LS Lidar N Series

The LS Lidar N Series is a family of compact 360-degree 2D LiDAR sensors designed for robot navigation, obstacle detection, SLAM mapping and autonomous positioning. The series includes the N10, N10 Plus and N20 models. Using 905 nm Time of Flight (ToF) laser technology, these sensors measure the distance and angle of surrounding objects, allowing autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and other robotic platforms to understand their environment.

The three models share a compact 360-degree scanning design but differ in detection range, accuracy and ambient-light resistance. The N10 offers a detection range of up to 12 meters and generates up to 4,500 points per second, making it suitable for general indoor navigation. The N10 Plus extends the detection range to 15 meters, supports dual-echo operation and offers stronger ambient-light resistance. The N20 focuses on higher short-range measurement accuracy, reaching approximately ±1.5 cm at distances up to 8 meters. The best model depends on the robot's operating environment and required measurement performance.

The maximum detection range depends on the selected model. The N10 and N20 have a specified range of approximately 12 meters, while the N10 Plus reaches up to 15 meters. These distances are specified for targets with 70% reflectivity. Actual detection performance varies with target color, surface material, ambient lighting and environmental conditions. Dark or poorly reflective objects may be detected at shorter distances.

The N Series offers centimeter-level distance measurement accuracy, depending on the selected model and target distance. The N10 is specified at approximately ±3 cm within 6 meters, while the N20 provides approximately ±1.5 cm accuracy between 0 and 8 meters and ±3 cm between 8 and 12 meters at 70% reflectivity. Actual accuracy depends on reflectivity, environmental conditions and sensor configuration.

Yes. All three LS Lidar N Series models provide a complete 360-degree horizontal scanning field of view. This allows a robot to measure surrounding objects from every direction, including the front, sides and rear. The sensor produces a continuous two-dimensional representation of its surroundings that can be used by navigation software for obstacle detection, localization and route planning.

The N10, N10 Plus and N20 operate at scanning frequencies of approximately 6 to 12 Hz, depending on configuration. This means the sensor can complete between six and twelve full 360-degree scans per second. Higher scanning frequencies provide more frequent environmental updates, which can be useful for moving robots. The selected scan frequency can also affect angular measurement density.

The LS Lidar N Series is designed for autonomous mobile robots, automated guided vehicles, indoor mapping, robot localization, obstacle avoidance and industrial automation. Common applications include warehouse robots, delivery robots, cleaning robots, disinfection robots, service robots and educational robotics. The compact design makes the sensors particularly suitable for autonomous platforms where installation space, weight and power consumption are limited.

Yes. The N Series can provide the 2D laser scan data required by Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) algorithms. SLAM software uses repeated distance measurements to identify surrounding features, construct a map and estimate the robot's position as it moves. This is particularly useful for indoor robots operating in buildings, warehouses and other environments where GNSS positioning is unavailable or unreliable. SLAM processing requires compatible software and a suitable robot computing platform.

Yes. The N10, N10 Plus and N20 are suitable for integration into autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and automated guided vehicles (AGVs). Their 360-degree laser scanning capabilities support localization, environmental awareness, obstacle detection and navigation. The sensors provide measurement data to the robot's controller, allowing compatible navigation software to calculate routes and respond to obstacles. Additional sensors may be necessary depending on the operating environment and safety requirements.

Yes. The N Series continuously measures distances to objects within its horizontal scanning plane. It can help identify walls, furniture, shelving, people and other obstacles that intersect the scanning height. Robot navigation software can use this information to slow down, stop or calculate an alternative route. Because it is a single-line 2D sensor, obstacles above or below the scanning plane may not be detected, so additional sensing may be necessary for comprehensive obstacle avoidance.

The N Series is primarily intended for indoor robotics, but some models offer improved resistance to strong ambient light. The N10 has an ambient-light resistance specification of approximately 4,000 lux, compared with approximately 60,000 lux for the N20 and more than 80,000 lux for the N10 Plus. The N10 Plus and N20 are therefore more suitable for applications exposed to brighter lighting. Outdoor integration must also consider weather protection, mounting conditions and environmental limitations.

Yes. The N Series can support navigation and obstacle detection in warehouse automation, factory logistics and industrial robotic systems. Its 360-degree scanning capability allows robots to detect surrounding shelves, walls, equipment and other objects at the sensor's scanning height. When integrated with suitable software, the data can support autonomous transport, route planning, localization and obstacle avoidance. For safety-critical industrial applications, separate certified safety sensors may be required.

The LS Lidar N Series uses 905 nm Time of Flight (ToF) laser measurement technology. The sensor emits laser pulses and measures the time required for reflected light to return from surrounding objects. These measurements are converted into distance and angle information, providing a two-dimensional scan of the environment. The sensors use Class 1 laser technology and are intended for integration into compact navigation and obstacle detection systems.

The N10, N10 Plus and N20 are lightweight LiDAR sensors weighing approximately 60 grams. Their compact housing measures approximately 52 mm in diameter and 36.1 mm in height. This small size makes them suitable for installation in service robots, cleaning robots, mobile platforms and other embedded robotic applications where payload weight and available space are important design considerations.

The LS Lidar N Series operates from an approximately 5 V DC power supply. Typical power consumption is around 1 W for the N10, 1.5 W for the N10 Plus and 1.2 W for the N20. These relatively low power requirements make the sensors suitable for battery-powered robotic platforms. Integrators should ensure that the power supply meets the voltage, current and electrical connection requirements of the selected model.

The N Series uses an asynchronous serial communication interface to transmit LiDAR measurement data. The N10 and N20 operate at a specified communication speed of 230,400 bps, while the N10 Plus uses 460,800 bps. The transmitted data includes distance, angle and reflected intensity information. Integration requires a compatible serial connection, the appropriate communication protocol and software capable of decoding the sensor's measurement data.

The measurement rate depends on the model. The N10 generates up to approximately 4,500 points per second, while the N10 Plus provides approximately 5,400 points per second in standard operation and up to 10,800 points per second with dual-echo capability. Measurement density and scan frequency influence the amount of environmental detail available to navigation software. Refer to the selected model's datasheet for its complete acquisition specifications.

The N Series provides serial LiDAR measurement data that can be integrated into robotic software environments, including ROS-based systems, when a compatible driver or interface is available. Integration typically involves connecting the sensor to a robot controller or computer, decoding the measurement stream and publishing scan data for localization, mapping or obstacle detection. ROS and ROS 2 compatibility should be checked against the available drivers, software versions and selected sensor model.

A 2D LiDAR sensor such as the LS Lidar N Series measures distances within a single scanning plane, producing a two-dimensional representation of the surrounding environment. A 3D LiDAR sensor measures across multiple vertical angles or scanning planes to create a three-dimensional point cloud. The N Series is suitable for relatively level environments where horizontal navigation and obstacle detection are the main requirements. A 3D LiDAR system is more appropriate when object height, uneven terrain or volumetric mapping must be measured.

The N Series can measure many common surfaces, including light and dark objects, but detection performance depends on the amount and direction of reflected laser light. Dark surfaces generally return less energy, while highly reflective surfaces can produce different measurement behavior. Transparent materials such as glass can be particularly challenging for LiDAR sensors. The N10 Plus and N20 offer improved ambient-light resistance, but all models should be tested against the specific materials encountered in the intended application.

No. The LS Lidar N Series measures distances to surrounding objects using laser technology and does not require GPS or GNSS signals to operate. This makes it especially useful for indoor navigation, including warehouses, offices and factories where satellite signals may be unavailable. For robot localization and autonomous navigation, its measurements can be combined with SLAM algorithms, wheel odometry, inertial sensors or other positioning technologies.

The sensor should be mounted securely in a position that provides an unobstructed 360-degree horizontal field of view at the required detection height. The mounting position should minimize interference from the robot's chassis, covers and other components. A stable power supply, correct communication wiring and suitable vibration protection are also important. The sensor height should be selected according to the obstacles the robot needs to detect, because objects outside the scanning plane may not appear in the LiDAR data.

Suitability depends on the model and lighting conditions. The N10 is specified for ambient-light resistance of approximately 4,000 lux, making it primarily suitable for controlled indoor environments. The N20 offers resistance of approximately 60,000 lux, while the N10 Plus exceeds 80,000 lux. These higher specifications make the N20 and N10 Plus better candidates for brightly illuminated environments. Actual detection performance should be validated under the intended operating conditions.

No. The LS Lidar N Series is a measurement sensor rather than a complete autonomous navigation system. It continuously provides distance, angle and intensity information about its surroundings. Mapping, localization, route planning and motor control are performed by external software and the robot's control system. When combined with suitable SLAM algorithms, computing hardware and navigation software, the N Series can form part of a complete autonomous robot navigation solution.

Choose the LS Lidar N10 for compact indoor robots requiring basic 360-degree obstacle detection and mapping over distances up to approximately 12 meters. Choose the N10 Plus when a longer detection range of up to 15 meters, dual-echo capability or greater ambient-light resistance is needed. Choose the N20 when higher short-range accuracy and improved performance in bright environments are priorities. Also consider communication requirements, mounting space, power consumption, robot speed and software compatibility before selecting a model.