Introduction
The VL6180X Time-of-Flight distance and ambient light sensing component uses infra-red lidar for estimating distances. It also contains an ambient light sensor. Integrated modules with the VL6180X are available from Adafruit, Sparkfun and Pololu.
For more details on the module see the Tutorial: STMicroelectronics VL6180X Time-of-Flight LIDAR Sensor, by Erich Styger.
Availability in Sweden
In Sweden the Pololu component built on the ST VL6180X proximity and ambient light sensor is available from Lawicel. The Adafruit equivalent breakout board is available from elfa, but at double the price compared to the Pololu module at Lawicel.
The price at aliexpress.com is down to 2-3 USD, but then for other brands than Adafruit, Sparkfun and Pololu.
Meta data
Sketch and wire project
The post on VL6810X sketch and wiring project contains instructions for how to wire the VL6810X module to an Arduino UNO board and links to libraries and codes. How to wire using an Arduino Nano board is outlined in the post Arduino Nano project - distance.
The manual for Adafruit VL6180X Time of Flight Micro-LIDAR Distance Sensor Breakout contains some more illustrations on how to wire the VL6810X module with different boards.
Sensor Project Nano Project Uno Multi Project