Industrial automation increasingly relies on precise environment sensing to operate safely and efficiently. The new picoScan 2D LiDAR sensor from SICK addresses this need with advanced detection capabilities in a compact, cost-effective package.
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensors use laser pulses to measure distances and create detailed maps of their surroundings. The picoScan stands out with its ability to detect objects up to 75 meters away while maintaining precision down to 0.05 degrees of angular resolution. This means it can spot small, dark objects at considerable distances - a critical capability for safety and navigation applications.
The sensor's 276-degree field of view captures nearly complete environmental data with a single unit. For comparison, many competitive sensors require multiple units to achieve similar coverage, increasing both cost and installation complexity.
SICK offers the picoScan in configurations matched to specific application requirements. The picoScan120 includes integrated cables and pre-configured software, making it ideal for indoor mobile robot applications where simplicity matters.
The picoScan150 comes in three variants: Core (25-meter range), Prime (60-meter range), and Pro (120-meter range). This tiered approach allows users to select exactly the performance level their application requires without paying for unnecessary capabilities.
Each configuration can be further customized with software features like multi-echo technology, which filters out interference from rain, fog, or dust - essential for outdoor applications or harsh industrial environments.
In autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), the picoScan enables precise navigation and obstacle avoidance. The high-quality measurement data allows robots to create accurate maps of their environment and determine their exact position within those maps.
For industrial vehicles like forklifts, the sensor can monitor blind spots and provide collision warnings. If an object appears in the vehicle's path, the system alerts the operator in time to stop or change direction.
In stationary applications, the picoScan's precision enables tasks like measuring material flows on conveyor systems or detecting the presence of objects on production lines.
Unlike consumer-grade sensors, the picoScan is designed for demanding industrial conditions. Its rugged housing withstands shocks and vibrations, while multi-echo technology maintains performance even when rain, fog, or dust interfere with conventional systems.
The sensor includes contamination detection that monitors the condition of its optical window. This feature enables preventive maintenance - cleaning the sensor before measurement quality degrades rather than waiting for a failure.
SICK has prioritized straightforward integration with support for common programming languages, including ROS (Robot Operating System), C++, and Python. The SOPASair web interface allows configuration through any standard web browser without requiring specialized software installation.
For time-sensitive applications, the sensor supports precise time synchronization with other system components, ensuring accurate coordination between multiple sensors or control systems.
The picoScan150 achieves measurement accuracy within 2mm for objects between 0.05 and 5 meters away, with angular accuracy of 0.005 degrees. These specifications translate to reliable performance in applications requiring precise positioning or object detection.
The sensor operates at scan rates up to 50Hz, providing rapid updates essential for dynamic applications like collision avoidance or high-speed sorting systems.
The picoScan family represents a significant step forward in accessible, high-performance LiDAR technology. By offering configurable performance levels and simplified integration, it makes advanced sensing capabilities available to a broader range of automation applications.
For engineers and system integrators looking to implement reliable environment sensing, the picoScan provides proven technology with the flexibility to match specific application requirements while controlling costs.
Whether the goal is improving safety, enabling autonomous operation, or enhancing process control, the picoScan delivers the measurement performance and reliability that modern automation demands.
To learn more, contact marketing@eandm.com today!