lidar

Or LI·DAR

[lahy-dahr]

noun

Electronics, Optics.

1. a device similar to radar in principle and operation but using infrared laser light instead of radio waves and capable of detecting particles, distant objects, and varying physical conditions in the atmosphere.

lidar

1. A method of detecting distant objects and determining their position, velocity, or other characteristics by analysis of pulsed laser light reflected from their surfaces. Lidar operates on the same principles as radar and sonar.

2. The equipment used in such detection.

3. See also Doppler effect radar sonar

Word History and Origins

Origin of lidar¹

1960–65; li(ght ¹ ) + (ra)dar

Example Sentences

Most companies working on autonomous vehicles rely on an expensive mix of sensors, cameras and light detection and ranging, or lidar, sensors to map out environments, which they argue is necessary to ensure safety.

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Waymo vehicles are built with a type of laser radar called lidar, as well as cameras, sonar and GPS.

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The robotaxis will be equipped with sensors and a type of laser-based radar called lidar that enables them to navigate dense urban areas, according to the company.

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Musk has repeatedly denounced the use of lidar, but his heavy reliance on cameras has made Full Self-Driving mode less safe, according to Abuelsamid.

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Waymo vehicles rely on cameras, sensors and a type of laser radar called lidar to operate autonomously.

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