v0.1.0 (Developer Preview)

Release Date: March 21, 2025

We’re excited to announce the first release and developer preview of the Voyant Photonics SDK! This initial release provides the foundation for working with Voyant Photonics LiDAR sensors, offering essential tools and examples to help you get started with our technology.

Introduction to the Voyant SDK

The Voyant SDK is a comprehensive toolkit designed to help developers work with Voyant Photonics LiDAR sensors. This release includes:

  • Core API libraries for sensor connection and data handling
  • Command-line utilities for data streaming, recording, and visualization
  • Code examples demonstrating basic functionality as a basis for custom application development
  • Comprehensive documentation

Key Components

Debian Packages

Two primary Debian packages are available in this release:

  • voyant-api: Core binaries, command-line utilities, and runtime libraries
  • voyant-api-dev: Header files and development libraries for custom applications
    • Depends on voyant-api

Command-Line Tools

All tools use the voyant_ prefix and are available in your PATH after installation:

  • voyant_hello_world: Simple demonstration of basic Voyant API usage
  • voyant_points_mock_stream: Generates mock point cloud data for testing
  • voyant_foxglove_bridge: Connects Voyant data streams to Foxglove Studio for visualization
  • voyant_logger_binary: Records sensor data to a binary format file
  • voyant_logger_mcap: Records sensor data to MCAP format for Foxglove playback
  • voyant_playback_check: Replays recorded binary data and displays frame level metadata
  • voyant_playback_foxglove: Replays recorded binary data to Foxglove Studio

Code Examples

  • Basic Frame Capture: Demonstrates connecting to a Voyant LiDAR sensor and capturing frames
  • Basic Data Playback: Shows how to replay recorded logs and access frame data

ROS2 Integration

We have added the Official ROS drivers for Voyant Lidars at Voyant-Photonics/voyant-ros.

Initially we have targeted ROS2 Humble (Ubuntu 22.04), with docker support for ROS2 distributions including Humble, Iron, Rolling and Jazzy.

Features

  • Sensor Connectivity: Simple API for connecting to Voyant LiDAR sensors
  • Data Streaming: Real-time access to point cloud data
  • Data Recording: Tools for capturing and storing sensor data
  • Visualization: Integration with Foxglove Studio for data visualization
  • Mock Data Generation: Create synthetic data for testing without physical hardware
  • Data Playback: Review and analyze previously recorded data

Known Limitations

  • Sensor configuration capabilities are in development and will be available in future releases

Feedback and Support

We value your feedback! If you encounter issues or have suggestions for improvements, please see our troubleshooting guide for the best options for getting in touch with us.

Copyright © Voyant Photonics, Inc.