Benewake Launches SR18 3D LiDAR for Compact Robotics

The SR18 arrives as the flagship of the new SR series, designed specifically to operate within tight power budgets of no more than 5 watts. By utilizing an integrated transmitter-receiver architecture, the device pairs individual laser emitters with dedicated photodetectors. This configuration minimizes inter-channel crosstalk, which helps robots maintain precise localization even when navigating highly reflective surfaces or complex industrial environments.

Technical specifications emphasize versatility for both indoor and outdoor use. The unit captures data at distances up to 30 meters at 10% reflectivity, with a minimum detection range of 15 centimeters. A vertical field of view spanning -8° to +40° allows the sensor to identify low-lying obstacles or sudden terrain drop-offs, a critical safety feature for quadruped robots and automated lawn mowers. The hardware is encased in an IP66-rated housing, ensuring functionality in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 60°C.

To minimize long-term maintenance costs, Benewake incorporated remote firmware update capabilities, allowing for performance tweaks without physical hardware replacement. Starting November 30, 2026, the SR18 will retail for US$299. Global distribution is managed through Mouser Electronics, Amazon, Robu.in, and Alibaba.com, supporting the company's existing footprint across more than 90 countries.