Enabling 3-D Perception with 3-D LiDAR Multi-Layer Scanner
Published on : Tuesday 27-07-2021
Distance sensors equipped with Pulse Ranging Technology enable reliable and extremely precise measurements to be taken with great repeat accuracy.
The new R2300 3-D LiDAR sensor is equipped with Pulse Ranging Technology (PRT), which provides reliable and extremely precise measurements with high accuracy and short response times. PRT continuously measures a target’s distance by using the speed of light as a constant while sending out extremely short but very powerful pulses of light and calculating the duration between the time a pulse is sent and the time it is received. Mechanical separation between the emitting and receiving areas means exceptionally high pollution tolerance. With 1000 points per scan line and a scan rate of 50 kHz, the 3-D LiDAR sensor masters a wide range of industrial automation applications.
What is PRT?
PRT stands for Pulse Ranging Technology and is currently the most precise industry-grade process for measuring distance. With this direct measurement method, distances ranging from a few centimetres to several hundred meters are recorded to pinpoint accuracy.
Distance sensors equipped with Pulse Ranging Technology enable reliable and extremely precise measurements to be taken with great repeat accuracy and short response times—regardless of the ambient conditions and properties of the object.
What's more, the PRT sensors are extremely versatile. From the measurement-taking sensor to the high-end measurement technique, a host of different requirements can be met using the same measurement process. PRT—technology that is setting new standards.
Benefits
Versatility and Cost-Effectiveness: The R2300 series integrates four scan planes into one LiDAR sensor. Compared to single-layer devices, it produces a virtually 3-D scan, which delivers more information and more reliable measurement results. By using one sensor instead of several, acquisition, wiring, and integration costs are significantly reduced.
Precision and Flexibility in Application: With a very high angular resolution of 0.1°, a high sampling rate, and a precise light spot, the photoelectric sensor precisely and reliably detects the smallest object structures and contours. In addition, the 100° horizontal measuring range can be reduced to any size so users only receive the measurement data relevant to their application.
Easy Installation and Commissioning: An integrated pilot laser can be switched on to allow users to simply align and commission the R2300 without additional tools. In addition, the new 3-D LiDAR sensor can be mounted individually, or multiple sensors can be mounted side by side, depending on the required field of view.
Compact and Rugged Housing: Solid-state electronics make the new R2300 3-D LiDAR sensor from Pepperl+Fuchs especially durable. Designed for longevity, the sensor can withstand impact and vibration. Due to its compact housing design, the multi-layer sensor is also ideal for applications in tight spaces such as those in automated guided vehicles (AGVs).
Use Cases
Navigation Support and Collision Avoidance
When integrated into AGVs, the R2300 3-D LiDAR sensor enables object tracking, follow me, and reliable collision avoidance. The photoelectric sensor monitors the area in front of the vehicle – from the floor to a person’s legs. These serve as reference points for recognising the person's direction of movement and for following at a defined distance. Because of its four scanning planes and precise light spot, the R2300 detects even the smallest obstacles and ensures smooth processes.
Carrier Detection in Robotic Applications
Mounted on a robot arm, the R2300 3-D LiDAR sensor can provide data about load carriers, their position, and the loads they are carrying via its four scan planes. This allows the robot to detect the relative position between the carrier and its load, with no need for fixed reference positions. Users benefit from reliable detection and a cost-effective solution.
Rear Zone Monitoring
The R2300 3-D LiDAR sensor can be mounted on the rear of a forklift. While the truck is in reverse, the photoelectric sensor monitors the area behind the forklift based on the steering angle and speed of the vehicle. The R2300’s high sampling rate and measurement density ensure that objects and structures of all sizes are detected. When an obstacle is detected, an alert signal can be triggered and the vehicle can be stopped.
Shelf Monitoring in High-Bay Warehouses
When checking if a shelf or compartment is occupied, several shelf depths must be scanned. Equipped with PRT and four scan planes, the R2300 3-D LiDAR sensor is perfect for this task. The precise light spot enables structures and edges to be detected. In addition, the multi-layer sensor provides valuable information about the distribution of the load on the pallet. This far exceeds the performance of other sensor solutions.
Reference videos
Object Perception in 3-D Space
https://youtu.be/RZjHFzSUCVI
R2300 in a Nutshell
https://youtu.be/-qQgvJ6FJdc
The R2300—Explained at the Exhibition Booth
https://youtu.be/WSSlJGKb8E0
