Laser radar scanning and positioning mechanisms for uavs and other objects, and associated systems and methods

Abstract

Example embodiments include a motion mechanism that can be coupled between the main body of an unmanned movable object and the optoelectronic scanning module. The motion mechanism can include, e.g., a spinning device and a tilting device. The spinning device can be operable to rotate the scanning module relative to the main body about a spin axis. The tilting device can be operable, e.g., in response to a tilt angle input, to rotate the scanning module about an additional axis that is transverse to the spin axis. Further example embodiments include an orientation sensor installed on the main body of the unmanned movable object. Some embodiments also provide a controller that is configured to receive an orientation signal from the orientation sensor and, based at least in part on the orientation signal, determine a tilt value for the tilt angle input for the tilting device in the motion mechanism.