AUTONOMY SENSORS like Navtech are now being used to protect airports and other high value sites around the world , along with becoming key technology enablers to making the world ’ s highways safer . “ In all these applications it is critical that the system is available all the time and in any weather condition , a reliability not ensured by other sensors such as cameras and lasers . This need to rely on the data from sensors puts pressure on other industries to adopt radar for times when it is most needed .”
Wood adds : “ Radar ’ s ability to detect long range stable objects in all weather conditions makes it a valuable sensor for autonomous mining fleets . Navtech has found that rather than trying to treat the radar data like it has come from a laser which has been the traditional approach – a far more powerful method is to include as much of that radar information as possible in autonomy . To take full advantage of this complex data rich sensor , super-fast and low energy intelligent algorithms are utilised .”
Early 24 GHz radars from the automotive industry do not provide enough valuable data for advanced automation task , limiting the benefits of automation . Modern 77 GHz Imaging Radars advance safety and productivity in mining automation . Autonomous systems must be available anytime and in all weather conditions . “ Therefore , imaging radars such as the Navtech radar are key to the strategy of the next generation of autonomous mining fleets .”
Recent development by companies like Navtech ' s Terran360 Wood says show the range of applications possible when using radar for automation . “ Not only this , but that radar can ensure the safety of processes far beyond that of a person ’ s capability to do so . From a single Navtech radar the vehicle ’ s position can be provided to centimetre level accuracy . With unrivalled availability , the Navtech solution will work in all-weather and light conditions so a mine site can operate 24 / 7 safely and efficiently . For GPS-denied autonomous fleets such as underground loaders , this technology can replace laser and camera-based localisation systems that are prone to performance degradation caused by constant dust and debris exposure . Whilst for overground fleets this technology can provide an alternative to existing GPS systems where performance could be compromised such as when near walls or at the bottom of pits . By increasing the availability of these systems to perform everywhere , every time , mine operators can reap the benefits of increased productivity and safety whilst autonomous fleet manufacturers can gain the competitive edge .”
Sanmina to mass produce AEye ’ s LiDAR for industry
One of the other high performance LiDAR majors , AEye , recently announced that Sanmina Corporation , a leading integrated manufacturing solutions company that manufactures some of the world ’ s most complex and innovative electronic , optical and mechanical products , will begin production of AEye ’ s 4Sight M LiDAR
AEye ' s 4Sight M will be marketed to autonomous mining applications
sensor for industrial and mobility markets in September . The transfer from AEye ’ s pilot line in Dublin , California to Sanmina ’ s commercial production lines will take place over the next few months , as the company prepares for volume production .
AEye says its “ uniquely intelligent ” LiDAR ( iDAR™ ) leverages deterministic AI to focus on what matters most in a vehicle ’ s surroundings ,
resulting in greater reliability , safety , and performance at longer range and lower cost . Its strategic investment and go-to-market partners include Continental AG , GM Ventures , Subaru-SBI , Hella Ventures , LG Electronics , Pegasus Ventures ( Aisin ), and Airbus Ventures .
“ We are thrilled to work with Sanmina as a manufacturing partner on the 4Sight M ,” said Rick Tewell , AEye COO . “ Sanmina manufactures some of the most complex electronic , optical and mechanical products in the world , and we are
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AEye says it has designed the 4Sight M with a focus on reliability , cost , quality and supply chain efficiency . The company ’ s current in-house pilot line is in the process of being transferred to production lines in Sanmina ’ s San Jose facility , which specialises in producing advanced PCBAs and complex systems , and will transition to Sanmina ’ s Pathum Thani , Thailand Global Services facility for volume mass production . The transfer includes proprietary optical alignment and calibration technology that enables best-in-class range accuracy .
“ AEye ’ s high-performance adaptive LiDAR is industry leading ,” said Mike Landy , President and COO Integrated Manufacturing Solutions at Sanmina . “ We ’ re proud to provide our deep design and process development expertise and state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities to accelerate series production of AEye ’ s next generation systems .”
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SEPTEMBER 2021 | International Mining 65