Lidar for improved automation at Modex 2020

Velodyne Lidar will demonstrate how its smart, powerful lidar solutions advance automation and safety in manufacturing and supply chain solutions at Modex 2020 in Atlanta, March 9-12.

Working in collaboration with Seoul Robotics at the US trade show for supply chain, manufacturing and distribution industries, it will show how they can improve industrial automation, materials handling, yard management and distribution centre operations.

Velodyne will highlight lidar sensors that can be used in robotics, automated guided vehicles (AGV), forklifts and security applications.

At its Modex booth, Velodyne will showcase the Puck 32MR, a lidar sensor which produces a data-rich image with the ability to detect low reflectivity objects at 120 metres. The sensor is optimised for outstanding indoor/outdoor performance, operating in a variety of light conditions.

By combining high-resolution 3D perception with a broad vertical field of view, the Puck 32MR accurately detects crosswalks, curbs and obstacles in warehouse aisles for safe and efficient navigation in roadway, commercial and industrial settings, the company says.

Velodyne will also highlight the Velarra, a powerful sensor solution to greatly improve automated safety. Its small, embeddable form factor enables the sensor to be seamlessly integrated into a variety of industrial and robotics equipment where it produces a robust directional image, day or night.

“As the demands for supply chain efficiency and safety increase and evolve, lidar technology is helping companies vastly improve manufacturing and logistics performance,” Velodyne Lidar business development vice president Jon Barad says.

“Supply chain systems need to continue to become smarter and safer, more efficient and further automated. To address these requirements, companies are turning to lidar to play a key role in enabling the next generation of manufacturing and supply chain solutions.”

At Velodyne’s booth, Seoul Robotics will demonstrate the benefits and applications of Level 5 Control Tower solution, powered by its proprietary AI engine Sensr, available commercially to process Velodyne’s 3D data.

Seoul Robotics uses artificial intelligence (AI) for detection, counting, classification and tracking of objects in real time, such as vehicles and people at a distribution centre or manufacturing and logistics operation.

“As vehicles and material handling equipment are increasingly automated in logistics yards and distribution centres, industry must develop and deploy in parallel a robust and safe operating environment,” Seoul Robotics North American and Global Automotive managing director David Han says.

“This will resolve well-known challenges with trucks and equipment, such as blind spots and occlusion, in order to successfully realise the promised efficiency and economy.

“Level 5 Control Tower equipped with Velodyne lidar enables exactly that – a robust and cost-effective infrastructure-based perception solution that monitors and guides the movement of automated and conventional vehicles within the entire yard – efficiently and safely.”