#China #Beijing #Lidar #NOVA20 #Benewake

Benewake Unveils the NOVA20 LiDAR for Embodied Robotics

As the realms of artificial intelligence evolve from theoretical applications to tangible, real-world interactions, the demand for safety in robotics is more pertinent than ever. Benewake, a leading innovator in LiDAR technologies since 2015, is responding to this necessity with the launch of its NOVA20, a state-of-the-art solid-state near-field multi-point LiDAR sensor.

The Significance of Near-Field Safety

In the context of embodied AI, near-field safety addresses the challenges robots face when interacting with humans and the environment at close range. Traditional robotic systems often rely heavily on vision-based perception, which can lead to several operational constraints if not properly managed:

1. Uncertainty and Latency: Vision systems based on probabilistic inference can introduce delays in data processing, resulting in insufficiently fast reactions to potential hazards.

2. Self-Occlusion Issues: Sensors mounted on a robot's head or torso may be obstructed by its moving limbs or objects it manipulates, creating blind spots that compromise safety.

3. Reactive Systems: Standard tactile sensing approaches only react once contact is detected, which is inherently less proactive than ideal, posing risks for unintended collisions.

4. Crosstalk in Sensor Arrays: Many 3D array solutions experience interference from reflecting surfaces, which can lead to inaccurate obstacle detections and inefficient responses.

How NOVA20 Works

The NOVA20 offers a transformative approach to these challenges by focusing on precise distance measurement in the critical range of 5 cm to 1 m around robotic systems. Its compact design weighs less than 5g and consumes less than 1 Watt, making it easily deployable on various parts of the robot, including the chest, wrists, and ankles. The LiDAR's architecture features:

• - 20-Point Detection Array: Delivering a robust detection ability, the NOVA20 can effectively cover its designated range, even under bright ambient light conditions, up to 100 klux.
• - Crosstalk-Free Channel Readout: By employing time-division multiplexing, the NOVA20 ensures that each distance measurement is recorded independently. This innovative approach eliminates interference, allowing for accurate obstacle identification and eliminating unnecessary evasive maneuvers.
• - Direct Distance Output: Instead of processing 2D data, the NOVA20 provides clear physical distance readings, addressing privacy concerns in human-centric environments and reducing the processing burden on the main robotics system.

Applications and Safety Benefits

By integrating the NOVA20 into robotic platforms, several core applications emerge that enhance safety:

• - Ground Edge and Drop-Off Detection: The sensor can detect edges or drops, significantly minimizing the risk of accidents.
• - Collision Avoidance: With the ability to monitor surrounding obstacles, the NOVA20 enhances safety by preventing accidental contact, particularly near moving limbs and body sides.
• - Human-Robot Proximity Safety: It enables pre-contact deceleration, an essential strategy for ensuring safe interactions between humans and robots.

About Benewake

Founded in 2015, Benewake has consistently pursued advancements in the realm of robotics and physical-world perception. The company's guiding principle, “Collision-Free Operation Comes Before Intelligence,” emphasizes the importance of safety in the development of smarter robotic systems. Since 2017, Benewake has optimized and deployed over 3 million LiDAR units across more than 90 countries. As robotics technology continues to evolve, the introduction of the NOVA20 marks a significant step towards ensuring safer interactions in a world increasingly populated by intelligent machines.

For further details on the integration of the NOVA20, sample evaluations, or collaborative opportunities, interested parties can reach out through Benewake’s official website.