Applications of 3D Sensors in the 3 Most Crucial Sectors in the World

Smartphones, computer tablets, and automobiles keep upgrading every passing year. These days, we are able to control the activities of these gadgets via body motions, simple gestures, and even facial recognition; doesn't that sound like science fiction? In the present day, advanced lasers—particularly, diode lasers with 3D sensing capabilities— have changed how we engage with technology.

What is 3D Sensing?

Three-dimensional (3D) sensing is the process of electrically acquiring width, length, and depth information and using this information to enhance the interfaces between human beings, machines, and the surrounding world. 3D sensing technology enables robots to "view" humans and substances in a comprehensive and meaningful manner by using near-infrared light reflection, photography, geometric concepts, and powerful processing power.

How Do 3D Sensors Function?

The technique of 3D sensing is based on projecting a light source at an item and collecting the reflected light waves to detect the form and position of the object. A critical factor is the continuous analysis of a particular projected wavelength known as the "desired signal" all through the procedure.

Optical components shape and guide incoming light waves to maximize the lighting pattern of the preferred signal. Focusing optics, on the return path funnel, redirects all the light into a filter, which segregates the intended signal from erroneous light signals. This light is then sent to a sensor, which calculates shape, distance, and depth.

What are the Different Applications of 3D Sensors?

Certainly, the most visible application of 3D sensing is in today's smartphones. Through facial recognition, user-facing 3D scanning increases security, whereas world-facing 3D sensing opens up new possibilities for augmented reality and high-performance depth sensing photography. As the demand for 3D camera technology expands, so will the manufacturing volumes of illumination sources, LAS filters, and specialized diffusers. Here are some amazing applications of 3D sensors in various industrial verticals.

1. Automotive

Initially, the automotive sector appeared to be an odd consumer of 3D sensing technology. Since the advent of autonomous vehicles and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), facilitated by 5G and the IoT, 3D sensing has evolved into a critical component of road safety. LiDAR systems provide short and long-range 3D sensing, allowing vehicles to assess their surroundings automatically in real time.

2. Consumer Electronics

Biometric scanning and other innovative 3D sensing technologies are reshaping the consumer electronics industry. Laptops and tablets also used 3D sensors to enable motion sensing, augmented reality, virtual reality, and security functions. In addition, Microsoft Kinect's gesture recognition capabilities, which transformed the home gaming industry, have now evolved to multi-player 3D position tracking, facial expression identification, and touchless heart rate monitoring.

3. Industrial

ToF and structured light technologies are used by agile robots operating in highly dynamic situations to quickly recognize work objects and barriers. With 3D sensing, automated warehouse order fulfilment can be accomplished on a gigantic scale while monitoring product damage and other non-conformances more effectively.

Humans, robots, and machinery working in confined areas can pose safety and security problems. 3D sensing technology is used in potentially sensitive environments such as power plants, sawmills, and data centers to identify harmful situations and distinguish persons based on facial traits. To avoid accidents, injuries, or unauthorized entrance, the facilities and equipment are automatically shut off.

Is 3D Sensing Going to Linger around for Long?

For nearly 30 years, Lumentum has been at the frontline of photonics technology. It is a leading global 3D-sensing component maker with the ability to scale from thousands to millions of devices per year for shifting consumer and industrial markets. There are many other players, such as Lmi Technologies Inc., Samsung, Cognex Corporation, Microchip Technology Inc., Infineon Technologies Ag, and many others, in the global 3D sensor market that are bringing in novel developments in 3D sensing technology.

3D sensing technology is a significant revolutionary technology. As this technology uses optical technology to mirror the human visual system, it will boost the rise and integration of augmented reality, AI (Artificial Intelligence), and the Internet of Things (IoT). Thus, novel possibilities for using 3D sensors in consumer applications are sure to arise in the upcoming years. Undeniably, this groundbreaking technology is here to stay and prove to be useful in many other advanced technologies.

About the Author(s)

Princy A. J

Princy holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. University at Chennai, India. After a successful academic record, she pursued her passion for writing. A thorough professional and enthusiastic writer, she enjoys writing on various categories and advancements in the global industries. She plays an instrumental role in writing about current updates, news, blogs, and trends.