Ouster has partnered with Chinese robotic company iDriverplus to provide lidar sensors for autonomous cleaning and sanitation robots.
After China entered into a state of emergency due to Covid-19, the two companies partnered to outfit a fleet of robots with OS1-64 lidar sensors to help contain the virus.
The robots were deployed after 45 days and are being used to safely sanitise and disinfect potentially contaminated sidewalks and public areas.
The unmanned cleaning and disinfection vehicles are equipped with these lidar sensors on the top and front of the robots, providing 360° 3D environmental monitoring and more accurate obstacle recognition than was possible with legacy 16-channel analog lidar sensors.
While a 16-channel sensor may be able to positively identify a human only 10m away, a 64-channel lidar sensor expands the sensor’s effective range out to 40m.
According to Ouster, the partnership demonstrates the potential for large-scale autonomous robotics deployments to protect workers and deliver essential services.
Angus Pacala, CEO of Ouster, said, “Leaders in unmanned robotics, like iDriverplus, are adopting high-resolution Ouster lidar sensors due to significant performance improvements enabled by these sensors.
“Robots can see and identify objects at greater distances, allowing them to move faster and more safely.
“We’re very excited for the future of our partnership with iDriverplus.”
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