Sensor technology specialist, ifm is proud to announce the launch of its latest innovation, the R1D100 Radar. This state-of-the-art radar sensor offers simultaneous detection of distance and speed, setting a new standard in the industry.
Radar sensors can significantly contribute to sustainability in several ways.
Reducing accidents and damage
Radar sensors are used in collision avoidance systems to prevent accidents and damage. They are found in various vehicles and machines, including cars, trucks, tractors, construction vehicles, cranes and robots. By preventing accidents, these systems can reduce the need for repairs or replacements, thereby conserving resources and reducing waste.
Operating in all weather conditions
Unlike other sensors, radar sensors can operate effectively in all weather conditions, including rain, snow, wind, poor visibility, extreme temperatures, water vapour, fog or dirt. This reliability can lead to more efficient operations and less downtime, which can contribute to sustainability.
Improving efficiency in the transport sector
In the transport sector, radar sensors can help avoid accidents and prevent production downtime. For example, when operating gantry cranes, the radar sensor for collision protection detects the distance between two gantry cranes on the crane long-travel. This can lead to more efficient operations, reducing energy consumption and emissions.
Reducing maintenance costs
Radar sensors have no moving parts, work contactless, and require almost no cleaning. This can lead to reduced maintenance costs and less waste.
In summary, by improving safety, efficiency and reliability, and reducing costs and waste, radar sensors can play a significant role in promoting sustainability.
Reliable detection in harsh environments
The R1D100 is designed to operate reliably in harsh environmental and weather conditions. It is capable of distance measurement even in poor visibility, and boasts long detection ranges and the ability to operate in a wide temperature range. The sensor ensures reliable measurements even in rain, fog, dust and dirt, making it a robust solution for a variety of applications, and includes a warning for sensor blockage.
The radar sensors are adaptable to specific applications, thanks to various operating modes. It comes with intuitive setup and visualisation of the measured data using the ifm Vision Assistant software, making it user friendly and easy to integrate into existing systems.
The distance sensor detects objects by means of a focused radar beam. The powerful technology also allows the detection of targets whose reflection properties are poor. The data obtained can be clearly visualised using the Vision Assistant software. For example, the distance profile can show multiple objects simultaneously, while their relative speed can also be output at the same time.
The sensor is rated to work in temperature ranges from -40 to 80°C, and has an ingress protection rating of IP65, IP67 and IP69K, ensuring its durability and longevity in challenging environments.
Conveyor load height and speed
One of the key applications is in conveyor belt monitoring. The radar sensor detects the load height and speed of a conveyor belt, providing valuable data for optimising operations and improving efficiency. The unit also offers load height and speed detection. It simultaneously detects belt speed and conveyor load height without contact. Users can calculate the volume of the loads with this information, aiding in inventory management and process optimisation.
Obstacle detection and collision avoidance
The sensor is also adept at obstacle detection and collision avoidance. It detects obstacles around moving mobile equipment before a collision happens, displays the process values of the nearest obstacles, and alerts the driver in real time. This feature supports drivers in monitoring blind spots, enhancing safety in the workplace.
In addition, the radar excels in position detection of vehicles. It ignores fog, steam, and smoke that blinds most vision-based technology, and can reliably detect a vehicle in a carwash before automatic washing starts.
Collision avoidance in airports
In airports, a reliable collision avoidance system ensures safe operation during loading and unloading of cargo. Radar sensors detect a parked aeroplane and signal the belt-loader to slow down when it enters a danger zone, stopping it at a predetermined distance. The operator then has control to move the belt-loader the final few centimetres and land the belt safely in the cargo.
Frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar transmits a known stable frequency continuous wave signal, varying up and down in frequency over a fixed period of time by a modulating signal. It has Standard and Long range operating modes with an adjustable wide-angle field of view (± 70° and ± 15°).
Distance and height monitoring
Finally, the R1D100 is capable of distance and height monitoring. It detects the ground and measures the height of crops reliably. It is impervious to dust that is challenging for vision-based technology and wind that adversely affects ultrasonic technology.
In conclusion, the Radar R1D100 is a true all-rounder in distance and speed measurement. Its robust design, advanced features and wide range of applications make it a valuable addition to any operation seeking to improve efficiency and safety.
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