Sony has actually announced the AS-DT1, a brand-new mini LiDAR depth sensing unit thats packed with advanced tech and designed to make your drone missions smarter, quicker, and more precise.Lets break it down this little box is just about 1.14 inches broad and weighs just 1.76 ounces.
Thats less than a slice of bread.
Do not let the size fool you.
The AS-DT1 is built with Sonys Direct Time of Flight (dToF) technology, and it provides serious performance.New: DJI adds high-power spotlight and speaker to drone arsenalSo whats inside this small titan? The AS-DT1 is geared up with a SPAD sensor (Single Photon Avalanche Diode), which allows it to determine distance using light pulses even in hard environments.
Were discussing measuring in 3 measurements length, width, and depth with determine accuracy.Advertisement - scroll for more contentNeed to fly in a warehouse with reflective floorings? Or check a bridge under direct sunlight? This sensors got your back.
It can identify low-contrast, low-reflectivity, even floating objects, making it particularly useful for drones operating in unpredictable real-world conditions.Sony says its new sensor can determine distances approximately 40 meters (131 feet) inside, and still struck 20 meters (66 feet) outdoors, even on an intense summer season day.
Thats impressive for something the size of a golf ball.
Plus, it can measure with a 5 cm margin at 10 meters, meaning you can trust it to provide the ideal information whether youre mapping terrain or flying near to infrastructure.For drone pilots doing examinations, surveys, or photogrammetry, this level of precision might conserve time and battery and perhaps even your drone.The AS-DT1s aluminum alloy housing makes it tough adequate to manage outdoor usage however light enough that it wont weigh your drone down.
This balance is vital when every gram depends on flight time.Whether youre dealing with autonomous drones, DIY constructs, or examination rigs that need compact sensing units, this ones made to slide in with ease.
Its specifically appealing for use cases in infrastructure examination, farming, storage facility mapping, or initially responder support anywhere you need tight turns and tight tolerances.Sony says the AS-DT1 will be commercially available in Spring 2026, however drone geeks in the US will get an early peek at it during XPONENTIAL 2025 in Houston (May 2022).
If youre heading there, youll desire to swing by their booth and check it out.More: Insta360 teases brand-new camera launch with NYC pop-up eventFTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links.More.