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MIT Develops LiDAR Tech for Smartphones to See Around Corners
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1 min read
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Briefly Editorial Team

MIT Develops LiDAR Tech for Smartphones to See Around Corners

TL;DR

  • •MIT's NLOS visualization uses LiDAR sensors in consumer smartphones
  • •Motion-based algorithm creates 3D models of hidden objects
  • •Potential to revolutionize autonomous vehicle safety systems

Why it matters

This breakthrough makes high-precision out-of-sight visualization feasible in mass-market devices, drastically reducing costs for autonomous transportation and smart city development.

Technical Details

MIT researchers have developed a method to use LiDAR sensors in iPhone Pro and iPad Pro devices for non-line-of-sight (NLOS) visualization. The technology allows mobile devices to 'see through walls' by analyzing reflected laser signals. Unlike previous expensive systems requiring $50,000+ equipment, this solution works with consumer-grade hardware.

Context and History

NLOS visualization has existed in laboratory conditions but required complex optical systems and high-cost lasers. MIT adapted it for mass use with affordable components and a 'motion-induced aperture sampling' algorithm inspired by satellite radar and macrophotography techniques. The algorithm stitches noisy, weak signals into coherent 3D models.

Industry Impact

The technology could revolutionize autonomous vehicle safety by detecting pedestrians and obstacles around blind corners. MIT demonstrated four scenarios: tracking hidden objects, reconstructing 3D geometry, multi-target tracking, and camera self-localization using invisible landmarks. While smartphone integration requires manufacturers to open raw LiDAR data access, researchers have published open-source code and $50–100 DIY sensor components.