// ROBOTICS AND SMART FACTORIES TERM
Sensor Fusion
Combining data from multiple sensors to get a more complete, accurate, or reliable understanding of a situation than any single sensor could provide.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Sensor Fusion is the process of integrating data from diverse sensors (e.g., vision, lidar, force, temperature) to achieve a more robust, accurate, and comprehensive perception of an environment or object, crucial for autonomous systems and quality control in smart factories.
BACKGROUND
Fusion power is a potential method of electric power generation from heat released by nuclear fusion reactions. In fusion, two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus and release energy. Devices that use this process are known as fusion reactors.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Multi-sensor integration
- Data merging
- Sensor data combination
- Information fusion
USAGE NOTE
Used in autonomous vehicles and advanced robotics to enhance perception and decision-making.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Sensor Fusion.
Siemens is a global technology powerhouse focusing on industrial automation, digitalization, and smart infrastructure. They develop sensor fusion technologies for their MindSphere industrial IoT platform, digital twin solutions, and factory automation systems to provide comprehensive operational insights, predictive maintenance, and optimized process control in manufacturing environments.
A subsidiary of Bosch, Bosch Rexroth specializes in drive and control technologies for industrial applications. They integrate sensor fusion into their smart factory solutions, leveraging data from various sensors (e.g., vibration, temperature, pressure, vision) for condition monitoring, predictive maintenance, quality control, and autonomous mobile robot navigation in Industry 4.0 settings.
Honeywell develops advanced industrial control systems, automation solutions, and IIoT platforms. They apply sensor fusion in manufacturing for enhanced situational awareness, process optimization, safety systems, and asset performance management, combining data from various field devices and smart sensors to create a holistic view of operations.
Rockwell Automation is a leading provider of industrial automation and information solutions. Their platforms, such as FactoryTalk, leverage sensor fusion to integrate data from diverse sources across the factory floor, enabling real-time decision-making, improved operational efficiency, and advanced control for smart manufacturing and Industry 5.0 applications.
ABB is a global leader in robotics, industrial automation, and power grids. They extensively use sensor fusion in their robotic solutions for precision guidance, object detection, environmental mapping, and safe human-robot collaboration. This involves combining data from vision systems, laser scanners, force sensors, and other inputs for complex manufacturing tasks.
A leading manufacturer of industrial robots and CNC machines, FANUC incorporates sensor fusion into its advanced robotic systems. This technology is crucial for tasks requiring high precision and adaptability, such as vision-guided picking, force-controlled assembly, and collision avoidance, integrating data from vision sensors, force sensors, and tactile sensors.
SICK is a major manufacturer of industrial sensors and sensor solutions for factory, logistics, and process automation. They develop and integrate technologies that facilitate sensor fusion, allowing multiple sensor types (e.g., photoelectric, proximity, vision, safety scanners) to work together to provide comprehensive data for quality control, measurement, and safety applications in manufacturing.
Cognex specializes in machine vision systems, software, and sensors used in factory automation. While primarily focused on vision, their solutions often integrate with other sensor modalities (e.g., laser profilers, 3D sensors) for comprehensive inspection, guidance, and identification tasks, effectively performing sensor fusion to provide robust industrial automation solutions.