In February 2025, the CHINA INSTITUTE OF NAVIGATION (CIN) officially announced the winners of the 2024 Science and Technology Awards. The project, titled “Key Technologies and Applications for Autonomous Control of Unmanned Surface Vessels”, led by Shanghai Jiao Tong University and jointly completed with Leishen Intelligent Systems Co., Ltd.(LSLiDAR), Dalian Maritime University, Zhuhai Yunzhou Intelligent Technology, and other organizations, was awarded the First Prize for the 2024 Maritime Science and Technology Award. Xiaobo Hu, Chairman of LSLiDAR, also received the award. This marks a significant breakthrough in China’s intelligent control of unmanned surface vessels. LSLiDAR, as a key contributor with world-leading LiDAR technology and multi-sensor fusion algorithms, provided crucial support for the success of the project.
LiDAR: The Key “Smart Eye” for Unmanned Surface Vessel
LiDAR plays an irreplaceable and vital role in the operation of unmanned surface vessels:
1. High-Performance LiDAR Technology Platform
In the complex and ever-changing marine environment, LiDAR provides precise environmental perception for unmanned surface vessels. It can quickly and accurately scan the sea area, collecting a large amount of point cloud data to build a 3D environmental model. With high resolution and precision, it can detect reefs, buoys, and surrounding vessels, allowing the unmanned vessel to detect dangers in advance, adjust its course, and ensure safe and stable navigation. In harsh weather conditions, LiDAR is unaffected by light or weather, continuously providing reliable environmental information, greatly expanding the operational range and time window.
2. Multi-Sensor Fusion Algorithm
LSLiDAR’s self-developed LiDAR multi-sensor fusion algorithm constructs an all-time spatial perception model, enhancing the intelligent decision-making capability of unmanned vessels. By deeply integrating data from cameras, inertial navigation systems, and other sensors, the unmanned vessel gains a more comprehensive and accurate understanding of the environment, enabling it to make scientific decisions. This improves target recognition accuracy and enhances adaptability to complex scenarios, allowing efficient operation in various challenging marine environments.
3. 100% Domestic Production
Through fully independent research, development, and production processes, LSLiDAR has achieved 100% domestic production of all components, including chips, electronic components, optical components, structural parts, and more, without relying on any foreign components. This breakthrough not only resolves the “bottleneck” issue in China’s LiDAR technology but also strengthens national data security and information safety.
Long-Range LiDAR Products and Optoelectronic Systems for Maritime Applications
LSLiDAR has developed 1550nm fiber laser LiDAR technology and multi-sensor fusion algorithms, which not only empower autonomous control of unmanned surface vessels but also have broad applications in smart ports, offshore wind turbine maintenance safety, and more. These technologies provide strong intelligent support for China’s “Maritime Power” strategy.
1. Long-Range 1550nm Fiber-Optic LiDAR
Based on LSLiDAR’s self-developed 1550nm fiber laser LiDAR platform, the MS06/MS07/LS-S4 series long-range 1550nm fiber laser LiDAR can detect up to 2000 meters (customizable to 4000 meters) with a ranging accuracy of ±2cm. It can precisely identify marine obstacles, buoys, and dynamic targets, providing reliable data for unmanned vessel autonomous navigation and obstacle avoidance.
2. LiDAR Optoelectronic System
LSLiDAR’s LiDAR optoelectronic system integrates long-range LiDAR, short-range wide-field LiDAR, infrared thermal imaging cameras, high-definition visible light cameras, and high-precision inertial navigation systems, forming a comprehensive, multi-layered monitoring system. This system can be installed on ships to accurately detect the surrounding environment and track targets in complex and changing conditions.
3. Dual-Channel Underwater Mapping LiDAR
LSLiDAR’s dual-channel underwater mapping LiDAR uses a dual-channel design to simultaneously achieve high-resolution underwater target imaging and precise distance measurement. It is suitable for detecting in turbid water or complex light conditions, improving data collection efficiency. This system can be used for underwater terrain reconstruction, such as identifying submerged reefs, ensuring maritime navigation safety.
Looking ahead, LSLiDAR will continue to deepen our close cooperation with universities and research institutions, promoting the widespread application of LiDAR technology in emerging fields like marine unmanned systems and low-altitude economies. We will wholeheartedly contribute to the intelligent upgrading of China’s high-end equipment. As Chairman Xiaobo Hu said: “Traffic safer, work smarter, and live better – this is not only the mission of LSLiDAR but also the direction of China’s intelligent manufacturing development.” LSLiDAR will uphold this vision, continue exploring innovations, and contribute more to the development of the industry and the advancement of national science and technology.
