The Essential Role of LiDAR Point Cloud AI
For next-generation robotics, automotive systems, and intelligent infrastructure, LiDAR point cloud analysis is the gold standard for spatial perception—enabling devices to instantly interpret complex, three-dimensional environments.
What Is a LiDAR Point Cloud?
A LiDAR point cloud is a collection of 3D data points captured by laser pulses. Unlike 2D images, it creates a detailed digital model of a space, rich with geometric information for analyzing infrastructure and natural features—making it invaluable for applications that demand precise spatial awareness.
From LiDAR Data to Instant Action:
The Edge AI Imperative
Edge AI is transforming LiDAR point cloud analysis with on-device processing, turning massive datasets into instant decisions. Traditional LiDAR depends on cloud processing, introducing delays that limit responsiveness.
By cutting latency, Edge AI enables real-time decisions—critical for autonomous driving and smart robotics, where milliseconds can mean the difference between safety and risk.
Transforming Industries With
Intelligent LiDAR Point Cloud
1. Autonomous Vehicles & Drones
Precision navigation, obstacle detection, and environmental mapping from raw 3D scans.
2. Industrial Automation
Real-time asset location, safety monitoring, and process control in large facilities.
3. Smart Cities & Infrastructure
Scalable urban planning, traffic management, and infrastructure inspection using direct 3D analysis.
4. Security & Surveillance
3D scene understanding for perimeter security and anomaly detection.
5. Robotics & Warehousing
Advanced pick-and-place, navigation, and inventory control with spatial intelligence.
Introducing BrainChip’s Akida
PointNet++ Model for LiDAR Point Cloud
Smarter, Faster, More Efficient 3D Understanding
Akida PointNet++ builds on the original PointNet with a hierarchical design that captures both local detail and global context, boosting accuracy on sparse, large-scale LiDAR data while maintaining BrainChip’s efficiency for low-power edge deployment.”
Introducing BrainChip’s Akida
PointNet++ Model for LiDAR Point Cloud
Smarter, Faster, More Efficient 3D Understanding
BrainChip’s Akida PointNet++ model is a compact, neuromorphic-friendly deep neural network that performs real-time classification of 3D LiDAR point clouds directly at the edge. Akida PointNet++ works natively on sparse, unordered point sets without converting point clouds into grids or images, making it both efficient and precise.
How It Works
Inside Akida’s Lidar Intelligence
1. Input Point Cloud
The process begins with raw 3D data from a source such as LiDAR or 3D CAD models. (Our model was trained on the ModelNet40 dataset, but it can be applied to diverse point cloud datasets.)
2. Preprocessing Point Cloud Data
On the host processor, representative points and groups are selected by region, keeping critical details while reducing unnecessary data.
3. Hierarchical PointNet++ Backbone
Learns from both fine-grained local structures and the overall shape, building a deeper understanding of complex 3D data.
4. Classification
Instantly assigns the object to the correct category — enabling fast, accurate recognition at the edge.
Akida PointNet++ builds on the original PointNet with a hierarchical design that captures both local detail and global context, boosting accuracy on sparse, large-scale LiDAR data while maintaining BrainChip’s efficiency for low-power edge deployment
The Akida PointNet++ Benefits
Energy Efficient Operation
Consumes milliwatts—ideal for battery, always-on, and field deployments.
Ultra-Compact Design
Runs efficiently, even on memory-limited edge devices.
Sparsity-Driven Efficiency
Processes only the most meaningful LiDAR data points, reducing computational waste and enhancing model accuracy.
Real-Time Responsiveness
Selective data handling delivers instant decision-making for streaming applications and continuous operation.
Always-On Intelligence
Efficient enough for continuous edge deployment, Akida powers smarter monitoring and automation even in constrained environments.
How to Get Started With
Akida PointNet++ Model
Transform your product vision into reality with our comprehensive
development ecosystem:
Essential Tools & Packages
- Convert and optimize your models for Akida deployment
- Streamline the development pipeline from training to production
Ready to Integrate Intelligent LiDAR Processing
Into Your Next Product Design?
Download the complete PointNet++ Model Technical Guide and explore how Akida can power your next-gen LiDAR applications.
