What if I do not use IO-Link on our mobile equipment?

The R2D radar sensor has both digital and analog outputs for distance and velocity.

Is a CAN version available?

Not currently, but in development for availabilty soon.

How do I program the device?

ifm's VisionAssistant is a free software used for most of our vision-based solutions. Other options include moneo|configure standalone programming software or moneo| IIoT software platform.

Can the R2D radar sensor be used outside the US?

Not currently. The device only has FCC approval for the US market. In the near future, the sensor will have approvals for other countries.

Is mounting orientation critical?

No. The radar sensor has a built-in inclination sensor that can detect the orientation of the mounting automatically. With the click of a button, the sensor will load and store the current mounting orientation.

Does the sensor have functional safety approval / certificate?

No. We have not implemented functional safety in the device at this time.

Mobile control systems
Radar sensor for collision avoidance

Robust and reliable radar sensor for collision avoidance

Advanced radar technology enables reliable object detection under harsh environmental conditions. Frequency modulated continuous wave radar technology combined with doppler effect enables the sensor to detect distance, position, speed, and the direction of movements of multiple objects.

The robustness of radar technology, the wide range of operating temperature, and the high protection rating makes them perfect for outdoor applications.


Distance	Position	Direction	Speed

Applications

Obstacle detection and collision avoidance
Detects obstacles around the moving mobile equipment before a collision happens.
Displays the process values of the nearest obstacles and alerts the driver in real time.
Supports the drivers in monitoring blind spots.

Position detection of vehicles
Ignores fog, steam, and smoke that "blinds" most vision-based technology.
Detects vehicle in a car wash reliably before automatic washing starts.

Load height and speed detection
Simultaneously detects belt speed and conveyor load height without contact.
Users can calculate volume of the loads with this information.

Distance and height monitoring
Detects the ground and measures the height of crops reliably.
Impervious to dust that is challenging for vision-based technology and wind that adversely affects ultrasonic technology.

Collision avoidance in airports -- Belt-loader use case

Millions of people fly each day and airports must be efficient and safe. A reliable collision avoidance system ensure safe operation during loading and unloading of cargo.

Radar sensors detect the parked airplane as the belt-loader approaches. It signals the machine to slow down when it enters a danger zone and stops the machine at a predetermined distance.

The operator then has control, using other sensing technologies, to move the belt-loader the final few inches and land the belt safely in the cargo.

Radar sensor uses wide angle field of view (in red) to detect the plane as the belt-loader approaches

System overview

The radar sensors can be connected in an architecture using ioControl I/O modules or IO-Link masters as desired.

Connection architecture for motor control with HMI controller, I/O, and CAN connections. — ioContol I/O modules are available with DEUTSCH connectors or M12 A-coded connectors

IO-Link communicates to the controller via Ethernet and uses standard M12 patchcords for sensor connection

ecomat Display / Controller -- Robust and powerful controller with HMI display controls the machine and visualizes the health of the whole system.
Radar sensors -- Mounted on both sides of the belt for mid- to long-range obstacle detection and speed monitoring. Provide maximum reliability of airplane detection and collision avoidance.
Ultrasonic sensors -- Provide precision distance measurement of the last centimeters to the airplane so the machine is as close as possible. Leaves a minimal gap between the belt and cargo door, providing a complete and robust collision avoidance system.
Photoelectric sensor -- Measures the ground height and provides feedback to the control system during belt auto-leveling.
Inductive sensors -- Detect the steering wheel position to prevent damage to the cargo door frames due to unintended drifting of the belt-loader.

Technical highlights

FMCW radar technology
77 GHz with 4 GHz bandwidth
Standard and long range operating modes
Adjustable wide angle field of view (± 70º and ± 15º)
3D point cloud and process values (distance, velocity, xyz position, reflected power, etc.)
Warning for sensor blockage
IO-Link communication (COM3); CAN-bus
Digital switching and analog outputs available (SIO mode)
Built-in inclination sensors detects the mounting orientation automatically
Programmable via VisionAssistant (free download) or moneo| IIoT software platform

Product article number

Currently available:
Wide beam sensor
	R2D200	77 GHz IO-Link enabled Switching and analog outputs ± 70º x ± 30º wide angle FoV Easy parameterization via ifm Vision Assistant

Preorder -- Your ifm sales engineer will be happy to discuss your application and take preorders.
	R2D201	77 GHz CAN interface Switching and analog outputs ± 70º x ± 30º wide angle FoV Easy parameterization via ifm Vision Assistant