Sonair raised $6 million to accelerate the rollout of world’s first safe 3D ultrasonic sensor for robots. Their target is the global expansion of its ADAR (Acoustic Detection And Ranging) sensor, a 3D ultrasonic technology that enables safe human-machine collaboration by providing robots with a real-time, comprehensive view of their surroundings. The funding, from international investors, follows a strong market debut for the sensor, which uses sound waves to provide precise 3D perception at a lower cost than LiDAR, and will be used to meet the rising global demand for robotic safety.
What the Funding Will Do
- Accelerate Global Expansion:
The funds will support Sonair's efforts to scale and deploy its ADAR sensor to manufacturers across Asia, Europe, and North America.
- Establish a New Category:
The investment will help Sonair establish a new category in robotic perception, focusing on safe human-machine interaction in shared spaces.
- Pursue Industry Certification:
Sonair is also pursuing PLd ISO13849 / SIL IEC 61508 certification for its sensor, a significant industry first for 3D ultrasonic sensing.
How ADAR Works
- Sound Waves for 3D Perception:
The ADAR sensor uses sound waves, similar to how sonar works, to detect objects and create a real-time 3D understanding of a robot's environment.
- Safer Human-Machine Collaboration:
This allows robots to navigate safely alongside people, reducing the risk of collisions in environments like warehouses, hospitals, and public spaces.
- Cost-Effective Alternative:
Sonair's patented ultrasound technology offers precise 3D perception at a lower cost compared to other sensing technologies like LiDAR.
Market Context
- Growing Demand:
Rising automation, labor shortages, and stricter safety regulations are fueling the demand for advanced robotic sensors. As autonomous robots enter warehouses, hospitals, shops, and public spaces, the need for safe human-machine collaboration is growing fast. That’s exactly what Sonair’s ADAR sensor is built for.
- Target Market:
Sonair's technology is particularly suited for autonomous mobile robots in logistics and manufacturing, a market projected to grow significantly by 2030.
“For robots to operate alongside humans, safety has to be built in from the start,” said Knut Sandven, CEO and co-founder of Sonair. “ADAR gives manufacturers a straightforward and more affordable way to achieve that.”
“Sonair makes robot safety simple,” said Terkel Douglas, Investment Manager at Scale Capital. “As robots become more common-place in our daily lives, safety becomes critical. By pushing the technical limits of sensing technology, Sonair has moved the robotics world several steps forward in a safe and cost-effective way. This is European deep tech at its best.”
Source: sonair.com