Orbbec’s Pulsar ME450 3D LiDAR Camera Features a MEMS Mirror

Orbbec Pulsar ME450 dToF 3D LiDAR Camera

At the World Robot Conference 2025, Orbbec unveiled the Pulsar ME450, a direct time-of-flight (dToF) 3D LiDAR camera. The device features a MEMS mirror for pitch adjustments and a motorized azimuth stage, allowing users to switch between scanning patterns.

The Pulsar is designed as a single sensor capable of both navigation and high-detail mapping, positioning itself as the industry’s first multi-pattern scanner that remains cost-effective for professional-grade applications.

The camera alternates between non-repetitive and repetitive scanning patterns, dynamically adjusting its vertical field of view and rotation speed to enhance robot navigation and obstacle avoidance. Typical applications for this system include autonomous mobile robots, forklifts, logistics vehicles, and robotic lawn mowers.

In terms of functionality, the Pulsar ME450 uses a sensing stack that comprises dToF ranging using a 905 ± 10 nm Class-1 laser, a MEMS vertical scanning mechanism, and motorized horizontal rotation. It offers a measurement rate of up to 200 kHz, providing outputs for distance, angle, and reflectivity. Additionally, it integrates a 6-axis IMU onboard and supports Ethernet UDP/TCP point-cloud streaming.

Specifications of Pulsar ME450

• IMU: 6-axis built-in onboard sensor
• Ambient light limit: >80,000Lux
• Measurement principle: direct time-of-flight
• Measurement angle: 0.1~45.0m at 90 percent and 0.1~15.0m at 10 percent
• Accuracy: ± 30mm
• Precision: ≤ 20mm
• Output data: Distance, angle, feature
• Field of view:
  • Horizontal: 270°
  • Vertical: 60°, can be set as 45°/30°
• Measurement frequency: 200kHz
• Horizontal rotation frequency: 10Hz/15Hz/20Hz
• Vertical scanning frequency: 1100Hz±25Hz
• Laser wavelength: 905±10nm
• Time synchronization: PTP, GPS, PPS
• Operating voltage: 24V (9~28V DC)
• Power consumption: Typical <6W
• Dimensions: 65mmx65mmx83mm
• Weight: ~272 grams
• Degree of protection: IP67
• Ambient operation temperature: -20°C~55°C
• Storage temperature: -40°C~70°C

When it comes to software support, the Orbbec Pulsar ME450 camera is compatible with the company’s suite of software development kits, including Orbbec Viewer. This software enables LiDAR-focused preview, configuration, and control across multiple platforms such as Windows, Ubuntu, macOS, and Android. Additionally, a ROS/ROS2 wrapper is available for Orbbec devices, allowing the ME450 camera to stream point clouds over Ethernet, which can then be integrated into ROS graphs.

The significance of this device in the industry lies in its mode-switchable scanning capability, which minimizes the need for additional navigation and mapping sensors. This feature helps to reduce both the bill of materials (BOM) and integration complexity, all while preserving millimeter-level accuracy indoors and ensuring robust performance outdoors (IP67).

All images are courtesy of Orbbec