LS Lidar CHR Series 360 Degree Ultra Wide 3D LiDAR

Ultra Wide Angle 3D LiDAR for Blind Spot Detection and Mapping

The LS Lidar CHR Series is a range of multi-channel mechanical 3D LiDAR sensors developed for applications that need broad coverage around a vehicle, robot or machine. Available as the CH16R and CH32R, the series combines complete 360° horizontal scanning with an unusually large vertical field of view. This makes it particularly useful for detecting nearby objects, reducing blind areas and capturing detailed 3D information around the sensor.

The CHR Series is suitable for autonomous vehicles, unmanned forklifts, service robots, logistics equipment, industrial machinery, mobile mapping, surveying, security and port applications. Rather than concentrating primarily on long-distance forward detection, its design places strong emphasis on wide-area coverage around the platform.

CH16R and CH32R Models

The series is available with either 16 or 32 scanning channels. The CH16R uses 16 laser beams and provides a vertical field of view from approximately 2.5° to 52.8°. The CH32R doubles the number of channels and extends vertical coverage to approximately 89.1°, creating almost hemispherical coverage around the sensor.

Both models use the same 905 nm Time of Flight measurement principle and provide full 360° horizontal scanning. The choice between them mainly depends on the required vertical coverage and point density. Applications requiring detailed 3D information close to the machine will generally benefit most from the 32-channel CH32R.

Nearly 360 by 90 Degree Coverage

The CH32R provides a 360° horizontal field of view and almost 90° vertical field of view. This is one of the strongest features of the CHR Series because it allows the LiDAR to measure a large area around and below its mounting position.

For an unmanned forklift, mobile robot or construction machine, this can help detect nearby obstacles that may fall outside the viewing area of a conventional forward-facing LiDAR. The large vertical angle is also useful when the sensor is installed above ground level and needs to observe objects close to the vehicle.

Up to 120 Metres Detection Range

Both the CH16R and CH32R are specified for a detection range of up to 120 metres at 70% target reflectivity and approximately 30 metres at 10% reflectivity. The 10% figure provides an important reference for darker objects such as tyres, dark vehicles, road surfaces and industrial materials.

Actual working range depends on target reflectivity, weather, installation and environmental conditions. For the main blind-spot and robotics applications of the CHR Series, its combination of close-range coverage and wide field of view is generally more important than maximum long-range performance.

Dense Point Clouds with Dual Echo

The CH32R produces up to approximately 640,000 points per second in single-echo mode and 1,280,000 points per second in dual-echo mode. The CH16R generates approximately 320,000 points per second with a single echo and up to 640,000 points per second with dual echo.

Dual-echo measurement allows the LiDAR to record more than one return from a laser pulse in suitable conditions. This can provide additional information when the beam interacts with partially transparent, irregular or complex surfaces and also doubles the maximum output point rate.

±3 cm Range Accuracy and ±1 cm Precision

The CHR Series has a specified range accuracy of ±3 cm and range precision of ±1 cm at 1σ. These specifications describe different characteristics. Accuracy indicates how closely a measured distance corresponds to the actual distance, while precision describes the repeatability of successive measurements.

For robotics, obstacle detection and industrial perception, repeatable measurements help software maintain stable object positions as the sensor scans continuously. For mapping applications, overall point-cloud accuracy will also depend on calibration, mounting and the GNSS or IMU system used to position the LiDAR.

Adjustable 5 10 and 20 Hz Scanning

The CH16R and CH32R support scan frequencies of 5, 10 and 20 Hz. This gives integrators a choice between higher measurement density per rotation and faster environmental updates.

A 20 Hz configuration provides frequent updates for moving robots, vehicles and machines, while slower settings can provide greater horizontal point density where rapid updates are less important. Horizontal angular resolution can accordingly be configured at approximately 0.09°, 0.18° or 0.36°.

Designed for Close Range Blind Spot Coverage

The CHR Series is particularly well suited to applications where conventional LiDAR sensors leave significant blind areas near the platform. Its large vertical field of view allows measurements to extend substantially downward from the sensor, helping perception software observe the ground and nearby objects.

This is valuable on forklifts, autonomous industrial vehicles, port equipment and other machines where people, pallets, barriers or objects may be located very close to the vehicle. The LiDAR provides measurement data that can be used by the vehicle’s perception or control software for obstacle awareness and navigation.

Useful for Mobile Mapping and SLAM

The 360° horizontal coverage also makes the CHR Series suitable for SLAM and mobile mapping. As a platform moves through an environment, surrounding walls, structures, equipment and terrain are repeatedly captured from different positions.

When combined with suitable SLAM software, GNSS or an IMU, these measurements can be used for localisation and 3D mapping. Surveyors and mapping professionals should consider the complete system accuracy, because the LiDAR’s ranging specification is only one component of a georeferenced point-cloud workflow.

905 nm Time of Flight LiDAR

The CHR Series uses a 905 nm Class 1 laser and Time of Flight measurement technology. Each laser pulse travels toward a surrounding surface and the sensor determines distance from the time required for the reflected signal to return.

Because LiDAR actively generates its own measurement signal, it can operate independently of normal visible lighting conditions. Environmental effects such as heavy rain, fog, dust and contamination on the sensor window can still influence optical measurement performance.

Ethernet Integration and Synchronisation

The standard sensors use 100BASE-TX Ethernet for point-cloud communication and support PPS timing for synchronization with other equipment. This allows the LiDAR to be connected to an industrial computer, robot controller or mobile mapping system.

Synchronization is especially useful when LiDAR measurements need to be combined with GNSS, an IMU or cameras. Correct timing helps ensure that measurements from different sensors refer to the same moment while the platform is moving.

CH32R PoE Option

A CH32R PoE version is also available for applications where simplified installation is useful. Power over Ethernet allows power and data to use the same Ethernet connection, reducing the amount of separate cabling required.

This can simplify installations on robots, vehicles and industrial machinery, particularly where cable routing is difficult. The exact power and interface requirements should be checked for the chosen standard or PoE version before integration.

Industrial Environmental Protection

The CH16R and CH32R carry an IP67 protection rating and are specified for operation from approximately -20°C to +60°C. The sensors are also tested for vibration and mechanical shock, supporting installation on moving vehicles, robots and industrial machines.

The standard units measure approximately 100 mm in diameter and 110 mm high and weigh around 1 kg. The CH16R typically consumes around 10 W at 10 Hz, while the CH32R uses approximately 12 W.

Typical CHR Series Applications

• Autonomous vehicles and ADAS development
• Unmanned forklifts and warehouse vehicles
• Service robots and autonomous mobile robots
• Construction and industrial machine blind-spot detection
• Mobile mapping and 3D SLAM
• Logistics and port automation
• Security and environmental monitoring

Choosing Between CH16R and CH32R

The CH16R is suitable when 16 measurement layers and approximately 50° of vertical coverage provide enough information for the application. Its lower point rate and slightly lower power consumption can make it an efficient option for less demanding perception systems.

The CH32R is better suited to applications that need maximum surrounding coverage. Its 32 channels, almost 90° vertical field of view and up to 1.28 million points per second provide a much denser 3D view around the sensor, making it particularly attractive for blind-spot detection, robotics and detailed mobile mapping.

Buying the LS Lidar CHR Series from Global GPS Systems

Global GPS Systems supplies LiDAR, GNSS and professional positioning equipment for surveying, mapping, robotics, construction and autonomous-machine applications. Our team can help determine whether the CH16R or CH32R provides the right vertical coverage, point density and interface for your project.

For mobile mapping and autonomous applications, the LiDAR can also be combined with GNSS, IMU, cameras and suitable processing software. Global GPS Systems can help evaluate the complete sensor setup so the hardware matches the required field workflow and integration environment.