Distance

Distance sensors turn the physical world into numeric data, letting a controller know how far objects are or whether they are moving. Laser‑based time‑of‑flight modules deliver millimetre‑level precision over metres, making them suitable for navigation, obstacle avoidance and object tracking. Larger‑range LIDAR units add high‑speed sampling for drones or autonomous platforms, while doppler radar and PIR devices detect motion without line‑of‑sight, useful in security or presence‑based control. Simple mechanical bumpers act as binary switches to flag collisions instantly.

Key attributes include measurement range, update rate, power consumption and the communication interface such as I²C or Qwiic, which simplifies wiring. Robust housing and IP ratings ensure reliable operation in harsh environments, and the compact form factor aids integration into tight robotic or embedded designs.