The global logistics sector is expected to grow to $6.55 trillion by 2027. Companies face pressure to improve operations due to rising consumer demands, high rates of transactions, and labor shortages. LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology, once mainly used in self-driving cars and mapping, is now changing how businesses optimize their supply chains. LiDAR creates accurate 3D maps using laser pulses, which helps collect real-time data, automate tasks, and improve safety, key factors in making shipping and logistics more efficient. The LiDAR market is projected to grow from $1.18 billion in 2024 to $5.35 billion by 2029, approximately a 35% annual increase. Companies are quickly adopting LiDAR to resolve their operational challenges.
Old methods of tracking inventory rely on manual counts or barcode scans. These methods often require much labor and result in human errors. LiDAR-equipped drones and robots can automate inventory tracking by creating real-time 3D maps of stock in warehouses. This reduces the need for human intervention and errors. LiDAR works well in low light and bad weather, giving it a 360-degree exposure to the warehouse. Companies using LiDAR may see a 30–40% improvement in inventory management, which cuts overstocking and stockouts.
LiDAR helps automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) move safely and efficiently in warehouses. These systems can detect obstacles with LiDAR technology, preventing collisions and speeding up material handling. Using one LiDAR sensor can replace multiple cameras, reducing costs and increasing reliability. By 2025, over 4 million robots with LiDAR are expected to be in warehouses, leading to lower labor costs and higher productivity. Warehouses that implement LiDAR technology can reduce labor costs by 20–25% through better workflows.
For port activity, LiDAR can improve the flow of goods and reduce demurrage risks for clients by enabling faster, more precise container handling and automating key operations. LiDAR-equipped cranes and automated vehicles can load and unload ships up to 30–40% more efficiently than manual methods, significantly cutting vessel turnaround times and minimizing costly delays. The advanced 3D mapping and real-time object detection capabilities of LiDAR systems ensure optimal container placement, smooth traffic flow within the port, and enhanced safety by preventing collisions and identifying obstacles or unauthorized personnel. By streamlining workflows and reducing human error, LiDAR not only boosts operational efficiency but also helps ports consistently meet tight shipping schedules, directly lowering the risk of demurrage charges for clients.
The rise of e-commerce has created a need for efficient last-mile delivery solutions. Autonomous delivery robots, like the 2,000 units from Serve Robotics set to work with Uber in 2025, use LiDAR to move and avoid obstacles. These robots can cut delivery costs by up to 50% while delivering in complex urban areas. Additionally, LiDAR-equipped drones are being tested for delivering items to remote locations, making deliveries faster in hard-to-reach areas.
At the bottom line, LiDAR is no longer a forward-looking idea but a necessary tool for logistics companies today. This technology allows businesses to achieve faster processing times, lower operating costs, and improved safety—important benefits in a competitive marketplace. As more industries embrace automation, LiDAR will remain a key player in driving efficiency and growth.