At Sensors Converge 2024, Fierce Electronics and Sensors Converge jointly presented Best of Sensors Awards to acknowledge remarkable achievements in the sensors industry. A panel of industry professionals reviewed entries for innovation, market value, and ability to address critical challenges in the industry. This year, Sonair won the award for its 3D ultrasonic sensor for autonomous robotics in the Automotive/Autonomous category.
This recognition comes as Sonair emerges from stealth mode, unveiling a solution that promises to revolutionize safety and efficiency in industrial automation and robotics. At the heart of Sonair's technology is the ADAR (acoustic detection and ranging) system, an ultrasonic 3D technology based on patented research from SINTEF, a leading Norwegian research institute. SINTEF's research effectively allowed Sonair to enhance a robot's vision from 2D to 3D. This marked improvement over traditional LiDAR and camera systems offers a more comprehensive and reliable solution for obstacle detection and navigation in complex environments.
This sensor allows Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) to detect both the distance and direction of all objects within a 180 x 180 degree field of view, up to a range of 5 meters. It offers a resolution of 1 centimeter, providing detailed information about a robot's surroundings. While the sensor excels at object detection, it is designed to work collaboratively with 2D image data and artificial intelligence (AI) for optimal robot navigation. The result is a highly confident navigation system that enhances the safety of human-robot interactions.
The Sonair 3D ultrasonic sensor stands delivers safe autonomous navigation, cost-effectiveness, and very low power consumption in a miniature size that allows for hidden integration. This compact design addresses a critical need in the rapidly growing AMR market, which is experiencing an annual growth rate of 30%, driven largely by increasing adoption in the logistics and manufacturing sectors.
Unlike LiDAR, which relies on light detection and ranging, Sonair's sensor uses ultrasound waves. This shift translates to two key benefits for manufacturers: lower cost and lower power consumption. Sonair estimates their sensor will be 50% to 80% less expensive than current solutions.
Knut Sandven, CEO of Sonair, Expressed enthusiasm about the company's public debut: "Today, as we step out of stealth mode, we are excited to share our vision and contributions towards a future where humans and machines can coexist safely and productively. Our cutting-edge ultrasound technology not only detects obstacles in three dimensions but does so with unprecedented accuracy and at a fraction of the cost of current sensors."
Sonair was founded in 2022 in Oslo, Norway, and specializes in creating ultrasonic sensors that reduce the financial burden connected to autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). With the introduction of their 3D ultrasonic sensor, Sonair is poised to enhance the capabilities of industrial automation. Sonair is expecting to launch its first evaluation kit for its 3D ultrasonic sensor to select partners this summer.
To learn more about the other groundbreaking technologies and innovators recognized at this year's event, visit the full list of 2023 Best of Sensors Awards winners.