Adaptive MEMS LiDAR Brings Precision to Manufacturing
At the World Robot Conference in Beijing, China Orbbec has unveiled its Pulsar ME450, a breakthrough in 3D LiDAR sensing that redefines how robotics systems perceive their environment. With its ability to dynamically switch scanning patterns and adjust vertical fields of view, the Pulsar ME450 introduces a new class of metrology-grade sensors designed to meet the complex and evolving needs of modern manufacturing and industrial automation.
The Industry’s First Configurable dToF LiDAR
The Pulsar ME450 stands as the industry’s first direct Time-of-Flight (dToF) 3D LiDAR that combines a high-precision MEMS mirror with a motorized azimuth system. This dual-actuation architecture allows the sensor to deliver multiple scanning patterns from a single device—transforming how robotic systems adapt to diverse environments and tasks on the factory floor.
Under the theme “Flex to Flow,” the ME450 introduces an entirely new capability: the ability to switch between non-repetitive, non-dense repetitive, and dense repetitive scanning modes—on the fly. Coupled with an adjustable vertical field of view and customizable rotation speeds, the sensor adapts to the specific needs of a wide range of applications, from high-speed navigation to ultra-detailed 3D mapping and reconstruction.
One Sensor, Multiple Scenarios
Traditionally, deploying robots in manufacturing or logistics environments required swapping sensors based on the application: fast LiDARs for navigation and obstacle avoidance, dense scanners for inspection or mapping. The Pulsar ME450 eliminates this tradeoff.
Smart forklifts, warehouse automation systems, and even survey-grade mobile robots can now rely on a single, adaptive sensor that reconfigures in real time. For example, a logistics robot navigating busy corridors can use a wide vertical field of view and non-repetitive scan for situational awareness. The same device can then switch to a dense repetitive scan for high-resolution inspection or spatial mapping without hardware changes.
“The Pulsar ME450 represents the industry’s first multi-pattern LiDAR combining high-precision MEMS pitch scanning with motorized azimuth control,” said Guo Wei, head of Orbbec’s LiDAR R&D team. “By overcoming the limitations of single-mode systems, we’re enabling unprecedented flexibility and reliability in robotic perception.”
High Precision Meets Harsh Realities
Orbbec’s new sensor delivers millimeter-level accuracy across a wide range of materials and conditions – critical for high-stakes manufacturing metrology tasks. Its high-fidelity 3D reconstruction is paired with advanced reflectivity detection algorithms that ensure consistent performance even when facing low-reflectivity surfaces or optical interference—a common challenge in industrial environments.
This level of precision, combined with on-the-fly scanning adaptability, positions the ME450 as a compelling solution for inline inspection, quality control automation, and metrology-driven digital twin creation.
Simplified Integration, Lower Cost of Ownership
From a systems engineering perspective, the ME450 simplifies robotics architectures. By reducing the need for multiple specialized sensors, manufacturers can lower integration complexity, reduce hardware footprints, and ultimately decrease total cost of ownership—all without sacrificing performance or flexibility.
The sensor’s intelligent adaptability also supports multi-functional robots – capable of switching between mobility, inspection, mapping, and manipulation tasks therby helping factories move closer to the promise of fully autonomous, sensor-driven operations.
A Strategic Expansion of Orbbec’s Vision Portfolio
The launch of the Pulsar ME450 marks Orbbec’s deeper push into the domain of robotics and industrial metrology. Known for its comprehensive sensor technologies, including stereo vision, structured light, iToF, and dToF, Orbbec continues to expand its capabilities to meet growing demands for real-time, high-accuracy perception systems.
Beyond enabling the “eyes” of robots, Orbbec’s roadmap points toward integrated “hand-eye-brain” architectures where smart sensors, embedded processing, and AI coalesce into systems capable of understanding, acting, and adapting within dynamic production environments.
As manufacturing continues its transition toward smart, autonomous operations, technologies like the Pulsar ME450 signal a critical step forward fusing precision metrology with flexible robotics to unlock a new generation of intelligent, capable, and efficient automation.
For more information: www.orbbec.com
