Description

Waveshare Slamtec RPLIDAR A1 360 Degree LiDAR Sensor Kit is a 2D laser ranging solution designed for robotics, mapping, obstacle avoidance, and indoor SLAM applications. Based on laser triangulation, it performs 360 degree omnidirectional scanning and can collect range data at up to 8000 samples per second. The module supports configurable scan rates, low blind zone measurement, and UART connectivity, making it a practical choice for cost-sensitive mobile robot and navigation projects.

Features

• 360 degree scanning for full environmental contour capture and obstacle detection.
• Laser triangulation ranging with high-speed visual acquisition and processing.
• Sample rate up to 8000 times per second for smoother map generation.
• Configurable scan rate from 2Hz to 10Hz through motor PWM control.
• 12m maximum measuring radius with low blind area around 0.15m.
• OPTMAG technology using wireless power and optical communication instead of traditional slip rings.
• UART interface for easy integration with embedded hosts and SBCs.
• ROS and ROS 2 support through the available SDK and development resources.

Specifications

Applications

• SLAM and autonomous navigation for indoor robots and mapping platforms.
• Obstacle avoidance in mobile robot and AGV projects.
• Educational robotics for learning 2D LiDAR integration and navigation basics.
• Indoor mapping and contour capture for smart building and spatial analysis tasks.
• ROS and ROS 2 development where affordable 360 degree LiDAR data is needed.

Product List

• RPLIDAR A1 x1
• Adapter x1
• USB Type-A to Type-C cable x1

Other Content

The official package image shows the standard kit contents for bringing the RPLIDAR A1 online quickly with a host computer or embedded system.

Resources

• Wiki / User Guide
• Resources Section
• Slamtec Support Page
• RPLIDAR SDK
• RPLIDAR ROS Package
• RPLIDAR ROS 2 Package

FAQ

What is the difference between scan frequency and sample rate?
The sample rate is how many ranging points are collected per second, while the scan frequency is how many full 360 degree rotations are completed each second.

Is this suitable for outdoor use?
This model is generally better suited to indoor or controlled-light robotics work. Strong ambient light and reflective environments can affect performance compared with dedicated outdoor LiDAR systems.

Can it be used with ROS?
Yes. The RPLIDAR A1 has SDK, ROS, and ROS 2 support, making it practical for robotics software development and SLAM experiments.