ToF Range Finder Sensor Breakout Board w/ Voltage Regulator - VL53L1X

As usual, I'm happy with Robotshop service and fast delivery. Regarding the ToF laser sensor itself, it didn't meet my expectations, and had to go for another solution. I didn't really mind the 2 cm linear measurement difference, this can be easily fixed within the Arduino sketch (or calibrate the sensor). However, the results are unreliable. Don't get me wrong, in the exact same carefully set environment, taking care of having the optimal light conditions / reflectors / objects distance / angles etc., based on the sensor limitations, that might work (?). But otherwise, the sensor is too sensitive to reflections, other lights, angles... After attempting many test environments, the best I could get was 85% reliability which is not good enough for my needs. Tests were performed for distances between 6 and 20 centimeters. That's a pity, because a laser sensor should definitely be able to reach a much better reliability rate. That's a design issue, and the internal firmware algorithm needs a rework. IMHO, of couse.

The sensor gives nonsense data when there isn't an object detected in it's range. So you have to filter that data out, which is really just a minor nuisance. Other than that it is awesome. Fast, accurate and repeatable.

Performs as well as the $30+ equivalents. Can be impacted by daylight (though very good compared to IR sensors) and any smudges on the sensor itself

I'm using a few of these on a ranging project with a Teensy 3.2. It has been easy to integrate and the software library from Pololu works well. The data comes out as a range value in mm.

Excellent rangefinder. Very small footprint. Low current requirements. Easy to use. Firmware readily available.