A Micro Radar-Based Low-Cost Solution for Positioning and Detection, and Avoidance System

Despite over a decade of intensive research and development, Detect-And-Avoid (DAA) technology remains underdeveloped for medium and large Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs) and is in its nascent stages for small UASs. Achieving routine Beyond Visual Line-of-Sight (BVLOS) operations continue to be hindered by this technological gap. While a multi-system/multi-sensor approach is widely recognized as a robust solution, UAS platforms face significant challenges in accommodating such equipment alongside their revenue-generating payloads for commercial applications. Recent advancements in small-form-factor LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) sensors have the potential to become critical components of a comprehensive DAA solution for UASs. Although these sensors are primarily designed for the autonomous ground vehicle industry, their adaptation for UAS applications shows promise. This study presents a low-cost micro-Radar prototype that leverages LiDAR technology as part of a DAA system development framework. The paper details a series of controlled indoor experiments to assess the performance of a small-form-factor LiDAR sensor. The evaluation includes the determination of obstacle detection range as a function of obstacle size in both static and dynamic test scenarios. The results provide valuable insights into the feasibility of integrating LiDAR technology into low-cost DAA systems for UASs platforms.