Think Different

LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensors are popular for robotic mapping, navigation and obstacle detection due to their high accuracy. However, they can be expensive and power-hungry. Here are some alternatives to LIDAR for your small robot: 1. Stereovision Stereovision uses two cameras to calculate depth information from the disparity between images. This method is less accurate than LIDAR but cheaper. 2. Structured Light Sensors Structured light sensors project a pattern onto the environment and measure distortions to calculate depth. Examples include Microsoft Kinect and Intel RealSense. 3. Time-of-Flight (ToF) Cameras ToF cameras measure depth by calculating the time difference between emitted and reflected light pulses. 4. Ultrasonic Sensors Ultrasonic sensors use sound waves to detect obstacles. They're inexpensive but less accurate and limited in range. 5. Infrared (IR) Sensors IR sensors detect obstacles by measuring reflected infrared radiation. They're simple and...