What Is LiDAR? Time‑of‑Flight, 2D vs 3D Explained (with Real Outdoor Tests)

What is LiDAR — and how do LiDAR sensors actually work? In this episode of Sensor Experts, we break down the basics of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology, time of flight measurement, and the difference between 2D and 3D LiDAR in a clear and practical way. It’s perfect for automation newcomers, students, and tech enthusiasts looking for a simple introduction to modern sensing technology. LiDAR plays a critical role in applications like mobile robotics, autonomous navigation, obstacle detection, and outdoor industrial automation. Join Aaron as he explains how LiDAR sensors use light pulses to measure distance, the principles of time of flight measurement, and where you’ll see LiDAR in the real world. Then travel with Evgenii to SICK’s Outdoor Technology Center in Waldkirch, Germany, where SICK LiDAR sensors are tested in rain, dust, sunlight, and extreme weather. Whether you’re new to automation or just curious about how LiDAR shapes smarter and safer technologies, this video gives you a clear and practical overview. At SICK, we’re proud to be more than a sensor manufacturer. We’re your source for sensor education and real-world industry insight. Video Chapters 00:00 — Welcome to Sensor Experts 00:10 — What is LiDAR? (Light Detection and Ranging) 00:41 — How Time of Flight measurement works 01:34 — 2D LiDAR explained 01:58 — 3D LiDAR explained 02:13 — Real world applications of LiDAR 02:29 — Testing LiDAR outdoors at the SICK Outdoor Technology Center 03:18 — Wrap up & where to learn more Learn More About SICK LiDAR picoScan100 - Unlocking reliability: This is how we ensure excellent performance:    • picoScan100 - Unlocking reliability: This ...   Outdoor Technology Center (OTC) from SICK | SICK AG:    • Outdoor Technology Center (OTC) from SICK ...   Discover SICK LiDAR Solutions: https://www.sick.com/lidar_sensors If you like this video, please give us a like below and subscribe to our channel. Follow us: LinkedIn:   / sicksensorintelligence   Instagram:   / sick_sensor_intelligence   Facebook:   / sicksensorintelligence   X (formerly Twitter):   / sick_de   For information and general inquiries please contact: https://www.sick.com/contact