Jabil is developing a 3D omnidirectional vision system for autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and collaborative robots. Jabil’s optical design center in Jena, Germany is developing the 3D time-of-flight (ToF) depth sensor that offers a 360° x 60° field of view at 30fps.

Jabil said the immersive field of view of its omnidirectional sensor will allow for detection and tracking of objects in a robot’s path. The goal is to improve both obstacle avoidance and worker safety. Jabil said the ultra-wide field of view sensor lowers system costs by reducing the number of depth sensors required to support obstacle detection and collision avoidance.

“A mission of Analog Devices is to enable the autonomous mobile robot revolution by providing high performance and highly differentiated signal chains that bridge the gap between the analog and digital worlds,” said Donnacha O’Riordan, director of Analog Devices. “The Jabil omnidirectional sensor is one of the most innovative implementations of the ADI depth-sensing technology we have encountered. Jabil’s wide field-of-view, depth-sensing approach is opening up new possibilities for human interaction with robots.”

Jabil said its use of scene information to dynamically control illumination reduces sensor noise, while improving both data quality and power management.

“Our design goal is to provide customers with optimal sensor performance in the smallest, lowest cost and lowest power solution possible,” said Ian Blasch, senior director of business development, Jabil Optics. “Factors such as data formats, on-sensor processing and connectivity are moving targets in the quickly evolving robotics industry. Our beta-testing program for the omnidirectional sensor will allow us to continue to collect targeted feedback from customers and partners in the robotics ecosystem.”

The Jabil omnidirectional sensor beta development kit is available. You can submit a request for the kit here.