Ainstein, a leader in intelligent radar systems, has announced the launch and availability of the K-79 autonomous automotive imaging radar sensor, the first commercially available sensor that is optimised and validated for autonomous operation of vehicles in hazardous conditions, such as low-light and extreme dust. It is designed for use in self-driving industrial trucks, tractors and similar specialty vehicles. A custom K-79 based sensing solution is currently being piloted by an industry leading organisation to automate mining excavation and material removal. In this application it enables unmanned operation of borer miners and a bridge conveyor to automate excavation and removing excavated material, a much safer and highly productive solution for underground mining.

“There is an urgent market need for sensors that provide LiDAR-like images, but that can function effectively where LiDAR is compromised, such as extremely bright, extremely dim, dusty and similar conditions,” said Andrew Boushie, Ainstein’s Vice President of Strategy and Partnerships. “These extreme conditions can make existing camera and LiDAR solutions unreliable. For industry to adopt autonomous driving technology, it is essential that functionality is near flawless in all environments.”

Ainstein’s Autonomous Automotive Imaging Radar K-79 produces a high-resolution, detailed point cloud of a vehicle’s surroundings for both moving objectives, such as other vehicles; as well as stationary objects, including railings, idled equipment and buildings. Other key features include:

• Pinpoints the location of objects and provides range, speed, azimuth and elevation information.
• Creates a 2D point cloud mapping of surroundings.
• Capable of producing 3D shapes of detected objects, offering LiDAR-like image quality in poor conditions.
• Allows for target classification to distinguish between vehicles and pedestrians.

This functionality opens unlimited possibilities for all types of autonomous vehicles, including self-driving excavators and various types of mining machines. A custom K-79 based sensing solution is currently being piloted by an industry leading organisation to automate mining excavation and material removal. “The K-79 combines advanced algorithms in imaging and localisation, and radar system design, which allows Ainstein to leverage low-cost commercial radar components to provide a 4D radar point cloud with the most granular details of surroundings at a fraction of the cost of LiDAR systems.”