The Hokuyo device is a linear scanning laser rangefinder with much better accuracy and range than stereo camera + texture projector (like the Kinect) sensors are achieving. It costs around $2000. That device itself was a revolution when it was released since previously everyone used SICK LMS devices at $20,000 each. Now most labs and some undergrad programs can afford the Hokuyo. The Hokuyo is less accurate than the SICK, but it's good enough for many purposes and, hey, it's affordable. The Kinect gives relatively noisy and and low-resolution data, but it's another order of magnitude cheaper AND it's 3D. More choice for the well-off and a whole new world for those without big research grants.
