Sonair unveils ‘world’s first’ safety-certified 3D ultrasonic sensor for human-robot collaboration

Sonair has launched ADAR One, the first 3D ultrasonic sensor to receive independent safety certification for human-robot collaboration. By utilizing acoustic detection and ranging (ADAR) instead of traditional light-based systems, the sensor provides 180°×180° spatial awareness to eliminate blind spots common in 2D laser scanners. This development is significant for the robotics sector as it provides a certified safety layer that allows autonomous mobile robots and industrial machinery to operate more closely and safely with human workers.

ADAR One addresses a critical bottleneck in the robotics industry where safety infrastructure has lagged behind AI-driven capabilities. Unlike traditional 2D laser scanners that only monitor a single plane, Sonair’s 3D ultrasonic technology detects obstacles and personnel at all heights, offering a comprehensive safety perimeter. The sensor is designed for easy integration with a small footprint that can be embedded flush into various robot forms, including humanoid models. CEO Knut Sandven noted that the technology serves as a foundational safety layer that independently verifies space safety beneath a robot's AI or motion systems.

The sensor has achieved rigorous industrial certifications, including the IEC 61496 standard for electrosensitive protection devices and the ISO 13849 universal standard for safety-related control systems. It is rated at Safety Integrity Level 2 (SIL 2) and Performance Level d (PL d), with a probability of dangerous failure per hour (PFH) of less than 1.5 x 10⁻7. Notably, ADAR One is the first safety-certified embedded system developed using the Rust programming language, which was chosen for its performance and reliability in high-risk industrial environments.

Following a year-long beta program involving over 80 global robotics companies, ADAR One is now in series production and shipping to customers. A key early adopter is beRobox, a specialist in palletizing and de-palletizing solutions, which has signed an agreement to integrate the sensor into its future automated systems. This partnership highlights the sensor's utility in high-throughput industrial settings where machines and humans must share tight spaces. The certification from exida, a notified body under the Machinery Directive, ensures that the product meets essential health and safety requirements for European markets.