- Mobile industry
- Collision avoidance
- O3M: 3D cameras
O3M 3D: Innovative AI camera for operator and collision protection
Discover the world's first 2D/3D PMD camera with ifm Deep Learning, developed and manufactured by the ifm team in Germany specifically for mobile machines. The O3M AI provides precise person detection and real-time collision protection. By fusing 2D and 3D data, the camera detects pedestrians up to 25 meters away, operating reliably in various lighting and weather conditions.
With ifm Vision Assistant software, the O3M AI is easy to configure and update. The robust camera design sets new standards for safety and efficiency in mobile machines, ensuring protection for people and equipment. The O3M AI helps reduce downtime, increase machine availability, and lower operational costs.
The O3M AI complies with all European and global safety standards, making it the ideal solution for protecting employees and optimizing work processes.
With ifm's 3D mobile camera system, machines can:
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React to obstacles before the driver sees them
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Automatically stop when an object enters their path to prevent accidents
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Change vehicle operating speed to avoid collisions with other support vehicles
Deep learning at the highest level
ifm developed the world's first 2D/3D PMD camera with artificial intelligence that complies with global standards. The hardware, software, and AI algorithms are all made in Germany. Everything is from a single source – made by ifm.
Customizable logic
The O3M AI allows custom logic and mathematical functions to preprocess data and display individual overlays in the video stream. The ifm Vision Assistant software has an intuitive drag-and-drop interface to simplify setup.
Outstanding image quality
The 2D AI camera has exceptional light sensitivity and delivers razor-sharp images for reliable person detection. The video stream is transmitted via Fast Ethernet and supports H.264, H.265 and MJPEG.
PMD time-of-flight technology
The PMD time-of-flight technology detects scenes and objects in three dimensions with a single image capture and no motion blur. The scene is illuminated by modulated, invisible infrared light, and the reflected light hits the PMD sensor.
High-performance measuring system
Thanks to patented PMD technology, the sensors offers high repeatability even on materials with different reflectivity. The multi-phase measuring system detects interference from dust or water mist.
Sophisticated algorithm
Using an advanced automotive algorithm and a frame rate of up to 50 frames per second, the sensor quickly and reliably calculates 3D data. Specially modulated infrared light achieves a high recognition rate even on reflective materials, with a minimum response time of 40 milliseconds.
Integrated diagnostics
Standard interfaces include CAN with J1939 or CANopen and Fast Ethernet. Self-diagnostic functions continuously monitor the system status from sensor to IR illumination unit.
Long range
The sensor can detect objects up to 35 meters in typical environments and up to 50 meters on reflective objects. Each pixel on the PMD chip calculates distance based on the phase shift between transmitted and received signals.
Extraneous light suppression
Active suppression of background illumination prevents saturation of the image sensor by external light. This allows operation even in bright sunlight up to 120 klx.
Person detection for forklift trucks
Challenges
Warehouse shelving, goods, and loads often obstruct a forklift truck driver's view. The unpredictable movement of workers and varying travel paths require the driver to react quickly to avoid collisions.
Benefits of the O3M AI
- Precise detection of workers and obstacles up to 25 meters away
- Reliable performance in varying lighting conditions and complex environments, thanks to the fusion of 3D and 2D data
- Collision warnings can be focused on people to reduce false alarms
Area monitoring for construction machines
Challenges
Dust, dirt, and poor lighting often impair the operator’s visibility. Construction sites are typically cluttered and require quick reactions to unexpected obstacles or people.
Benefits of the O3M AI
- Detects pedestrians and objects up to 25 meters away
- Operates reliably in all weather and lighting conditions
- Issues warnings only when there is a real risk of collision, minimizing unnecessary alerts for the operator
Collision protection for refuse collection vehicles
Challenges
Drivers of refuse collection vehicles often have limited visibility, especially when reversing. Narrow streets with many obstacles and pedestrians crossing unexpectedly increase the risk of accidents.
Benefits of the O3M AI
- Real-time, accurate differentiation between pedestrians and other objects, such as vehicles
- Early detection of people and proactive collision prevention up to 25 meters away
- Avoids false collision warnings caused by small obstacles (e.g. branches), focusing on protecting human life
Collision avoidance in harbour areas
Challenges
Harbour vehicles often operate in tight, high-traffic spaces with numerous blind spots. The risk of accidents increases in areas where people are inattentive or unaware of nearby vehicles.
Benefits of the O3M AI
- Accurate detection of people and objects up to 25 meters away
- Intelligent warning alarms are triggered only when there is a real collision risk involving a person
- Early warnings help minimize accidents, improve vehicle availability, and reduce both insurance claims and employer liability premiums
