Industrial automation increasingly relies on precise environment sensing to operate safely and efficiently. The new picoScan 2D LiDAR sensor from SICK addresses this need with advanced detection capabilities in a compact, cost-effective package.
What Makes the picoScan Different?
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensors use laser pulses to measure distances and create detailed maps of their surroundings. The picoScan150 offers a configurable scanning range that depends on the selected performance profile and the reflectivity (remission) of the target object. Depending on configuration and target properties, scanning ranges of up to 120 meters are achievable.
Angular resolution can be configured down to 0.05°, enabling precise object detection and positioning. This enables detection of small objects—with performance depending on distance and surface reflectivity—a critical capability for navigation, collision avoidance, and monitoring applications.
With a 276° scanning field (–138° to +138°), the picoScan150 provides wide-area coverage from a single LiDAR. For comparison, many competitive sensors require multiple units to achieve similar coverage, increasing both cost and installation complexity.
Three Performance Levels
SICK offers the picoScan in configurations matched to specific application requirements. The picoScan150 includes integrated cables and pre-configured software, making it ideal for indoor mobile robot applications where simplicity matters.
Core
Maximum Range up to 25 m.
Prime
Maximum Range up to 60 m.
Pro
Maximum Range up to 120 m with most add-ons included.
Each configuration can be further customized with software features like Multi-Echo Technology, which evaluates up to 3 returned signals per beam to improve measurement reliability. In combination with integrated fog, echo, and particle filters, the sensor can reduce unwanted reflections caused by rain, fog, or airborne particles, making it well suited for outdoor or harsh industrial environments.
Real-World Applications
- Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs): Enables precise navigation and obstacle avoidance. The high-quality measurement data allows robots to create accurate maps of their environment and determine their exact position.
- Industrial Vehicles: For vehicles like forklifts, the sensor can monitor blind spots and provide collision warnings. If an object appears in the vehicle's path, the system alerts the operator in time to stop or change direction.
- Stationary Monitoring: The picoScan's precision enables tasks like measuring material flows on conveyor systems or detecting the presence of objects on production lines.
Built for Industrial Environments
Unlike consumer-grade sensors, the picoScan150 is designed for demanding industrial environments. Its housing meets industrial requirements for ruggedness, and multi-echo technology, combined with configurable fog, echo, and particle filters, supports reliable object detection even in environments affected by rain, fog, or dust.
The sensor includes contamination detection that monitors the condition of its optical window. This feature enables preventive maintenance—cleaning the sensor before measurement quality degrades rather than waiting for a failure.
Easy Integration and Setup
The LiDAR supports Compact and MSGPACK data formats via TCP/IP and UDP/IP, as well as native ROS 2 (DDS) communication, enabling integration into robotics and automation systems. The SOPASair web interface allows configuration through any standard web browser without requiring specialized software installation.
Ready to evaluate the picoScan for your application?
Get in touch with the EandM team to explore the full picoScan lineup or request a demo tailored to your specific industrial sensing needs.
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