Sonair launches 3D ultrasonic sensor to enhance robotic safety

In a world where coexistence between humans and robots is becoming increasingly common, safety has become a primary concern for robotics companies. In response to this growing need, Sonair, a company based in Oslo, Norway, has developed a 3D ultrasonic sensor that promises to revolutionize environmental perception in robots, offering a more effective and cost-efficient alternative compared to LIDAR technology.

The development of the ADAR sensor

Sonair has designed an Acoustic Detection and Ranging (ADAR) sensor that employs high-frequency sounds. This system emits ultrasonic waves and records the echoes they generate when bouncing off objects in the environment. This method provides robots with a three-dimensional view of their surroundings, enriching the information already provided by other tools such as cameras and existing sensors.

Knut Sandven, co-founder and CEO of Sonair, highlighted in an interview with TechCrunch the similarity in perception between humans and robots. “Our primary perception comes from sight, but we also use other senses to understand our environment. Similarly, robots rely on cameras to comprehend what surrounds them; however, these are not infallible for detecting objects under all circumstances,” Sandven commented.

Improvements in depth perception

Sonair's sensor is specifically designed to address these limitations, particularly concerning depth perception. Traditionally, LIDAR technology has been the preferred option in the robotics industry, using light beams to create an image of the environment. However, Sandven argues that Sonair's sensors offer a more comprehensive data capture. “LIDAR is like using a laser pointer. Whereas we, by emitting sound, manage to fill the space with sound waves,” added Sandven.

Additionally, Sonair's sensor has a structured output in a standard industry format, allowing for integration with a variety of robotic hardware and software.

Reception in the robotics sector

Since its launch earlier this year, Sonair has experienced notable demand in the robotics sector. Various companies are planning to incorporate these sensors into their upcoming robot models. Moreover, the technology has found applications in the industrial security sector. According to Sandven, some companies are using the sensors to detect the presence of people in areas where heavy machinery operates, allowing these machines to be turned off automatically to prevent accidents.

An investment for growth

With the goal of increasing the adoption of its technology, Sonair recently raised $6 million in a funding round. This round included both new and returning investors such as Scale Capital, Investinor (backed by the Norwegian state), and ProVenture, among others. Sandven pointed out that investors involved in the robotics field immediately understood the problem the company was addressing.

Safety has become a crucial aspect as robots begin to interact more with humans, similar to the discussions that arose regarding safety in the early days of the autonomous car industry.

Fady Saad, a general partner at Cybernetix Ventures, a robotics-focused investment fund (which does not invest in Sonair), expressed to TechCrunch in August that safety concerns are one of the reasons people are not ready to adopt humanoid robots in their homes. “The slightly uncomfortable secret about humanoids in households is that there are many safety concerns. If they fall on pets or children, they could cause harm,” Saad reflected.

Future outlook

Currently, Sonair does not face direct competition in the sonar-based sensor market, although this could change as more companies seek safety solutions for robots. Sandven has an ambitious vision: “My goal is for this technology to be present in all robots, just like cameras are installed,” he concluded. “If we talk again in a year, we will have a good indication of whether this is the direction we are heading.”

This innovative approach from Sonair not only promises to transform robotic safety but also opens a new chapter in the coexistence between humans and machines, a development worth following closely.

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