Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are constantly seeking innovative technologies to improve efficiency, productivity and safety in factories and plants. The market could benefit from data-driven solutions, but deploying them can be challenging.
Originally developed for the automotive market, thanks to its ability to perceive the environment in 3D, light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology allows for an unprecedented level of spatial and situational awareness that can transform the way operations are carried out.
Used with the right software, LiDAR sensors can provide centimeter-level actionable data, allowing a real-time analysis and tracking of multiple objects of various sizes in complex environments.
It may not yet be known as one of the main technologies for Industry 4.0, but its precision and versatility allow it to find promising applications in the manufacturing industry.
When it comes to measuring volumes, LiDAR is capable of providing centimeter-level precision. With the relevant processing software, you can extract volumetric data, regardless of the material or the space that needs measurement.
This comes in particularly handy for measuring the content of a moving truck or for analysis of inventory variations of stockpile materials.
Used with the right software, LiDAR technology provides a dense 3D perception capacity. This not only allows you to delimit extremely precise areas and virtual fences, but also identify static or moving objects within these zones, like the presence of operators in hazardous areas such as under industrial cranes as they move.
One of the many advantages of LiDAR-based 3D perception software is that you not only receive real-time alerts based on elements that are relevant to your safety process, but you can also save the data to analyze trends, adapt your workflows and optimize your facility security over time.
From navigation to quality control, automation processes are progressively being deployed for tedious and repetitive tasks. LiDAR technology can gather accurate 3D information in any environment and, thanks to adapted software, react in real time to any change, such as the presence of a person or a moving object in a designated area.
This makes LiDAR a perfect fit for the smart infrastructure market, facilitating the deployment of connected devices to increase operational efficiency.
