# LiFT: Lightweight, FPGA-tailored 3D object detection based on LiDAR data

Source: [LiFT: Lightweight, FPGA-tailored 3D object detection based on LiDAR data](<https://www.sota2.com/research/paper/68fa76b01e209131cea6e79d>)

Collection index: [llms.txt](<https://www.sota2.com/research/llms.txt>)

Data updated: 2025-10-26T04:00:18.171Z

Authors: Konrad Lis, Tomasz Kryjak, Marek Gorgon

Published: 2025-01-19T20:15:13.000Z

## Abstract

This paper presents LiFT, a lightweight, fully quantized 3D object detection algorithm for LiDAR data, optimized for real-time inference on FPGA platforms. Through an in-depth analysis of FPGA-specific limitations, we identify a set of FPGA-induced constraints that shape the algorithm's design. These include a computational complexity limit of 30 GMACs (billion multiply-accumulate operations), INT8 quantization for weights and activations, 2D cell-based processing instead of 3D voxels, and minimal use of skip connections. To meet these constraints while maximizing performance, LiFT combines novel mechanisms with state-of-the-art techniques such as reparameterizable convolutions and fully sparse architecture. Key innovations include the Dual-bound Pillar Feature Net, which boosts performance without increasing complexity, and an efficient scheme for INT8 quantization of input features. With a computational cost of just 20.73 GMACs, LiFT stands out as one of the few algorithms targeting minimal-complexity 3D object detection. Among comparable methods, LiFT ranks first, achieving an mAP of 51.84% and an NDS of 61.01% on the challenging NuScenes validation dataset. The code will be available at https://github.com/vision-agh/lift.

## Recorded benchmark results

A research result applies to its stated dataset, split, metric and evaluation configuration. Compare like-for-like settings, preserve the metric's unit and direction, and distinguish paper-reported results from independent reproduction. The best result recorded here is not a claim of exhaustive, current global coverage.

## Original sources and implementation

[Original paper](<https://arxiv.org/abs/2501.11159>)

[PDF](<https://arxiv.org/pdf/2501.11159.pdf>)
