As the integration of robots into everyday human environments becomes more prevalent, the approach to safety in robotics must evolve. Unlike the past, when robots operated in isolated settings, today’s robotics companies are tasked with ensuring that these machines can safely coexist with people.
A pioneering company has developed advanced sensors aimed at helping robotics manufacturers achieve their safety objectives. These sensors offer a more effective and cost-efficient alternative to traditional LIDAR technology.
Based in Oslo, Norway, this company has engineered an acoustic detection and ranging (ADAR) sensor that utilizes high-frequency sound waves. By emitting ultrasound waves and analyzing the returning echoes, these sensors provide robots with a three-dimensional understanding of their surroundings.
This acoustic data enhances the information gathered from a robot’s existing sensors and cameras, allowing the operating system to form a more accurate representation of the environment.
“Just as humans rely primarily on their vision, supplemented by other senses to interpret their surroundings, robots also need a multi-faceted approach to perception,” explained the co-founder and CEO in a recent interview. “While cameras are excellent for environmental understanding, they often struggle to detect objects reliably in all situations.”
The ADAR sensors are specifically designed to address these limitations, particularly in terms of depth perception. Traditionally, robotics firms have relied on LIDAR systems, which use light beams to gather spatial data. However, the company asserts that its sensors provide a more thorough and reliable dataset.
“Using LIDAR is akin to pointing a laser; it only illuminates a narrow path,” the CEO noted. “In contrast, our technology fills the entire space with sound, creating a comprehensive auditory map.”
The output from these sensors is formatted according to industry standards, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of robotic hardware and software systems.
Since launching the sensor earlier this year, the company has experienced significant interest from the robotics sector, with numerous firms eager to integrate these sensors into their upcoming robot designs.
Additionally, there is a growing demand for these sensors in the industrial safety arena. Companies are utilizing the technology to monitor areas with heavy machinery, enabling automatic shutdowns when personnel enter potentially hazardous zones.
To further expand the adoption of this innovative technology, the company recently secured $6 million in funding from both new and returning investors, including state-backed investment groups.
Investors familiar with the robotics industry quickly recognized the critical safety challenges the company aims to address. As robots increasingly interact with humans, safety concerns will undoubtedly become a focal point, reminiscent of the early discussions surrounding self-driving vehicles.
One industry expert highlighted that safety apprehensions are a significant barrier to the acceptance of humanoid robots in domestic settings. Concerns about potential accidents involving children or pets remain a pressing issue.
The CEO mentioned that while there is currently no direct competition for their sonar-based sensors, the landscape may change as more companies seek effective safety solutions for robotic applications.
“Our vision is to see this technology integrated into all robotic systems, similar to the ubiquity of cameras today,” the CEO stated. “If we reconvene next year, we should have a clearer picture of our progress in this direction.”