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Slamtec RPLIDAR A1M8 360° LiDAR
12m range, 8000 samples/sec, ROS compatible, USB plug-and-play
$99
⭐ 4.6 · 4,300 reviews
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360° scan
12m range
ROS driver
USB plug-and-play
Our Take
The standard entry-level LiDAR for DIY robots and SLAM projects. Massive ROS community support and works out of the box on Raspberry Pi.
Pros
- ✓The de-facto standard entry-level LiDAR — massive ROS driver support
- ✓12m range covers most indoor mapping scenarios
- ✓USB plug-and-play on Linux, Windows, and Raspberry Pi
- ✓4,300+ reviews means every common issue is documented online
Cons
- ✗8,000 samples/sec is adequate but slower than newer models
- ✗Spinning motor can be noisy in quiet environments
- ✗No built-in IMU — you'll need a separate one for full SLAM
Specifications
- Range
- 0.15–12 m
- Sample Rate
- 8,000 samples/sec
- Scan Frequency
- 5.5 Hz
- Angular Resolution
- 1°
- Interface
- USB (UART adapter included)
- Power
- 5V via USB
- Weight
- 170 g
- ROS Package
- rplidar_ros (official)
Best For
- →2D SLAM mapping for autonomous mobile robots
- →Obstacle avoidance for ROS-based navigation stacks
- →Indoor mapping and floor plan generation
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it work with ROS2? ▾
Yes — Slamtec maintains an official ROS2 driver. The A1M8 is fully supported on ROS2 Humble and Iron.
What's the minimum detection range? ▾
15cm. Objects closer than 15cm may not be detected reliably — keep this in mind for tight-space navigation.
Can I use it with a Raspberry Pi 4? ▾
Yes — it's one of the most common Raspberry Pi LiDAR setups. The USB adapter draws ~500mA, so use a powered USB hub if running other peripherals.
Check Price on Amazon →
As an Amazon Associate, FocoMind earns from qualifying purchases.
