Clearpath brings Velodyne lidar sensors to robotics arena

Velodyne Lidar Inc. announced Clearpath Robotics has become a value-add partner to deliver its groundbreaking lidar sensors for the Clearpath research robot platform. Headquartered in Kitchener ON, Clearpath Robotics provides Velodyne sensors to academic and corporate research organizations on its mobile robots for survey and inspection, oil and gas, agriculture, materials handling and other applications. 

Clearpath’s robotic solutions utilize Velodyne’s state-of-the-art lidar technology, which boasts industry-leading resolution, range, and field of view. Velodyne sensors create a 360° real-time map of the environment, allowing the robot to detect and avoid obstacles for safe autonomous navigation.

“Velodyne delivers outstanding contributions to the robotics research community by providing reliable, high-quality 3D lidar,” says Julian Ware, general manager of Clearpath Robotics. “We have been recommending and integrating Velodyne products on our robotic platforms for almost a decade. Velodyne sensors have proven to handle challenging automation tasks and flawlessly function in unfamiliar and unpredictable settings.”

Designed for seamless integration with robotic platforms

Velodyne’s lidar sensors are designed for seamless integration with robotic platforms by being easy to mount, having low-power consumption, and including a web configuration tool. They are meticulously designed to perform in high-stress environmental conditions like inclement weather, which is essential for outdoor deployments. Velodyne provides comprehensive documentation and support for integration in all applications.

Clearpath provides value-added services for Velodyne with wide-ranging expertise integrating its sensors in customized robotics systems. The company has extensive experience supporting Robot Operating System (ROS)-ready mobile robotics platforms by developing and maintaining ROS drivers, and providing step-by-step ROS tutorials. Velodyne sensors, which have built-in ROS integration, are available via the Clearpath Store.

“Clearpath provides a research robot platform, equipped with Velodyne sensors, that is easy to use, easy to buy, and easy to get started with development,” adds Mike Jellen, president and CCO, Velodyne Lidar. “Clearpath brings the skill set and experience necessary to help customers derive maximum value from high-resolution, 3D data provided by Velodyne lidar to create innovative ground-based mobile robot solutions.”