High-precision LiDAR laser measurement technology is integrated into the compact and integration-friendly housing of the sensor for 3D object detection, which evaluates a total of four scan planes and can therefore detect and measure objects in their length, width and height. Various design innovations in the sensor ensure high detection reliability and availability even in demanding applications.

With a height of just 58 millimetres, the very compact and space-saving R2300 is a 3D LiDAR sensor (Light Detection And Ranging) for optical angle and distance measurement in stationary and mobile applications. With the help of four slightly fanned scanning planes - generated by a rotating mirror cube inside the sensor housing - a non-contact 3D scan of the surroundings is made possible.

The R2300 multi-layer scanner. © Pepperl + Fuchs

The R2300 from Pepperl + Fuchs has a measuring range opening angle of 100°, offers large measuring ranges of up to ten meters on bright objects and up to four meters on dark surfaces, a measuring rate of 50 kHz and selectable scan rates of 12.5 or 25 Hz with up to 4,000 pixels per scan. The multi-layer scanner therefore covers the most important requirements of a wide range of applications. It is also possible to customize the monitoring field - either by selectively masking outer areas of the detection field or by mounting a second R2300 side-by-side, which increases the field of view to 180°. A unique selling point for 3D sensors is the low angular resolution of just 0.1°, which, according to the company, no other comparable LiDAR or multi-layer sensor currently achieves. In conjunction with the small infrared light spot typical of lasers, the R2300 is able to reliably detect even delicate object structures and contours.

Designed for high robustness and availability
The application scenarios for the R2300 - including intralogistics, mobile equipment and robotics - made it necessary to design the multi-layer scanner to be particularly robust. For this reason, the sensor housing is made of robust plastic and the electronics are permanently installed in the sensor head and thus protected against vibrations. The R2300's Pulse Ranging Technology (PRT) not only ensures extensive independence from object and surface properties, but also maximum immunity to interference from ambient light, HF lamps and optical reflections from the operating environment. Another unique feature of the R2300 in the multi-layer scanner market is the mechanical separation of the transmitter and receiver within the optical unit. The separating element in the sensor head reliably prevents an optical short circuit, which can occur if the windshield is dirty and reflects part of the emitted light directly back onto the receiver element. As a result, the R2300 guarantees continuously correct measurement results and a high level of detection reliability in the application - with significantly reduced maintenance requirements. For the user, this means minimized downtimes, significantly longer cleaning intervals and improved availability and process reliability.

Pilot laser simplifies commissioning
The integrated pilot laser of the R2300 makes it easier to align the sensor to surfaces or specific targets during commissioning. It is switched on for alignment and is only active during commissioning. No other aids are required - because the red, visible laser beam is identical to the actual infrared measuring laser.

Measured value output as raw data
The R2300 outputs measured values for angle, distance and remission with the corresponding time stamp. The data is transmitted via the sensor's Ethernet interface, allowing it to be made available to a wide range of automation systems. In the foreseeable future, the R2300 will not only be available in a switching version, but will also offer additional connection options that can be integrated easily and cost-effectively thanks to the flexible interface module.