The ADAR difference
Ultrasonic 3D imaging is a well-known technology in medical applications, but it has never been used like this in air before.
Please welcome acoustic detection and ranging (ADAR).
With ADAR-enabled robotics we simultaneously achieve a number of great benefits compared to other 3D imaging technologies: safe autonomous navigation, miniaturization, cost-effectiveness, and very low power consumption
Read on to learn more.
The magic of ultrasonic
The magic of
Now we’re pushing the ultrasonic boundaries
It all starts with a burst of sound...
... made possible by PMUTs
Directed by beamforming
One sensor, many benefits
Ultrasound is sound at frequencies that are inaudible to human ears. Well-known applications are underwater (SONAR) and non-invasive medical imaging. Ultrasound is also in use today for reliable 1D distance measurement when we park our cars.
Sonair is developing a 3D distance sensor which provides autonomous robots with omnidirectional depth sensing. We call this new technology ADAR (acoustic detection and ranging)
It operates by emitting a burst of ultrasound and then analyzing the signals received by an array of receivers. This gives a 3D view of the area in front of the robot, up to a range of 5 meters.
The innovation is made possible by the integration of piezoelectric actuation in MEMS (micro electro mechanical system). The MEMS transducers are a proprietary Sonair design and manufactured by the SINTEF MiNaLab.
The transducers, made of silicon, are ready for mass production. They have an acoustic impedance which is well matched to air, and above all, they are of millimeter size. As opposed to commercially available transducers, they can be placed in an array with a separation corresponding to half an ultrasonic pulse wavelength. This opens for image reconstruction of the full volume in front of the array by methods known from medical ultrasound.
The imaging method is called beamforming. It's the backbone of processing for SONAR and RADAR, as well as in medical ultrasound imaging.
Sonair’s innovation lies in combining wavelength-matched transducers with cutting-edge software for beamforming and object recognition algorithms. This innovation makes 3D spatial information available simply by transmitting sound and listening.
By using 3D ultrasonic imaging in robotics applications, Sonair delivers safe navigation, miniaturization, cost efficiency, and low power consumption compared to other methods for creating 3D images.
Wait, my robot can already navigate and detect obstacles.
Right?
Right, but sort of. There are several technologies used for 3D sensing for robots. Most competing technologies use electromagnetic waves for sensing, like cameras and LiDAR. Both have shortcomings. Cameras do not offer a reliable manner of 3D imaging without fusion with other sensors. They also require a very powerful processing capability on the device to give meaningful and reliable results. LiDARs are large and bulky, have limited FoV, and high cost.
%202.png)
Where can ADAR technology be applied?
Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR)
Robots that move freely around people and other machines
Service robots
Robots that perform tasks in a restaurant, domestically or in industrial environments
Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV)
Robots that follow marked lines or wires on the floor.
Last mile delivery
A delivery robot is an autonomous robot that provides "last mile" delivery services, for example to people's homes.
Consumer robots
These robots are designed for personal or domestic use. They are usually small, portable, and relatively simple to operate.
Small but powerful
Weight
<100 g
Range
0-5 m
Range resolution
1 cm
Angular resolution
2° (center) - 10° (edge)
Output
3D location of objects (ethernet UDP)
Stop zone surveillance (digital I/O)
Ultrasonic frequency
70-85 kHz
Power consumption
Max 5 W
Supply voltage
12-24 V
Frame rate
10 Hz
Your questions, our answers
We love repeating ourselves (seriously!). Here are the questions we get most often from the industry.
What are the key benefits of using Sonair's 3D ultrasonic sensors for autonomous robots?
Precision and accuracy: The Sonair 3D ultrasonic allows AMRs to detect distance and direction to all objects in a 180x180 field of view, up to a 5 meter range.
Cost-efficiency: The sensor configuration on a robot often exceeds 30% of the total bill of materials. Cut that cost by 50-80% with Sonair.
Robustness: The Sonair sensors perform reliably in diverse conditions, including dust and varying lighting, where traditional sensors may fail.
Wide range: With an extensive detection range, our sensors are suitable for both close-range manoeuvring and long-distance obstacle avoidance.
Energy efficiency: Designed to consume minimal power, they are ideal for battery-operated autonomous robots.
Easy integration: Our compact sensors feature plug-and-play integration, compatible with most robotic platforms and control systems.
How do Sonair's 3D ultrasonic sensors compare to LiDAR and camera-based systems?
Sonair's 3D ultrasonic sensors allows robots to escape the narrow, in-plane view with 2D LiDAR and provides an omnidirectional view.
Cost-effective: Sonair offers a more affordable solution without compromising on performance.
Performance: Unlike LiDAR and cameras, ultrasonic sensors are less affected by environmental factors such as poor lighting, dust, or changing temperatures. Sonair can also detect reflective or see-through surfaces such as glass or mirrors.
Lower power consumption: Ultrasonic sensors typically consume less power, which is critical for mobile and autonomous applications. Sonair’s power consumption is maximum 5 W.
Safety: Our sensors operate at a frequency range that is safe for both humans and animals, making them suitable for use in public and indoor spaces.
What applications are Sonair’s 3D ultrasonic sensors suitable for in autonomous robotics?
The Sonair 3D ultrasonic sensors are versatile and can be used in a variety of applications, including:
Obstacle avoidance: Ensuring robots can move safely and efficiently in dynamic environments.
Human-Robot Interaction (HRI): Detecting and avoiding humans in shared spaces to ensure safety.
Typical settings:
Warehouse and factory automation: Streamlining inventory management and logistics through safe object detection.
Retail: Increasingly, autonomous robots zip around humans in grocery stores and cafes. Sonair's sensors keep people safe while the robots keep moving.
Agricultural robotics: Enhancing farming techniques by helping robots detect objects in environments with diverse conditions.
How easy is it to integrate Sonair’s 3D ultrasonic sensors with existing robotic systems?
Plug-and-play: Our sensors are designed for easy installation with minimal setup required
Compatibility: Using ROS2 drivers, Sonair is compatible with most robotic platforms, controllers, and software frameworks.
Comprehensive documentation: We provide detailed manuals and integration guides to assist in the setup process.
Technical support: Our support team is available to assist with any integration challenges, ensuring a smooth deployment.
What is the Field of View (FOV) offered by Sonair’s sensor?
Full 3D. The sensor detects objects in front of the sensor, 180 degrees vertical, i.e. down to the floor and up to the ceiling, and 180 degrees horizontal, i.e. to each side of the sensor.
What communication protocol does Sonair’s sensor use?
Edge-processed I/O information as well as edge-processed point cloud over ethernet UDP.
Can Sonair’s sensor detect forks on forklifts?
Yes, in most circumstances.
How many safety zones can Sonair manage?
Multiple. In the commercial version of Sonair (coming in 2025) it will be possible to define multiple safety zones.
Which surfaces reflect ultrasound?
The sensor will detect all surfaces. Most objects are considered hard when it comes to reflecting ultrasound at the frequencies we use, so we don't have issues with objects perceived as soft, like cloth, paper, and tissue. However, porosity may pose a challenge, making some foams difficult to detect.
Is the information from this sensor alone sufficient for navigation?
No, the sensor alone is not sufficient for navigation. The current product is a safety-oriented object detector and it needs to be combined with other sensors for navigation. We would suggest a low-cost 2D LiDAR scanner or a 2D camera.
Will Sonair manage interference from other ultrasonic sensors?
Yes, we have methods to prevent crosstalk (or interference) between sensors. These methods will be implemented in our initial product release, although they will not be available in the evaluation kit.
Is the Sonair sensor safety certified?
Our plan for safety is to develop a sensor suitable for performance level d according to ISO13849:2023. The safety function is to detect obstacles within safety zone, and output to safety output. Plan for safety certification (Pld) product release is Q4 2025.
What kind of sounds can impact the Sonair sensor?
Sounds typically found in urban or industrial environments will not be an issue, even if they are perceived as loud for humans. Other ultrasonic sound sources can also be dealt with, because the sensor is able to filter out its own sound from the background noise.
