A collaborative effort between Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Tsinghua University, and Beijing Information Science and Technology University has yielded a groundbreaking “dual-modal” LiDAR system, with the research findings now published. Traditional LiDAR systems typically fall into two categories: scanning types, which offer high accuracy but are relatively slow, and flash types, which provide rapid sensing but lack precision. The newly developed “dual-modal” LiDAR addresses these limitations through its “hybrid cascading translational metasurface” device. This device can dynamically adjust the polarization state of incident laser light, allowing the system to seamlessly transition between high-precision scanning and flash modes. To date, the research team has successfully built a prototype of the system. As the technology advances, this LiDAR is poised for widespread adoption in areas such as autonomous driving and intelligent robotics, substantially boosting the perceptual abilities of machines. This breakthrough will expand the range of scenarios where LiDAR can be effectively used, and the associated technology may serve as a pivotal factor in advancing the sensing capabilities of next-generation intelligent platforms.