Sonair's sound sensors bring safety to robots, offering a cheaper alternative to LIDAR
As robots become more integrated into our daily lives, safety is turning into a big deal. I mean, we can't have robots bumping into us, right? Sonair, a company based in Norway, is tackling this challenge head-on with its innovative sensors.
Instead of using LIDAR, which is like scanning with a laser pointer, Sonair uses high-frequency sound waves. Think of it as shouting in a room – the sound fills the space, giving the robot a complete picture of its surroundings. It's like giving robots ears, in addition to eyes. This helps them understand depth and detect objects more reliably, especially in situations where cameras might struggle.
This tech isn't just for avoiding collisions, though. It's being used in industrial settings to automatically shut down heavy machinery when someone gets too close. That's a smart way to prevent accidents, in my opinion.
Sonair has raised $6 million to expand its reach. That's a good sign, as it shows investors believe in what they're doing. And, honestly, with the way robotics is heading, I think safety is going to be a huge area of focus. It's not unlike the early days of self-driving cars, where everyone was suddenly concerned about what happens when a car makes a mistake. If you ask me, the integration of robots into our lives can't come at the expense of safety. Sonair's sensors could be a key component in making that a reality.
The company's goal is ambitious: to have its technology in every robot, just like cameras. I'm eager to see if they can pull it off. If they can, it would mean a future where robots are not only smart but also safe and aware of their surroundings.
Source: TechCrunch