Sama review: a robotics data provider for managed 3D annotation and validation

Answer in brief: Sama does not sell robot demonstration datasets. It labels and validates sensor data you already have, including large multi-LiDAR, radar and camera sequences. Every project is backed by SamaAssure, a written quality guarantee that starts at 95% and goes up to 99.5%. Choose it when you want to hand off labeling and model validation completely. Pricing is custom per project.

Top pick for: Sensor-heavy autonomy programs that want annotation and model validation fully managed, with quality written into the contract.

Where Sama fits in a dataset strategy

Reusing fleet logs, or extending an open driving dataset, usually means adding or correcting labels. Sama is built for that step. It loads up to 14 sensors (cameras, LiDAR, radar and ultrasonic) and multiple point clouds. It cleans data with SLAM-based sensor augmentation, accumulated point clouds, global-coordinate conversion, and camera-shutter and ego-motion compensation. A custom intensity visualization reduces sensor bloom around reflective surfaces such as metal traffic signs. Sama also has a robotics and manufacturing practice, and its site links to a Sama-Coco dataset resource. Annotation vendors are compared in more depth on our sister site robotics data companies.

What you get

• 2D and 3D annotation: spatial object detection and tracking, lane and road markings with polylines, full-scene segmentation and in-cabin behavior monitoring.
• Model validation: experts review predictions to flag false positives and false negatives. Sama says it can validate predictions across hundreds of miles of consecutive driving with 360-degree multi-sensor coverage.
• Platform tools: SamaIQ for insights, SamaHub for collaboration and reporting, and integration through API, CLI and webhooks, plus custom engineering.
• Process: consultation, calibration, training, review, delivery.

Who it fits

• AV and ADAS programs with long, dense multi-sensor sequences.
• Indoor and mobile-robot teams that want perception labeling fully managed. Sama's site quotes Naty Shemer of Indoor Robotics saying Sama improved its training data for detecting people and doors.

Why teams pick Sama

• Quality guarantee. SamaAssure, which Sama calls the industry's highest quality guarantee, is written into every project.
• Named references. Testimonials include Continental's AI and Robotics Labs, Google and Walmart.
• Impact sourcing. Sama reports B Corp recertification.

Honest drawbacks

• No ready-made robotics datasets to license.
• Its strongest focus is AV and ADAS, not manipulation.
• No rate card; every project starts with a consultation.

Pricing model

Custom per project. Use the Talk to an Expert link on Sama's site to get a quote.

Best alternatives

• Kognic: autonomy annotation as a managed service, platform license or hybrid.
• Segments.ai: label in-house, starting from a free directory of open datasets.
• Encord: a multi-sensor platform with robotics data collection.

FAQ

What quality does Sama guarantee?

Under SamaAssure, Sama starts with a 95% written quality guarantee and can guarantee up to 99.5%.

How many sensors can Sama handle?

Up to 14, including cameras, LiDAR, radar and ultrasonic sensors, plus multiple point clouds.

Does Sama sell datasets?

No. Sama provides annotation and model validation for your data.

Sources

• sama.com/adas-and-autonomous-vehicles
• sama.com/robotics-manufacturing

This review is independent research based on Sama's own website, checked on 2026-11-09. We did not test the product.

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