LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology has emerged as a significant player in the security industry in the last few years. Although fairly new, this advanced technology is revolutionizing the way surveillance and monitoring systems operate while also providing granularity that traditional security cameras cannot see. As consumers become more aware of the capabilities and implications of LiDAR, we spoke with our community to get their feedback on the technology.

Understanding LiDAR Technology

There are plenty of definitions online about LiDAR but for a quick overview, LiDAR is a remote sensing technology that uses laser light to measure distances and formulate detailed, accurate 3D maps of surroundings. In security applications, these systems can enhance situational awareness, improve object detection, and provide critical data for surveillance and monitoring.

Intruder Detection & Integration Compatibility

Two aspects from our community when it comes to the possibility of LiDAR are the effectiveness of intruder detection and the technology’s integration compatibility with existing infrastructure.  While many consumers in our community prefer a holistic or shall we say “open” approach to security/surveillance challenges, LiDAR seems to be a nice parallel to both aspects. Many consumers in the entertainment industry say that they use LiDAR for “areas of concern that our cameras cannot see. This includes blind spots, back corridors, and low light areas where camera angles are somewhat limited”. In conjunction with existing surveillance systems, “the ability to stitch together PTZ cameras while also leveraging LiDAR to identify areas of concern has been a value add for us” says a technical manager in the gaming industry.

Like any technology, our community states that any new emerging technology must be able to perform well in real-world security scenarios. “We have seen many vendors make high accuracy claims about their products only for it to fall flat on its face when implemented in our environment” says a retailer in Minnesota. It will be important that as this technology continues to evolve, manufacturers looking to offer LiDAR capability test their solution in a real-world application. This could include retail stores, casinos, theme parks, data centers, venues, and other areas where the technology can play a pivotal role in shaping consumer confidence.

Privacy Concerns

While LiDAR offers unparalleled accuracy and efficiency, there are still concerns about privacy and unethical use of the technology. End Users in the industry want reassurance that the data collected by LiDAR sensors is handled responsibly and that customer privacy is prioritized. Similar to A.I and ML related technologies, transparent communication from manufacturers regarding data storage, sharing policies, and regulations for state or local compliance will become valuable for mass adoption. We have seen other technologies such as cloud, robotics, and sound intelligence, go through various business cases before being able to become mainstream per our community.

Cost and Accessibility

It is no surprise that cost remains a significant consideration for consumers evaluating the adoption of LiDAR technology. We have seen some manufacturers offer six figure price tags per LiDAR device while others range around $50,000 USD. As the technology matures and becomes more widely adopted, consumers are hopeful to see reductions in costs and increased accessibility. The early adopters of the tech will help formulate a return on investment like any other piece of technology that is fairly new to the industry. Below are a list of LiDAR manufacturers in the industry for reference.

Quanergy Systems:

Quanergy is a leading provider of LiDAR sensors for a range of industries, including security. Their LiDAR solutions are designed to offer precise object detection and tracking, addressing the specific needs of security applications.

Ouster:

Ouster specializes in the development of high-performance LiDAR sensors that find applications in security and surveillance. Their sensors are known for their reliability and versatility, providing valuable data for monitoring and intruder detection.

LeddarTech:

LeddarTech focuses on developing LiDAR technology for multiple industries, including security. Their LiDAR sensors are designed to deliver robust performance in challenging environmental conditions, making them suitable for security applications.

Cepton Technologies:

Cepton Technologies offers LiDAR solutions with a focus on providing long-range, high-resolution sensing capabilities. Their LiDAR sensors contribute to improving situational awareness and security monitoring.

Hesai Technology:

Hesai Technology is recognized for its LiDAR sensors that cater to diverse industries, including security. The company's LiDAR technology is engineered for accurate and real-time data acquisition, supporting advanced security applications.

Blackmore Sensors and Analytics:

Blackmore specializes in frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) LiDAR technology. Their sensors are designed to enhance object detection and tracking, offering valuable contributions to security systems.

AEye:

AEye integrates artificial intelligence (AI) with LiDAR technology to provide intelligent sensing solutions. Their LiDAR systems are engineered to adapt and respond dynamically, making them suitable for security applications that require real-time decision-making.

Velodyne Lidar:

Renowned for its contributions to autonomous vehicles, Velodyne Lidar has expanded its presence into the security sector. The company's LiDAR sensors are recognized for their high resolution and accuracy, making them suitable for various security applications.

Future Developments and Consumer Expectations:

As we look ahead for LiDAR, consumers in our community are curious about the advancements in resolution, range, and real-time processing capabilities of the technology. Multiple consumers wanted to know what other kinds of AI/ML technologies could be implemented. We have seen weapon detection technology take off by storm in addition to the advancement of facial recognition solutions. Implementing LiDAR on top of those layers could provide another approach to mitigating/preventing bad actors.