Control equipment using radar sensors –
Non-contact & active operation of technical devices
Radar technology enables you to obtain information about objects in the surroundings without contact. An antenna emits microwaves at the speed of light that are reflected by objects or persons within range and then received again. Through analysis of the received signals, it is possible to locate objects in space, because radar provides data such as speed, direction of movement, distance, and angular position.
This information is also available to technical devices. This provides our equipment with a means to perceive and react to its surroundings. If we fit machines, devices, or vehicles with radar sensors, we imbue state-of-art technology with a kind of artificial sensory organ. But this provides us not only with a means of reaction, but also of interaction. Sensors are therefore not just used for automation but also enable active, contact-free control. With a deliberate motion, we can thus trigger a technical function. We are already making good use of this non-contact operating method.
Four applications that rely on radar technology are described below.
Active interaction: touchless switches
We consciously use this non-contact technology to avoid contact with a surface, for example. For this purpose, proximity detectors are normally used. They react to movements or a presence right in front of the control panel. The person deliberately controls a technical process by moving their hand or finger close to the panel. The radar sensors substitute the function of a push-button switch. Instead of using a button, we now trigger the same action without actual skin contact by making a swiping motion. Wherever a switch is currently in use, the non-contact alternative can be implemented instead. For example, when opening train doors, using a parking ticket machine, operating a coffee machine, flushing the toilet, or flipping a light switch. Some sensors also have a hold function. As long as a person places their hand in front of the sensor, the function is activated. A typical example would be filling a drink in a cup with a vending machine.
Active interaction: kick sensor
The principle of the touchless switch works with more than hand movements. Technical functions can also be actively controlled using your foot. Radar detects any motion and can also distinguish between relevant and irrelevant movements if equipped with advanced signal analysis. While hygiene plays a major role in the previous example application, foot control is more of a convenience. If the operator just does not have a free hand, foot-kick control is more practical. For example, someone loading their vehicle might find it handy move their foot under the bumper to open the boot. You can find more information about kick sensor here.
Active interaction: gesture control
As sensor technology advances, more and more sensor-controlled products are being launched. And the next innovation is in the starting blocks: gesture control ushers in a new era of contact-free operation of devices or installations. The challenge here is to recognise extremely slight movements in three dimensions. In a second step, the system must identify the gesture to be a detection pattern and reliably recognise it. This requires complex signal processing by means of complex and intelligent algorithms.
A first commercial application, although in a very simple form, is gesture control in the area of entertainment. For example, you can navigate games consoles and TVs using a swipe motion. This modern method of operation has also been introduced in automobiles. Instead of switches, cameras or sensors record defined hand movements to control the infotainment system in the cockpit. And InnoSenT is also involved in the research field of radar-based gesture control. The technology is designed to make the driver less distracted from road traffic and enable easier use.
Active interaction: cooperation in smart factories
A next step for active, non-contact control is robotics or, more precisely: interaction between humans and machines. In this sort of cooperation, robots not only take on simple, mechanical steps like before – they also assist the human with their work. But these tasks still pose very great challenges for modern sensor technology. Besides struggling with the extreme accuracy and reliability required, current solutions have particular trouble handling data processing and communication between mechanical components and sensors. However, the technology’s rapid development in recent years has enabled cooperation between humans and machines to shift into the near future. As radar technology shows great potential for this area, InnoSenT is also working intensely on research and development for the most complex type of active control – robot sensor technology.
Contactless is the future.
The non-contact control system is by no means futuristic. It supports us in many things, offering real added value. The advantages of contactless control through radar are very significant, meaning they will quickly win over other industries. You’ll learn what these benefits are from our blog article entitled ‘Interacting without touching technology’. In addition to active, non-contact control, radar technology also boasts applications for passive control. The blog article entitled ‘Automate technical functions with radar sensors’ broaches the topic of automation.
Header Picture Source: © zephyr_p by adobe stock
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Building Automation & Smart Home
Contactless and intelligent control for modern technology
Radar sensors take on many tasks for us, thus making our everyday lives easier, safer, and more efficient. They are a kind of sensory organ for objects for perceiving their surroundings. These technological assistants open up new possibilities for operating devices: contactless interaction between humans and devices. The sensors are the link for triggering or automating certain actions without contact or automating them.