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Sonair unveils ‘world’s first’ safety-certified 3D ultrasonic sensor for human-robot collaboration

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While the AI boom has made robots significantly more capable, the accompanying safety infrastructure has struggled to keep pace.

Traditional 2D laser scanners, which are widely used to define safety perimeters for most mobile robotic systems, are unable to detect people and obstacles above or below a single plane.

“The bottleneck to safe human-robot coexistence isn’t intelligence or speed,” said Knut Sandven, CEO of Sonair. “It’s safe perception; knowing reliably under any condition, that a human is nearby.

This milestone certification is the first time a 3D sensor has been independently verified to meet that bar using sound instead of light – a new sensing modality that complements cameras where they fall short.” [Read more…] about Sonair unveils ‘world’s first’ safety-certified 3D ultrasonic sensor for human-robot collaboration

Sonair to debut ultrasonic 3D sensor at Modex event

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Sonair, a pioneer in ultrasonic 3D sensing, is introducing its award-winning ADAR (Acoustic Detection and Ranging) sensor to the North American market with its official debut at Modex 2026, Booth #B15851, April 13-16.

The technology arrives in Atlanta following its first commercial deployment in serial production on Cleanfix’s new autonomous cleaning robots. [Read more…] about Sonair to debut ultrasonic 3D sensor at Modex event

Sonair raises $6 million to accelerate launch of ‘world’s first safe 3D ultrasonic sensor for robots’

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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. With $6 million in new funding the company can capture its global target market segments and establish a new category for robotic perception.

After a strong market debut earlier this year, ADAR (acoustic detection and ranging) is now shipping to manufacturers in Asia, Europe and North America.

The sensor uses sound waves in air to give robots a precise, real-time 3D view of their surroundings, helping them operate safely in shared spaces.

Sonair is safety-certifying to PLd ISO13849 / SIL IEC 61508. An industry-first for 3D ultrasonic sensing, with the company now moving fast to meet rising, global demand. [Read more…] about Sonair raises $6 million to accelerate launch of ‘world’s first safe 3D ultrasonic sensor for robots’

Sonair to debut ‘world’s first’ safe 3D ultrasonic sensor for autonomous robots at Automate 2025

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Sonair ADAR (acoustic detection and ranging), the world’s first safe 3D ultrasonic sensor designed to boost safety in spaces shared by humans and robots will debut to North American audiences May 12 at Automate 2025, one of the world’s leading automation trade shows.

Sonair, the Norwegian sensor firm behind the award-winning sensor, was selected from a crowded field of contenders to participate in the prestigious Automate Startup Challenge.

Knut Sandven, CEO, Sonair, says: “Safety just got a lot simpler – and better adapted to detect people. [Read more…] about Sonair to debut ‘world’s first’ safe 3D ultrasonic sensor for autonomous robots at Automate 2025

Sonair raises $6.8 million to develop ‘breakthrough’ 3D ultrasonic sensor

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Sonair has closed a new funding round, led by Skyfall Ventures, to “propel the robotics industry into a new era of sensing technology”.

The investment introduces a completely new category of sensors that will transform a mobile robot’s spatial awareness from 2D to 3D, offering a significantly improved safety performance over traditional vision systems while cutting costs by 50-80 percent.

The company’s Early Access Program now counts AMR manufacturers, automakers, and distributors from across the world. [Read more…] about Sonair raises $6.8 million to develop ‘breakthrough’ 3D ultrasonic sensor

Sonair claims ‘breakthrough’ 3D ultrasonic sensor for autonomous robots

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Sonair, previously operating in stealth, has revealed its innovative developments in sensor technology designed to improve safety in industrial automation.

The company also announced the upcoming launch of their first evaluation kit this summer, signaling a significant advancement in the field of robotic and machine autonomy.

The Sonair 3D ultrasonic sensor allows AMRs to detect distance and direction to all objects in a 180×180 field of view, up to a five-meter range. Combined with 2D images and AI, the outcome is confident navigation. [Read more…] about Sonair claims ‘breakthrough’ 3D ultrasonic sensor for autonomous robots