000, the TALON is fast and mobile, able to climb stairs, negotiate rock piles, overcome concertina wire and plow through snow. The robots have been used worldwide at such diverse locations as Iraq and Afghanistan, and in the aftermath of the 2001 World Trade Center attack.

Measuring 3D in real time, Velodynes VLP-16 is part of a growing family of solutions built around the companys Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology and, at an introductory price of $7,999, immediately establishes a new standard for affordability. Being able to measure three dimensions in real-time at this price level represents a quantum leap for the technology and places Velodyne far ahead of any other LiDAR solution provider.

VLP-16 specifications include a range of more than 100 meters, with a target range of 150-200 meters. The units low power consumption (<10W), light weight (about 600 grams), compact footprint (Ø100mm x 65mm), and dual return option make it ideal for robotic platforms including UAVs. Velodynes LiDAR Puck provides 16 channels, ~300,000 points/sec, a 360° horizontal field of view and a 30° vertical field of view, with ±15° up and down. The Velodyne LiDAR Puck has a protective design, making it highly resilient in challenging environments.

About QinetiQ
QinetiQ North America delivers world-class technology and revolutionary products to defense, security and commercial markets worldwide. QinetiQs product offerings include survivability, unmanned systems to power sensors and control systems and transportation solutions. Customers rely on QinetiQ products to increase readiness, improve mission effectiveness, streamline operations, increase situational awareness and enhance security. QinetiQ North America is a wholly owned, independently operated subsidiary of QinetiQ Group PLC, one of the worlds leading defense and security technology companies.

About Velodyne LiDAR
Founded in 1983 and based in Californias Silicon Valley, Velodyne Acoustics, Inc. is a diversified technology company known worldwide for its high-performance audio equipment and real-time LiDAR sensors. The companys LiDAR division evolved after founder and inventor David Hall competed in the 2004-05 DARPA Grand Challenge using stereovision technology. Based on his experience during this challenge, Hall recognized the limitations of stereovision and developed the HDL64 high-resolution LiDAR sensor. More recently, Velodyne has released its smaller, lightweight HDL 32E sensor, available for many applications including UAVs. Since 2007, Velodynes LiDAR division has emerged as a leading developer, manufacturer and supplier of real-time LiDAR sensor technology used in a variety of commercial applications including autonomous vehicles, vehicle safety systems, 3D mobile mapping, 3D aerial mapping and security. For more information, visit http://www.velodynelidar.com.