TinyLidarNet: 2D LiDAR-based End-to-End Deep Learning Model for F1TENTH Autonomous Racing
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Abstract (arXiv)
Prior research has demonstrated the effectiveness of end-to-end deep learning for robotic navigation, where the control signals are directly derived from raw sensory data. However, the majority of existing end-to-end navigation solutions are predominantly camera-based. In this paper, we introduce TinyLidarNet, a lightweight 2D LiDAR-based end-to-end deep learning model for autonomous racing. An F1TENTH vehicle using TinyLidarNet won 3rd place in the 12th F1TENTH Autonomous Grand Prix competition, demonstrating its competitive performance. We systematically analyze its performance on untrained tracks and computing requirements for real-time processing. We find that TinyLidarNet's 1D Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) based architecture significantly outperforms widely used Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) based architecture. In addition, we show that it can be processed in real-time on low-end micro-controller units (MCUs).
Key facts. Cited by 4 papers in the map (data through 7 Oct 2026). Builds on 16 of its 31 references that are in the map. First posted on arXiv 9 Oct 2024.
Builds on
16 of 31 references.
References · 16
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4 more
- 2021Towards End-to-End Deep Learning for Autonomous Racing: On Data Collection and a Unified Architecture for Steering and Throttle Predictioncited by 7
- 2024Unifying F1TENTH Autonomous Racing: Survey, Methods and Benchmarkscited by 6
- 2021Stress Testing Autonomous Racing Overtake Maneuvers with RRTcited by 3
- 2022DeepPicarMicro: Applying TinyML to Autonomous Cyber Physical Systemscited by 3
Built on by
Citing papers per year: 2025: 2; 2026: 2.
4 papers.
- 2026Efficient Real-World Autonomous Racing via Attenuated Residual Policy Optimizationcited by 1
- 2025Depth Matters: Multimodal RGB-D Perception for Robust Autonomous Agentscited by 0
- 2025Accelerating Real-World Overtaking in F1TENTH Racing Employing Reinforcement Learning Methodscited by 0
- 2026Real-Time 2D LiDAR Object Detection Using Three-Frame RGB Scan Encodingcited by 0
- 2026Efficient Real-World Autonomous Racing via Attenuated Residual Policy Optimization13 Mar 2026
- 2026Real-Time 2D LiDAR Object Detection Using Three-Frame RGB Scan Encoding2 Feb 2026
- 2025Accelerating Real-World Overtaking in F1TENTH Racing Employing Reinforcement Learning Methods30 Oct 2025
- 2025Depth Matters: Multimodal RGB-D Perception for Robust Autonomous Agents20 Mar 2025