Which types of sensors are typically used for distance measurement in robotics?

Distance measurement is crucial in robotics for navigation, obstacle detection, and mapping. Ultrasonic and LiDAR sensors are widely used for this purpose because of their ability to provide accurate and precise distance readings.

Ultrasonic sensors work by emitting sound waves at frequencies above the human hearing range and measuring the time it takes for the sound to bounce back after hitting an object. This time-of-flight measurement enables the calculation of the distance to the object.

LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensors, on the other hand, use laser light to measure distances. They emit laser pulses and calculate the distance to objects by measuring the time it takes for the laser light to return after reflecting off an object. This technology allows for high-resolution distance measurements and is particularly useful for creating detailed 3D maps of the environment.

The other types of sensors listed, such as infrared and radar sensors, can be useful in certain scenarios but are not as commonly used specifically for distance measurement in standard robotic applications as ultrasonic and LiDAR sensors are. Magnetic and pressure sensors primarily serve different purposes such as detecting magnetic fields or measuring force rather than distance. Visual and thermal cameras provide imagery and thermal data but do not inherently measure distance without additional processing or special techniques.