When sensors are used to detect contours, precision and attention to detail are essential, for example on a conveyor belt or on an automated guided vehicle system. That is why Leuze is expanding its product portfolio with lidar technology and launching two new series of laser scanners that can handle both requirements. The devices of the "ROD 300" series reliably detect contours even in fast manufacturing and logistics processes.
With their high scanning rate and angular resolution, the laser scanners of the "ROD 500" series are particularly suitable for navigation tasks. An additional advantage is the integrated window monitoring of the sensors. This detects at an early stage when the optical window is dirty. This enables predictive maintenance and thus contributes to a high level of system availability.
Integration of laser scanners into almost any production process
The devices of the "ROD 300/500" series scan at a frequency of up to 80 hertz. This allows objects in motion to be reliably detected. The data quality remains high even at high speeds. With their high angular resolution of 0.025 degrees at ten hertz, the laser scanners of the "ROD 500" series determine the contour of the parts even with different high-gloss or matt surfaces. The new laser scanners can be integrated into almost any production process. Their robust construction also contributes to this. They have an IP 67 protection rating. A high-quality aluminium base and the integrated laser diode make the "ROD 300/500" laser scanners resistant to external influences.
In addition, the sensors work in temperature ranges from minus 30 degrees Celsius to plus 60 degrees Celsius. This makes them suitable for applications in both the deep-freeze and high-temperature areas, such as battery production.
Laser scanners facilitate the natural navigation of AGVs
The new laser scanners can also be used for navigating automated guided vehicles (AGVs). They create a highly accurate map of the environment, such as the materials warehouse. During ongoing logistics operations, a scanner from the ROD 500 series enables collision-free AGV navigation via natural navigation. Intralogistics specialists also benefit from the compact design of the laser scanners: with dimensions of around 80 x 80 x 80 millimeters, the sensors can be integrated even into the small installation spaces of mobile vehicles.
Background of Lidar technology
Lidar is short for "light detection and ranging". It describes a remote sensing technology that uses laser beams instead of radio waves, as in radar. This allows distances and movements in an environment to be measured precisely and in real time. Lidar data can be used for a variety of applications. These include, for example, precise, dynamic 3D models for autonomous vehicles. This should help them to navigate safely through a constantly changing environment.
