AS-DT1 Offers Accurate 3D Measurement in a Compact, Lightweight Design for Drones, Robotics, and More
Sony Unveils AS-DT1 Miniature LiDAR Sensor
Sony Electronics has announced the AS-DT1, a compact and lightweight LiDAR depth sensor designed for precise 3D measurement. Measuring only 29mm x 29mm x 31mm and weighing 50 grams, the AS-DT1 is now the world’s smallest and lightest precision LiDAR sensor, according to the company.
Sony developed the AS-DT1 using technology from its machine vision industrial cameras. Its small size and durable aluminum housing make it ideal for drones, robots, and other systems where space and weight matter.
Advanced Sensing with Direct Time of Flight Technology
The AS-DT1 uses Sony’s proprietary Direct Time of Flight (dToF) LiDAR technology. This system measures distance by calculating how long it takes for light to reflect off a surface. A Single Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) sensor enables the device to measure multiple points in three dimensions—length, width, and depth—at once.
The sensor also works well in difficult conditions. It can detect low-contrast or low-reflectivity objects that other systems may miss. This makes it suitable for a wide range of uses, including people detection in retail stores, object tracking in warehouses, or structure inspection in outdoor environments.
High Accuracy and Long Range
Sony says the AS-DT1 delivers strong performance indoors and outdoors. It measures distances up to 10 meters with an accuracy of ±5 centimeters. For longer-range needs, the sensor supports up to 40 meters indoors and 20 meters outdoors, even in bright sunlight.
“Sony’s proprietary dToF ranging module, equipped with a SPAD sensor, achieves highly accurate measurements and distance resolution,” the company said.
The sensor’s performance at long range makes it suitable for infrastructure inspection tasks, such as checking bridges or dams, where consistent performance is critical.
Built for Integration
By using a strong yet lightweight aluminum structure, the AS-DT1 is easy to install in systems that must conserve weight and space. This includes small drones, service robots, and warehouse automation platforms.
The AS-DT1 will be available commercially in Spring 2026. Sony will showcase a prototype of the sensor at the AUVSI XPONENTIAL event in Houston, Texas, from May 20–22, 2025.
To learn more, visit Sony’s product page.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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