Hokuyo Automatic, a global manufacturer of sensor and automation technology, and machine vision firm Silc Technologies will collaborate to develop 4D lidar solutions, that aim to improve machine vision in the next generation of advanced industrial and robotic applications.
Based on Frequency-Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radar technology, Silc’s 4D solution is the industry’s first and only fully-integrated coherent lidar chip. It is designed to add critical vector measurements, such as polarisation intensity, velocity and motion, to make machine perception closer to human visual cognition.
Silc added its solution also exceeds key performance metrics, such as range, resolution and accuracy, offered by existing solutions.Â
“Industries are eagerly embracing robotic automation strategies,” said Mehdi Asghari, CEO of Silc Technologies.
“In order for machines to reach their full potential, a highly tuned vision element is needed – and that is where we come in. Enabling machines to see more like humans brings forth infinite possibilities. Collaborating with Hokuyo allows us to bring our FMCW technology to market and jointly advance industrial automation and robotics applications.”
Hokuyo will integrate Silc’s chip into its next generation of automation solutions. Hitoshi Ozaki, president at Hokuyo, added: “4D lidar will provide longer range, higher precision, instantaneous velocity and interference-free operation.
“Silc is the first company to integrate all of the laser, detectors and optical processing technology needed to create compact, viable solutions in the market. Our collaboration with Silc enables us to jointly architect an FMCW lidar solution that extends Hokuyo’s leadership and customer solutions.”
