> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://ascend-engineering.gitbook.io/8tof/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://ascend-engineering.gitbook.io/8tof/overview.md).

# Overview

<figure><img src="/files/p9FU5JeutqspEz3Bkzjq" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th align="center"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td align="center"><h4>Indoor &#x26; GPS-denied</h4><p>Inspections and flight inside structures where satellites never reach.</p></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><h4>Tunnels &#x26; confined spaces</h4><p>Tight, walled environments where wall clearance matters most.</p></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><h4>Low-light &#x26; night ops</h4><p>No light needed — the sensors carry their own infrared.</p></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><h4>Close-proximity work</h4><p>Flying near people, equipment, and infrastructure with a safety margin.</p></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><h4>Warehouse &#x26; stockpile</h4><p>Autonomous scans through racking and around large volumes.</p></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><h4>Research &#x26; swarm</h4><p>A clean data feed for perception, mapping, and multi-drone work.</p></td></tr></tbody></table>

<figure><img src="/files/WfJbsnTNQVT5T3QAEuJW" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The Ascend-8tof is a compact carrier board delivers 360 degree (non-spinning sensor) point cloud ring.

This **512-point cloud**  outputs 15 times a second — over **7,600 distance measurements every second** — so a fast-approaching obstacle shows up in time to react.

This board integrates with your onboard computer or directly to your flight controller - as it talks over UART

### Specifications

| Specification   | Detail                                                                                                                                                                                     |
| --------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Point cloud** | 512 points per sweep — eight 8×8 arrays combined into one 360° field                                                                                                                       |
| **Update rate** | 15 Hz — roughly 7,680 measurements per second                                                                                                                                              |
| **Coverage**    | Continuous 360° horizontal ring around the aircraft                                                                                                                                        |
| **Range**       | \~4 m reliable                                                                                                                                                                             |
| **Resolution**  | 8×8 zones per sensor (64 zones), \~45° field of view each                                                                                                                                  |
| **Integration** | Single UART distance stream — works with any flight controller or companion computer (ModalAI VOXL2 worked example). Optional onboard collision avoidance streams MAVLink straight to PX4. |
| **Power**       | Single DC input — 5 V up to a 6S LiPo (or 5 V USB-C), under 500 mA typical                                                                                                                 |

## Real Flight

In this video the pilot is simply pushing the sticks forward and backwards. The UAV navigates around the obstacles all on its own

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