Dependable Sensor Test Lab
The DSTeL is used to validate function, performance and functional safety for the development of safety-rated sensor technology.
Camera view into the Dependable Sensor Test Lab, Photo: JOANNEUM RESEARCH/Holzfeind
Why Sensor Technology?
The demand for research and development in the field of sensors has significantly increased in recent years. Autonomous driving, for example, is a well-known concept. But what does it have to do with sensors? Sensor technology is not only important for the extended functionality of the overall system, but also for safety.
Technological Progress
Modern production processes equipped with robots are often constrained by the limits of sensor technology. Robots can be made more efficient through various programs. Sensors that secure workspaces, for instance, require extensively recalibration, setup and sometimes certification. This is a contradiction to modern and flexible production, which we are trying to resolve in our Dependable Sensor Test Lab (DSTeL). Here, we have the opportunity to test modern sensors, specifically those with Time-of-Flight (ToF) and radar technology, for their functionality and agility. This exploration allows us to discover novel applications and develop more flexible ways of using the sensors. This includes, for example, their use in a speed and separation application. This research needs an evaluation of the entire sensor chain - from the sensor to the end effector. This is the only way to obtain an overall view of an industrial plant, as these components must be inextricably linked.
Sponsor
The Dependable Sensor Test Lab was funded by EFRE, REACT-EU and KWF .
