Summary:
A Singapore institute of higher learning has developed a patented distributed LiDAR technology incorporating optical fibres to deliver light to the desired spots over the surface of the vehicle, therefore enabling omnidirectional visibility. The device is motorless and super light-weight. Besides distance, the sensor can sense colour and the temperature too. The technology provider is interested in licensing or commercial agreements with technical assistance with MNEs/SMEs of all sizes.
Description:
LiDAR is an optical sensor for distance measurement and has become an indispensable sensor in the visual perception system of autonomous mobile robots and driverless ground and aerial vehicles. However, the existing commercial LiDARs have a limited field of view (FoV). This shortcoming makes a single unit of these LiDARs incapable of seeing the entire immediate space around the robot or vehicle.
Setup using multiple-LiDARs for complete coverage is costly (even costlier than the vehicle in many cases), and is visually unpleasant. In the case of drones, where 3D collision avoidance is a basic and critical functionality, the limited space and onboard resources, plus the complex geometry of the machine makes it impossible to use the existing sensors for omnidirectional collision avoidance.
The technology provider has developed a patented distributed LiDAR technology which allows omnidirectional visibility.
Currently, the technology developed is the only practical solution for drones (UAVs) for “omnidirectional collision avoidance”. Precise distance and temperature reading (self-calibrated) makes it the perfect solution for thermal screening. Coverage of the entire field of view (all the blind spots) makes this sensor the perfect solution for autonomous automotive tasks such as autonomous parking sensory system.
The flexible structure of the sensor also makes it an ideal solution as a “safety curtain with the desired geometry” for industrial robots. As the sensor is embedded in the platform structure (drone, car, service robot, etc.), it is also an aesthetic solution.
Technical specifications:
- Distance coverage: 2.5m with potential to extend further
- Sampling rate: 10 Hz
- Type of photodetector used: SPAD (single photon avalanche diode)
- Resolution/Accuracy: 1 mm reading resolution and 1 cm accuracy
- Power: The sensor has built-in battery (optional) which recharges through USB. It could also be powered via carrier equipment for operation
- Communication: Option of USB RS-232 (wired option) or Bluetooth RS-232 (wireless option). WLAN and RS-485 could be provided on request
Type (e.g. company, R&D institution…), field of industry and Role of Partner Sought:
The Singapore institute of higher learning is interested in the following types of partnerships with MNEs or SMEs of all sizes:
i) Licensing agreement - The partner could license the technology for further development and introduce it to its customers.
ii) Commercial agreement with technical assistance - The partner could utilise the technology with technical support from the technology provider.
Stage of Development:
Under development/lab tested
IPR Status:
Patents granted
Comments Regarding IPR Status:
International PCT
External code:
TOSG20210127002
