From industrial automation to autonomous vehicles to care robots, mastering the challenges of the future will require powerful 3D sensors that capture their surroundings quickly, comprehensively, and with millimetre precision. A technological innovation from Pepperl+Fuchs in cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicon Technology ISIT enables maximum precision and performance—while remaining highly cost-efficient. For the first time, high-performance distance measurement technology is combined with MEMS technology. This forms the basis for the R3000 3D LiDAR/MEMS sensor, which is currently being presented as a product study at Hannover Messe 2023.
Combining the benefits of two technologies
The 3D measurement is based on Pulse Ranging Technology (PRT). This distance measurement method developed by Pepperl+Fuchs can be scaled to meet a wide range of requirements. Based on over 250 000 emitted laser pulses per second, it measures distances from a few centimetres to several hundred metres with millimetre accuracy. Ambient light and other environmental influences are effectively suppressed. As a result, PRT delivers fast, precise, and reliable measurement results.
To reach the third dimension, Pepperl+Fuchs combines PRT with a micro-electro-mechanical system from Fraunhofer ISIT for the first time as part of the R3000 product study. A small, economical, and mechanically robust MEMS mirror is integrated into the sensor. Through the motion of the piezoelectrically-driven element, the emitted laser beam is deflected in two axes by 40° x 30°. Unlike conventional 3D sensors, no pixel grid is created during the process of measurement. Instead, the R3000 uses a particularly small light spot and continuous scanning to produce ultra-high resolution 3D point clouds with exceptional detail.
Intuitive operation due to intelligent user guidance
To make communication between man and machine as simple as possible, the R3000 is equipped with additional functions. The sensor not only generates a 3D point cloud, but also a superimposed intensity image that can visualise the scene and therefore facilitate programming and operation. In addition, each measurement point can be displayed with a visible laser beam. The synchronous laser projector allows the R3000 to be precisely aligned and adjusted without additional tools, ensuring easy commissioning. This function also enables interaction between the user and the service robot, for example.
Powerful 3D measurement for the automation of the future
With its innovative technology, the R3000 LiDAR/MEMS sensor will herald a revolution for solving complex automation tasks. Precise 3D images of unknown environments are essential for the next generation of autonomous driving—from driverless transport systems in industry to automated transport of patients in retirement and nursing homes.
With the combination of PRT and MEMS, such complex, dynamic scenes can be captured in detail in real time. This creates a comprehensive database for completely new evaluations using artificial intelligence (AI) tools. As a compact and cost-effective sensor, the R3000 will make high-precision 3D measurements available for a vast range of applications. In combination with advanced algorithms, the sensor will significantly drive development in the field of autonomous vehicles and service robotics—not only in manufacturing plants, hospitals or nursing homes, but in all areas of life.
