Elias van Wijk has started as CEO of Sentech. With his international experience and strong focus on growth, we are ready for a new chapter in our development.
Elias brings a proven track record in achieving growth and leading technological organizations both domestically and internationally. His background in successful mergers and acquisitions aligns well with our ambitions.
Elias van Wijk is looking forward to his new role and sees plenty of opportunities to further strengthen Sentech: “Together with the team, I want to set the course towards a leading position in integrated sensor solutions in Northwestern Europe. Customer value, technological progress, and sustainable relationships will be central to this. I am convinced that with this focus, we can make a long-term impact.”
Part of the Techwell Group
With this change, we are also taking steps at the group level. Sentech is part of the Techwell Group, which also includes Zilvertron. Within this group, we focus on integrated sensor, motion, and control solutions for OEMs in sectors such as medical & robotics, defense & heavy vehicles, semicon, agrotechnology & aquahorticulture, and intralogistics. Elias van Wijk is also appointed as CEO of the Techwell Group.
It's not surprising that acoustic sensors are increasingly being used for measurement tasks. Everything around us produces vibrations and can therefore be measured acoustically. They are versatile and still in the early stages of their development.
At Sentech, we've been closely following the developments around acoustic sensors for years. Below are the main highlights from our analysis.
Why acoustic wave sensors?
Acoustic wave sensors are incredibly versatile sensors whose commercial potential is just beginning to be realized. They are cost-effective, robust, sensitive, and intrinsically reliable. Additionally, they can be applied passively and wirelessly. Wireless sensors are useful for monitoring parameters on moving objects, such as tire pressure in cars or torque on axles (for predictive maintenance).
Sensors that do not require a power supply are essential for remote monitoring of chemical vapors, moisture, and temperature. Other applications include measuring force, acceleration, shock, angular velocity, viscosity, displacement, and flow. The sensors also have an acoustic-electric sensitivity, enabling the detection of pH levels, ionic contaminants, and electric fields.
Acoustic surface wave sensors have generally proven to be the most sensitive due to their high energy density at the surface. For liquid sensing, a special class of shear-horizontal acoustic surface wave sensors, called ‘Love wave sensors,’ has proven to be the most sensitive. Much work remains to be done in the development of these sensors for future applications.
9 types of measurements with acoustic sensors
Acoustic sensors can measure various physical quantities by detecting sound waves or vibrations. Here are 9 examples of what they can measure:
- Distance
Acoustic sensors measure the time it takes for a sound wave to return after reflecting off an object. This is similar to echolocation. - Strength
They measure the force exerted on a surface by analyzing how sound waves propagate through the material. - Displacement
Vibrations or displacements of an object can be measured by changes in sound waves traveling through the object. - Temperature
Acoustic sensors detect temperature changes by measuring the speed of sound waves in different materials. - Fluid levels
By measuring the time it takes for sound to travel from the sensor to the liquid surface and back, they can determine the liquid level in tanks or pipes. - Shocks and acceleration
They detect the speed and direction of shocks or accelerations by looking at how sound waves react to movement. - Humidity
Acoustic sensors measure changes in air humidity by observing the influence of water vapor on the sound signal. - Chemicals
Some sensors can detect chemicals and contaminants by analyzing how sound waves interact with molecules in the air or on surfaces. - Viscosity
Acoustic sensors measure the viscosity of liquids by observing how sound waves change in response to the fluid.
A Century of Innovation
The history of acoustic wave technology spans over 60 years, with its largest application being in the telecommunications industry. This industry uses approximately 3 billion acoustic wave filters annually, primarily in mobile phones and base stations. These filters, typically Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) devices, are crucial in the radio frequency and intermediate frequency sections of transceiver electronics. Recently, there has been a growing interest in using acoustic wave sensors in various other sectors, such as the automotive industry, the medical sector, and industrial applications.
Acoustic sensors are suitable for predictive maintenance. They can, for example, detect abnormal noises from conveyor belts, which may indicate wear. In this way, they reduce the chance of unexpected failures.
The operation of acoustic wave sensors
Acoustic wave sensors use a mechanical or acoustic wave as the detection mechanism. When an acoustic wave propagates through or on the surface of a material, changes in the propagation path affect the wave's velocity and/or amplitude. These velocity changes are detected by measuring and correlating the sensor's frequency or phase characteristics with the measured physical quantity.
From piezoelectric substrate to sensor
The production of these sensors begins with the careful polishing and cleaning of a piezoelectric substrate, such as quartz, lithium tantalate, or lithium niobate. These materials are chosen for their specific properties, including cost, temperature dependence, and propagation speed. The manufacturing process involves depositing a metal layer, typically aluminum, and using photolithographic techniques to form an interdigital transducer (IDT).
Bulk waves versus surface waves
Acoustic wave sensors are distinguished by their propagation modes, such as bulk wave and surface wave. The most commonly used bulk acoustic wave (BAW) devices are the thickness-shear mode (TSM) resonator and the shear-horizontal acoustic plate mode (SH-APM) sensor. Surface wave devices such as the surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor and the shear-horizontal surface acoustic wave (SH-SAW) sensor are also popular. The choice of device depends on the specific application and required sensitivity.
From the automotive to the medical sector: the versatility of acoustic sensors
Acoustic wave sensors are applied in a wide range of sectors. In the automotive industry, they are used for torque and tire pressure sensors. In the medical sector, they are found as chemical sensors. They can also be used in industrial and commercial applications as vapor, humidity, temperature, and mass sensors. Thanks to their sharp price, robustness, high sensitivity, and reliability, these sensors are rapidly gaining popularity. Furthermore, some sensors can be read out passively and wirelessly, offering additional advantages in certain applications.
The future of acoustic wave sensors
Recent developments in acoustic wave technology include the creation of higher frequency and sensitivity sensors, utilizing advanced materials and micro-fabrication techniques. These innovations open doors to new applications and improvements in sensor performance. The focus is on increasing sensitivity, reducing costs, and broadening the scope of applications.
Acoustic wave sensors are on the verge of a new wave of technological innovations and applications. With their versatility, cost-effectiveness, robustness, and high sensitivity, they offer promising opportunities for diverse industries. Whether it's monitoring tire pressure in moving vehicles, detecting chemical vapors remotely, or measuring force and acceleration, acoustic wave sensors will greatly advance the way we understand our environment.
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In the world of modern technology, sensor integration is key to innovation. Increasingly, sensors are supplied as bare chips, offering manufacturers the flexibility to produce these components on a large scale. However, the challenge lies in further integration: from simple housings to complex, custom modules for specific applications.
Egbert Stellinga (Product Marketing Manager) and Rob Kuijpers (Product Manager) discuss the six levels of sensor integration, ranging from bare chip to fully integrated module. Due to the growing need for compact, accurate solutions, sensor integration is becoming increasingly important for efficient and innovative technological developments.
Read it full article on the High-Tech Systems website…
This article appeared in High-Tech Systems and was written by Hans van Eerden
After many years of successful collaboration, sensor specialist Sentech and drive technology expert Zilvertron are making their business relationship official on May 1, 2024. Together, they will continue to build on their shared goal: to offer customers a total solution.
Synergy is the keyword in the strategic collaboration between Sentech and Zilvertron: both strongly believe in the 1+1=3 principle of their collaboration. Together, they can serve their customers more broadly in motion solutions, and that is precisely the question Marco Leeggangers, Sentech's Chief Business Development Officer, increasingly hears from the market: ’But then you don't want to collaborate with just anyone. It has to be a company with the same vision.' That's why the search for suitable partners began a few years ago. Smile Invest stepped in as a financially strong partner and offers significant added value with its expertise in (international) growth for Sentech's ambitions.
Same standards and values
Now Zilvertron is joining, a specialized supplier of drive technology with engineering capabilities, who, like Sentech, puts the customer first. And, like Sentech, goes the extra mile in serving its customers, for example, when a new product is introduced at their facility. Leeggangers: ‘We sit at the table with our clients and brainstorm solutions with them. We are not a distributor who pushes a box to the customer, but we integrate the necessary technology ourselves with our own engineering department for seamless implementation. Zilvertron has the same way of working. That's why this is such a good match.’
It's not just the visions that meet: the expertise of Sentech and Zilvertron, sensors and drive technology respectively, are both needed for a good motion solution. In their new form, they will offer their customers totally integrated motion solutions.
No big changes
With both Sentech and Zilvertron, the customer has always come first. From this perspective, the optimal details of this collaboration naturally fall into place, explains René Jansen, director at Zilvertron: ‘No new contracts, so no new logos, names, or contact persons, no hassle. But even more possibilities.’ The companies will retain their own identities and will form a group as of May 1st through the acquisition of all Zilvertron shares.
Future plans
So, no major changes on the horizon for the newly-techs for now. But when it comes to the long-term vision, there are indeed big dreams: together, they want to continue growing into a total technology provider. A journey that, if it's up to them, will take them abroad.
The question is not if, but when fully autonomous driving will arrive on public roads. The latest Teslas can already do it, and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are commonplace. The vehicles of the future will combine advanced technologies. Here, you can read about which sensor technologies these are and what their advantages and disadvantages are.
A pilotless airplane or a driverless bus is possible in the foreseeable future. Only legal and psychological objections stand in our way; just as the steam locomotive caused controversy and challenges in the 19th century.
“Cameras and various types of sensors in fused sensor applications are the eyes and ears of the future drivers of our cars,” predicts business development manager Marco Leeggangers.
The evolution of autonomous movement
Autonomous driving was one of the main themes at the IAA Frankfurt this year. The automotive industry is working on technologies that enable completely autonomous movement in public spaces.
The automotive world uses a Scale level from 0 to 5. Level 5 for a fully automated car ride, while you read a book or watch a movie.
According to Leeggangers, all new car models must be automated at level 2 from 2018 onwards to receive a 4- or 5-star safety rating. “The car will then be equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Such as Automatic Emergency Breaking, Lane Assistance, and Road Edge Detection.”
Tesla has made the leap from ADAS to autonomous in its latest models. The latest version of Tesla's Autopilot is already balancing on the border of level 4 and 5.
Business applications: AGVs
Businesses have long been using autonomously guided vehicles (AGVs) for distribution applications in particular. In many distribution centers, automatic forklifts operate, and order picking is done by robots.
The Netherlands leads in innovation in Agricultural and horticultural automation met UAV's (drones) and AGV's (robots for cleaning stables, feeding livestock, and performing logistical tasks in greenhouses).
Why do we want self-driving vehicles?
Idlers: “In my eyes, this is a logical consequence of technological evolution. Actually, autonomous driving fits with the digital revolution because large amounts of sensor data need to be processed to react independently to the environment. Moreover, the self-driving car is part of the Internet of Things (IoT).”
The benefits of autonomous vehicles are numerous:
- Positive impact on traffic safety. Advanced computers can perform human tasks more efficiently, better, and safer.
- Better utilization of road capacity. Self-driving vehicles drive at shorter distances from each other. This allows them to utilize road capacity more efficiently, reducing and even preventing traffic jams.
- Improved car-sharing opportunities. The use of the self-driving car can be planned so that we can share it. The car for commuting can be available for someone else during the day. Autonomous driving will boost the predicted sharing economy.
- Sustainability: AGVs perform their tasks more efficiently than humans and save raw materials and energy in various industries.
- Productivity: An AGV never gets tired, can handle heavier tasks, and operates flawlessly.
- Cost savings: AGVs enable the full automation of distribution processes. Mobile robots also help reduce costs in agriculture and horticulture.
Detection challenges for distance measurement and positioning
To enable a vehicle to drive autonomously, it needs a comprehensive view of its surroundings. There are four detection challenges for dynamically generating an environmental model.
- 1. Determining the clear passing space on the road surface.
- Determining the geographical route via the navigable space.
- 3. Detecting moving objects (other road users and moving obstacles).
- 4. Recognizing and interpreting road signage, such as traffic signs, traffic lights, road markings, and other visual cues.
Sensor technology has advanced so much nowadays that there are solutions for all detection challenges.
Detection tools for autonomous vehicles
For autonomous driving and advanced driver-assistance systems, primarily radar, lidar, and sonar sensors applied. Combined with cameras and GPS, a vehicle thus dynamically scans its environment. Smart software processes the large amount of data, allowing it to always know its position relative to objects.
These techniques are possible because processors have become increasingly powerful and smaller.
Sensor technology development
Leeggangers indicates that Sentech plays a role in the development and R&D of sensor technology for AGVs. “For example, we already use radar, lidar, and ultrasonics in distance sensors and orientation sensors. As an independent sensor integrator, we are now working on integrating radar and lidar into compact ‘fused’ sensor applications.”
According to the Business Development Manager, sensor fusion leads to smarter and better customer applications, specifically in the area of autonomous movement.
Pros and cons of sensor techniques
The most promising sensor technologies for self-driving vehicles are lidar and radar. Lidar scans the environment with light (laser or infrared), while radar does so with radio waves. “The development of lidar and radar is progressing very rapidly. This is because processor chips are getting smaller and the technology has become more affordable,” according to Leeggangers.
Lidar has significant advantages in remote sensing. One of these is its high resolution, which is necessary for accurately detecting stationary and moving objects. On the other hand, weather conditions like fog and rain have a greater negative impact on accuracy. “Lidar is suitable for observing moving objects in the immediate vicinity of a vehicle,” explains Leeggangers.
Radar can see further, but as the distance increases, accuracy decreases. Therefore, according to him, radar is more suitable for remotely detecting moving objects in front of the vehicle.
The future of self-driving vehicles
“What's special is that the technological visions of car manufacturers differ. One prefers lidar, another prefers radar. The car manufacturers have a sensor-based system as a common starting point. We see a future with advanced fusion sensors in integrated sensor applications,” says Leeggangers.
He also sees new players on the autonomous driving market with a different technological approach, such as Google and Intel. Google has developed its own 3D technology, based on route information and 3D maps.
Intel, the processor manufacturer, has entered the autonomous driving market with the acquisition of Mobileye. The technology concern expects its first self-driving car on public roads in 2021. Intel uses the most advanced visual technology (cameras and software) in vehicles for environmental perception.
However, Leeggangers expects sensors to remain critical links in autonomous driving technology. “You will always need redundant sensor systems to supplement camera or GPS systems. No matter how advanced, anything can break. Redundancy will therefore become increasingly important as the fleet evolves toward full autonomy and driverless traffic.”
More about the development of lidar and radar
Sentech is focusing heavily on the further development of lidar and radar sensors, with an emphasis on sensor fusion. These are the most suitable sensor solutions for autonomous movement in public spaces and business environments.
Sensor fusion is the ultimate form of integration and enables next-generation automotive applications.
Read more about it and let yourself in good direction send.
The choice is enormous when looking for the right encoder. Does your application need an incremental or absolute encoder? And do you opt for inductive, capacitive, or optical technology? Later in the search, you'll also have to decide on the sensor form factor... Many facets for which you could use some help.
Absolute encoders have been around for years. Meanwhile, the capabilities of the implementations of this sensor type are growing enormously. Sean Ram, Account Manager at Sentech, can speak to this: “Rotary absolute encoders, in particular, have made significant progress.”
“This way, there's a choice in both the different techniques and the executions. Which encoder fits your application depends on the specific use case. Of course, we also consider whether the investment is profitable,” Ram adds.
Absolute vs. incremental encoders
Where absolute encoders provide an absolute position, incremental encoders measure changes in position. They count the number of encoder steps moved during movement.
Such an incremental system needs a fixed reference point to achieve an absolute position measurement. “Incremental encoders are less suitable for applications with fast movements. If they miss a pulse, they don't know their position,” Sean explains.
“An absolute encoder can sometimes be wrong. This is easily corrected at the next measurement point. Therefore, the control for a motor with an incremental or absolute system is very different.”
What does your application need?
Can a reference point be added to your system? Then an incremental encoder is often a suitable solution. “If homing isn't possible in your application, for example due to safety reasons, then you'll often end up with an absolute system,” says Ram.
Rotary encoders for robotics applications
Absolute and incremental encoders are available in linear and rotary versions. Ram notices that demand for rotary absolute encoders has increased: “We see more and more customers building their robots from scratch.”
“This can be seen in the medical sector and in agriculture and horticulture, for example. Companies are developing their own robotic solutions everywhere. In some situations with one degree of freedom, but even then the rotation must be measured accurately. This is because such systems often work with brushed or brushless motors. These types of motors need to know precisely where the coil is located relative to the magnets during startup. This allows them to regulate the control properly. So, you need an absolute position for that.”
In addition, more and more Dutch companies are working with a combination of AGVs and robots. Sean sees that companies build the system themselves: “They need something special. A ready-made system doesn't fit that. They often have the capacity to build a system in-house, which also makes it more cost-effective.”
Solution for rotations
For systems like robots, you usually deal with a lot of rotations. In those cases, a hollow-shaft encoder can be the solution. “These are ring-shaped encoders with an open inner mechanism. You then run the cables for data signals and power through the inside of the system,” Sean explains.
Hollow shaft encoders consist of two parts: a transmitter and a receiver that can rotate contactlessly. Ram sees a second advantage in this: “Because the parts don't touch each other, the components don't wear out. That's the case with traditional absolute encoders with shafts and bearings.”
Pros and cons of absolute encoders
When it comes to absolute encoders, there are quite a few variants and technologies on the market. They all work slightly differently. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Broadly speaking, this is how it works: one of the encoder components has onboard electronics and generates a field. That field can be magnetic-inductive, electric-capacitive, or optical. The other part of the encoder is passive and influences that field. This disturbance is measured and provides information about the angular displacement.
The passive encoder part has a pattern. That pattern has a unique encoding and therefore a unique disturbance over the entire 360 degrees. This allows the system to always know the angle of the encoder.
Levels of accuracy
The accuracy of encoders varies by technology and brand, Sean knows: “When integrating inductive encoders, we often opt for Zettlex from Celera Motion. With those, you can measure with approximately 0.01 degrees accuracy. When we work with capacitive encoders, we often choose Netzer. Those achieve an impressive 0.005 degrees.".
Then there's a third type of encoder: optical technology. “Celera optical encoders from MicroE achieve accuracy comparable to capacitive encoders,” Ram knows.
Sean emphasizes that it's not just about precision. “There are more factors involved. Ultimately, the application determines which technology is best suited.”
When do you choose which encoder?
Environmental conditions play a big role in choosing your encoder type. “Are you dealing with a clean environment? And is the encoder built in such a way that no dirt can get to it? Then an optical encoder can be an excellent solution. Such an encoder is light, relatively inexpensive, and achieves high performance,” says Sean.
If contamination such as dust is involved, an optical encoder is not suitable.
“For less clean applications, you often end up with a capacitive encoder from Netzer,” says Ram.
Capacitive technology is susceptible to moisture. This is because moisture particles can disrupt the capacitance. That's why Ram usually opts for inductive encoders in humid environments: “They are even suitable for a remotely operated submarine that is 500 meters underwater, for example.”
Calibration
What should you pay attention to when integrating absolute encoders? “Such an encoder consists of two separate parts that you must position correctly – relative to each other. No matter how precisely you work, a human error can easily happen,” says Ram.
“For the air gap and the non-eccentricity of the rings, you should think in terms of accuracy to a tenth of a millimeter. These are familiar specifications for many companies. Some partners, like Netzer, help you by incorporating a calibration run. The two parts probe each other's position, allowing you to correct any installation errors relatively easily.”
Close-up engine montage
Generally, encoders are deeply embedded in a machine, close to motors. What is the influence of the strong magnetic fields from motors on encoder measurements?
“All technologies are insensitive to external interference fields. Here's how it works: developers cleverly modulate the signal between the two parts and chose different frequencies. Interference from external magnetic fields is therefore a thing of the past,” Sean explains.
In addition, the encoders are very flat and lightweight. “This makes this technology very suitable for robots with high accelerations, where every gram counts.”
This article appeared in Mechatronics & Mechanical Engineering issue 3 2021 and was written by Alexander Pil
If you want to work according to high quality standards, ISO 9001 is sometimes not sufficient. That is why the automotive industry developed IATF 16949. With this quality standard, you develop a reliable and durable end product.
Automotive companies like to work with manufacturers that comply with IATF standards. For example, in 2009, the collaboration with DAF prompted Sentech to obtain an IATF certificate.
Certification
In 2021, IATF introduced changes to the standard. As a result, Sentech decided to continue working according to the standard, but not renew the certification.
Therefore, after twelve years, our IATF certification will expire on July 9, 2021. If customers require IATF certification again, we will discuss the possibility of recertifying.
Maintain quality with high quality standards
The core tools and processes – originating from IATF certification – have been interwoven for twelve years our method. In 5 phases, we identify risks in a timely manner and make them manageable. This is how we guarantee the quality of the end product. After not renewing the certification, we will continue to work according to these high quality standards.
Continuously developing and optimizing our processes, as well as developing our employees, remains an important theme. We do this in addition to our ISO 9001 certification, which remains in effect.
What does working according to IATF 16949 standards look like?
For industries like automotive, ISO 9001 is not sufficient. They go a step further and work with IATF 16949.
This high-quality standard also ensures a reliable and durable end product in your market. In addition, you can fully adapt the process to your quality needs.
Discover what IATF means and how you can applied on your project.
With lidar, self-driving vehicles, such as AGVs, can map their surroundings. They scan using light pulses. Despite the simplicity of this optical sensor technology, the technique remains expensive. Developers are innovating to make autonomous driving more affordable, compact, and reliable. This makes this type of transport more accessible to consumers and B2B markets.
Affordable alternatives are entering the market, such as solid-state lidar. Depending on the desired resolution, you determine whether your application requires a basic or a high-end lidar sensor. Furthermore, a sensor alone is not sufficient for autonomous driving. For reliable measurement, you need to combine multiple techniques.
How lidar works
Just as radar works based on radio waves, lidar uses light pulses. When light pulses reach objects or surfaces, detectors capture their reflection. The system calculates how long it took for the light to travel from the laser, via the object, to the sensor. This is converted into distance. All the distances together form a detailed point cloud of the surroundings.
What determines the price of autonomous vehicles?
Self-driving cars, like Google's Waymo, drive autonomously thanks to lidar. The roofs of these vehicles feature a noticeable bulge. This is where the lidar sensor is housed, which the car uses to map its surroundings. For car designers, it's a challenge to inconspicuously integrate the technology into the design.
These lidars are scanning electromechanical systems, consisting of many moving parts. This makes them difficult to produce and miniaturize, causing the price to barely decrease.
At Velodyne, you pay $75,000 for a lidar module. Even simpler technologies cost thousands of dollars. Besides this sensor technology, more is needed to make a vehicle drive autonomously. The total price quickly adds up to 100,000 euros.
Lidar originally arose from the words ‘light’ and ‘radar’. It is now an acronym for ‘light imaging, detection and ranging’.
Affordable lidar alternative
Solid-state lidar is a smaller and more affordable alternative. Instead of scanned beams, this technique works with broad light flashes. A solid-state laser shoots pulses, which are spread via a diffuser over an angle of 9 to 120 degrees.
The range of solid-state lidar is smaller than that of scanning lidars. However, they are also significantly cheaper. At Canadian LeddarTech, the price for a flash lidar module is around a few hundred dollars. Furthermore, they are much smaller and more robust. This makes them easy and affordable to integrate into vehicles.
Compared to flash, scanning lidar offers several advantages. “If you need high resolution, you should look at high-end lidar sensors,” explains Marco Leeggangers, Operations Director at Sentech. “Furthermore, scanning lidars achieve that higher resolution across their entire 360-degree field of view.”
Adjust range and viewing angle
Lidar manufacturers are not transparent about the frequency and intensity of laser pulses. “During the design phase, you can play around with it to adjust the lidar's range or field of view,” says Olivier Gernier-Lafond of LeddarTech. “With our software, users can adjust various parameters to choose the range and update frequency. This is how we differentiate ourselves from the competition.”
Gernier-Lafond adds: “The wavelength of the laser is approximately 905 nm (nanometers). Many competitors are above 1,000 nanometers. Although lasers around 1550 nm are more powerful, optical components in our wavelength range are more affordable, robust, and reliable. This allows us to deliver cheaper lidar systems. Thanks to our advanced signal processing algorithms, we still achieve the same performance as the competition.”
Noise cancellation in rain and snow
Lidar sensor measurements must be translated into usable data: the perception platform that recognizes and classifies objects. “LeddarTech is exceptionally strong in that translation,’ says Leeggangers. ‘The Canadian signal processing software is very good at noise reduction. Even at night, in rain and snow, it delivers reliable results.’
All detection technologies have their advantages and limitations. Lidar meets in all lighting conditions very accurately the distances. Moreover, this technique can handle both stationary and moving objects perfectly. “Our off-the-shelf systems achieve an accuracy of 5 cm, with a repeatability of 6 mm,” says Vincent Racine, product manager at LeddarTech.
Detecting objects at a great distance
The reflectivity of an object affects detection distance, or its visible range. For example, pedestrians with 10 percent reflectivity are ‘seen’ by LeddarTech lidars up to 200 meters away. Objects with higher reflectivity, such as license plates, are detected at even greater distances. This was successfully demonstrated during CES 2019.
Besides reflectivity, the field of view also depends on the laser's intensity. The more power, the larger the field of view. There are limits to increasing laser intensity, as lasers are used in public areas and should not blind passersby.
Racine adds: “We place a high value on safety. Additionally, we comply with the strict legislation for pulsed lasers. With our software, we ensure that we achieve optimal performance within those limits.”
Combining technologies
Experts agree that you cannot build a fully autonomous vehicle without Lidar. “But it will never succeed with a single sensor type,” emphasizes Leeggangers. “Lidar must be combined with cameras, GPS, and other technologies. Only then will you get reliable measurements.”
Fields of application
Because fully autonomous cars are still mostly research objects for the time being, Leeggangers is looking ahead. “The market for autonomous vehicles is booming. Think of the Second Maasvlakte where carts drive autonomously on a closed site. You also see more and more AGVs in controlled environments like large warehouses and in agriculture.”
In many mobile applications, there are plenty of opportunities for solid-state lidar. “But you can also perfectly use the technology to detect, for example, if drivers are changing lanes in time during a lane closure.’
Innovating with lidar
LeddarTech is currently working on several innovations, including various 3D versions. “We started with 2D lidars. They are fine for simple collision detection, for example,” says Racine. “With 3D lidar, you can see more and recognize objects more easily. This technology is now in full development to meet the requirements of automotive and other mobility applications, such as autonomous shuttles and robotaxis.”
Long-range and high-definition 3D lidars are also planned. “Those system-on-chip devices are based on MEMS technology. Although they do have moving parts, they can still be classified as solid-state components. This is also because their dimensions and robustness make them resistant to shocks and vibrations,” according to Racine.
Collaboration for Successful Integration
A few years ago, Sentech signaled the rise of lidar technology. The market wasn't ready for high-end scanning sensors at that time. So, an alternative was sought. In 2016, they discovered LeddarTech's solid-state lidars.
“LeddarTech was looking for a partner who could provide high-level customer support, particularly during development and integration,” says Olivier Gernier-Lafond, Distribution Network Manager at LeddarTech. “We have specialized partners in Germany, France, and Asia, among other regions. The Netherlands has a dynamic market with many innovative companies that we want to connect with.”
Marco Leeggangers of Sentech adds: “Lidars are not simple systems. You always have to integrate them with other hardware and software. They produce an enormous amount of data that you have to translate into usable information with complex algorithms. Sentech can help with that. We can also advise on the position of the sensors and what images that will yield. We often draw on our experience with radar for this, because the technologies and applications are comparable.”
Explore the possibilities of lidar
Where do you start with the integration of lidar? There are various lidar technologies on the market. The speed of the vehicle and the reflectivity of surrounding objects determine the required field of vision. And therefore, which technology is needed to make your vehicle safely drive autonomously.
On March 25, 2022, Smile Invest will acquire a majority stake in Sentech. In order to achieve its growth ambitions and long-term objectives, Sentech held exploratory discussions with several financial partners last year. Following a careful selection and due diligence process, the decision was made to collaborate with Smile Invest.
Sentech was founded in 2000 by Marcel Figge and now has more than 60 employees. Sentech's sensor solutions are used worldwide in applications within the semiconductor industry, automotive, healthcare, and agromarkets. Due to the rise of innovations such as autonomous vehicles, the Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence, the sensor market is expected to continue to grow strongly in the coming years.
Commercial Director Marco Leeggangers and Operations Director Hermen Kobus will take on the day-to-day management of Sentech as a two-person executive team. Founder Marcel Figge will continue to focus on long-term strategic projects. Marcel Figge: “With Smile Invest, we’re bringing on board a partner that not only has the necessary network, capital, and technical expertise, but also aligns with our vision of creating long-term value for our customers in a transparent manner. Smile’s entry into the shareholder structure comes at a time when we are ready to take the next major step. With these new resources and expertise, we will invest in building a solid footprint outside the Netherlands and further professionalizing our operational facilities.”
Marco Leeggangers and Hermen Kobus add: “In recent years, we have been actively involved as managers in building the foundation. Now, in our new roles, we can set the direction ourselves to become a leading supplier of integrated sensor solutions in Northwestern Europe, and to make Sentech an even stronger company. This feels like a logical step for us, but it remains a new chapter, which is why we are pleased to bring in an experienced partner like Smile Invest who will help us navigate the next phase.”
Ad Notenboom and Bart Cauberghe, partners at Smile Invest: “For us, Sentech is the prime example of a Dutch high-tech gem with a unique market position. The professionalism of the organization, the quality of its solutions, and its high customer satisfaction are at a level typically seen in companies that are a few years ahead. Sentech's technically innovative profile, combined with its strong growth ambitions, aligns perfectly with our investment focus. We will support Sentech in achieving these ambitions and believe the company is perfectly equipped for both organic and inorganic growth of its activities.”
Over Smile Invest
Smile Invest (Smart Money for Innovation Leaders) is a European evergreen investment company with €350 million in capital under management, funded by 40 entrepreneurial families with a long-term focus on innovative growth companies. Smile Invest focuses on companies within three investment themes: digitalization, health, and sustainability. From offices in The Hague and Leuven, the team supports ambitious entrepreneurs and managers in achieving their growth plans.
Wearing face masks does not lead to more risk-taking behavior, and one-way traffic appears to be effective. Using a Social Distancing Sensor (SDS) also works when properly instructed. This is evident from a recent experimental behavioral study with real-time tracing by the Smart Distance Lab. Technology company Sentech is therefore launching the Social Distancing Sensor (SDS) on the market.
In the Smart Distance Lab, an initiative of the University of Amsterdam, cameras and sensors were used to measure how much distance people kept from each other. Researchers compared different interventions.
Sensor
The use of the Social Distancing Sensor leads to fewer contacts than when visitors do not wear a sensor. This tag provides direct feedback on behavior. The study also shows that this intervention must be clearly and consistently explained to visitors. People should also be able to try it out for a bit.
For example, the Social Distancing Sensor gives employees a warning signal if they come within 1.5 meters of a colleague with such a tag. There is a choice of different types of signals: vibration, sound, and/or light. The SDS not only makes office environments safer. Event and production locations, warehouses, and construction sites also benefit from such a solution.
Face masks and direction of travel
Wearing face masks does not lead to additional contacts. Visitors wearing face masks felt more protected than visitors without face masks. In addition, a one-way route leads to fewer contacts than a free-direction route. The distribution of the number of contacts that a visitor might be infected with is more favorable.
Reliability
Incidentally, there are other systems that alert users to maintain a distance of 1.5 meters from one another. The CoronaMelder app even notifies you if you’ve been near an infected person. The app uses Bluetooth to track proximity, which isn’t 100% reliable. “Whether you have a phone in your pocket also makes a difference,” Ron Roozendaal told NOS earlier. He is the Chief Information Officer at the Ministry of Health.
The CoronaMelder is now issuing around 10,000 notifications per day, even at distances greater than 1.5 meters. How reliable is the measurement then? The need for a system that is accurate is growing with the increasing number of Corona infections.
The ultra-wideband (UWB) technology is used in the Social Distancing Sensor. You can put it in your pocket or wear it around your neck, and the distance measurement is fully maintained. The measurements are much more accurate and reliable than, for example, Bluetooth. Sensor specialist Rob Pieters from Sentech: “Measurements are taken twice per second at the speed of light, with an accuracy of centimeters. You know immediately if you are too close to someone.”
Sentech is further developing its sensor software in collaboration with Focus Technologies. This will soon allow for measurements of how long people have been in contact with each other, when those contacts occurred, and where. Such time-based measurements are interesting for source and contact tracing. “For example, the GGD (Municipal Health Service) in Breda has already purchased sensors. They have many employees who work under high pressure, and maintaining a minimum distance of 1.5 meters is difficult in those situations,” says Pieters.
Best way to organize an event
“Larger events can be safe if carefully planned,” according to researchers at the Smart Distance Lab. The 1.5-meter rule needs a time duration specification. “With the specification ‘more than 20 seconds,’ we measure no contact in a corner with good airflow. This is important in communication from politicians to citizens.”
Based on the initial results, the research recommendation is that you best organize an event by applying one-way directional guidance. “You can also use a sensor that informs visitors whether they are succeeding in keeping their distance,” says the Smart Distance Lab. It is crucial to clearly explain to visitors how the Social Distancing Sensor works. They need to know what is expected of them when it activates.
“It would be fantastic if we could then link a reward to that; that the visitor with the fewest violations receives something (editor's note: a drink, an entrance ticket). We know that rewards work much better than punishments. By linking it to behavior in such a way, we can encourage social distancing,” the researchers conclude.
Frank Wijnveld, Crowd Management Expert at the Event Safety Institute, emphasizes this. He does so in this video: