WALL-E is a relatively simple AMR; he is fitted with tracks to handle difficult terrain and he is able to adjust himself to some conditions. However, he is a clumsy little guy, unable to react to obstacles which appear quickly, such as falling debris, or fast-moving hover chairs. If only Wall-E had been equipped with extra LiDAR sensors!
Why would WALL-E need LiDAR?
Even robots don’t like to trip over obstacles. For one, they are an expensive piece of kit – damage to the robot would be pricey to repair. And also, a robot that moves and shakes about will generally make its vision less precise, adding to errors in its mapping of its environment.
Which is why it’s surprising he was never fitted out with a LiDAR sensor in addition to his camera system in the first place. Cameras are an excellent part of any sensor array, but they have limitations that are best addressed by adding a different kind of sensor – like LiDAR. This means the sensors work together and make up for each other’s shortcomings, giving you the data you need without compromising.
WALL-E (2008) © Disney
If Wall-E had been fitted with a LiDAR sensor, he would’ve been better equipped for the tricky terrain – and he would be able to function in more weather conditions.
Because LiDAR offers highly precise cameras and distance measurement, it is able to create highly accurate 3D LiDAR maps of an environment in real time, which would allow WALL-E to navigate the world more easily.
LiDAR also offers object recognition, meaning WALL-E could find his favourite trinkets much quicker with advanced object detection.
And lastly, he wouldn’t even need to go home to his storage container every night – LiDAR is its own light source! Cameras need good lighting conditions to function, so they’re best during the day, but LiDAR works just as well at night with no need for an external light source.
WALL-E (2008) © Disney
EVE: an AMR with vision
EVE on the other hand seems to have a sensor array, meaning she’s equipped for almost any eventuality. We see her performing a LiDAR scan to identify threats, as well as using cameras to record her environment for display back home – perfect for the unpredictable worlds she explores. She flies around with ease – not unlike a LiDAR drone – and we see her quickly making LiDAR maps of this post-apocalyptic world.
Compared with Wall-E, EVE is a more advanced AMR, capable of reacting quickly and bringing back highly detailed information from her missions.
In the Wall-E universe, we also see Autonomous Vehicles. With LiDAR, these vehicles are able to navigate precisely and safely, with vehicles weaving in and out, carrying people and cargo safely to their destinations. When WALL-E tries to join in, he has no way to detect obstacles with real-time LiDAR sensing, and he causes a pile up.
WALL-E (2008) © Disney
Maybe if WALL-E had a sensor array with LiDAR, he would’ve had a much smoother adventure in outer space!
Returning to Earth
If this all sounds a little far fetched, let’s bring it back down to earth. In the real world, LiDAR technology is used to help Rover units navigate unknown terrain of other planets – NASA uses LiDAR in their research projects, and it has helped them make incredible breakthroughs. Here in the UK, aerospace company Airbus uses LiDAR rovers in testing environments meant to simulate the surface of the moon.
We also know that Autonomous Vehicles use LiDAR every day! LiDAR allows for rapid obstacle detection with more accurate distance accuracy than cameras, which helps prevent collisions and keeps both road users and pedestrians safe. Of course, cameras have their place in a proper sensor array, and Digiflec offers both LiDAR and cameras to cover all your needs.
More from Digiflec
We have solutions for all sorts of problems, just check out our Case Studies section for a peek at some of the projects we’ve been involved in!
WALL-E’s futuristic technology isn’t 700 years away, it’s available right now. Why not contact us today for more information about getting your own LiDAR scanner or AV camera