Self-Cleaning LiDAR Innovation to Revolutionise Mining Automation
In a ground-breaking step for the mining and autonomous vehicle industries, ExcelSense Technologies has unveiled the world’s first self-cleaning optical shield for LiDAR systems, aptly named LidarShield™.
This cutting-edge technology is set to eliminate one of the biggest operational hurdles—constant maintenance due to environmental contamination. Designed for rugged environments such as mines and quarries, LidarShield™ is compatible with Ouster’s high-performance OS family of sensors, which are already widely used in autonomous mining operations
The official pre-production debut is scheduled for MINExpo 2024 in Las Vegas, where ExcelSense will showcase the power and potential of this game-changing technology.
A Solution Born Out of Necessity
Anyone familiar with autonomous mining operations knows the challenges posed by the harsh environments in which these systems operate. Dust, mud, and various contaminants often clog or obstruct optical systems, causing significant downtime for cleaning and maintenance. For years, this issue has hindered the widespread adoption of LiDAR systems in industries that rely on precise remote monitoring, such as mining and autonomous vehicles.
Enter ExcelSense Technologies, a leader in self-cleaning, maintenance-free optical systems, to address this problem head-on. With their new LidarShield™, ExcelSense is introducing a revolutionary solution designed specifically to combat environmental challenges that plague LiDAR sensors.
According to Nima Nabavi, Founder and CEO of ExcelSense: “LidarShield™ was born out of direct requests from industry leaders for continuously available 3D scanning technology, which is integral to the function of autonomous equipment. ExcelSense’s maintenance-free self-cleaning technology ensures that Ouster’s advanced and high-performance sensors realise their potential without being at the mercy of field conditions. It is truly unmatched in the industry.”
Why LidarShield™ is a Game-Changer
LidarShield™ offers continuous self-cleaning capabilities, ensuring that autonomous equipment operates without interruption, even in the harshest conditions. Mining environments, in particular, subject sensors to extreme temperatures, dust, debris, and impact—all of which can impair sensor functionality. With LidarShield™, these obstacles are eliminated, making it a must-have solution for industries reliant on autonomous technology.
“LiDAR sensors are invaluable in autonomous mining,” says Cyrille Jacquement, Senior Vice President of Global Sales at Ouster. “ExcelSense’s self-cleaning LidarShield™ ensures full-scale deployments are consistently successful under extreme conditions. We’re excited about the potential for LidarShield™ to maximise the performance of our sensors and minimise downtime in the mining industry’s autonomous and remote monitoring operations.”
Key Features of LidarShield™
- Maintenance-Free Operation: No need for manual cleaning or maintenance, thanks to the self-cleaning design.
- High Compatibility: Works seamlessly with Ouster’s OS0 and OS1 3D LiDAR sensors.
- Durability: Provides rugged protection against extreme temperatures, vibration, and impacts.
- Field-Proven Technology: LidarShield™ is based on ExcelSense’s long-standing expertise, with optical systems deployed across 15 countries and various industrial environments.
This level of innovation extends the operational life of autonomous systems and reduces both downtime and operating costs, making it a valuable investment for any business operating in demanding environments.
ExcelSense’s Proven Track Record
ExcelSense is no stranger to pushing boundaries in industrial optics. Their ToughEye-1700™ and SensorShield-1600™ systems are already in use at leading potash mines across the globe. These systems have set the standard for dust and contaminant-resistant optical technology, allowing for uninterrupted AI-based image analysis on notoriously dusty conveyor belts.
One striking example of this is the application of ExcelSense’s technology in teleoperated mining equipment. By integrating their cameras into shotcrete-spraying robots used in underground mines, ExcelSense has dramatically increased operational efficiency, improving remote control rates from 50% to 90%.
Their technology has been described as “game-changing” by the Canadian Institute of Mining, and for good reason. Unlike conventional systems that require frequent fluid top-ups, nozzle cleanings, and compressor maintenance, ExcelSense’s systems boast an astonishing 11-year maintenance-free lifespan in many applications.
Environmental Sustainability and Cost Savings
In an industry where downtime means lost revenue, the introduction of a maintenance-free optical system like LidarShield™ offers substantial cost savings. Conventional systems require constant upkeep, with downtime for cleaning, repair, and maintenance eating into operational efficiency. By eliminating this need, ExcelSense’s self-cleaning technology delivers unparalleled reliability, reducing both operational costs and environmental impact.
ExcelSense’s systems, including LidarShield™, are also designed with sustainability in mind. They remove a wide variety of contaminants—wet or dry, mud, grease, oil, and even crystallising substances like salt and potash—without the use of any fluids or chemicals. This not only helps reduce the environmental footprint but also ensures smooth operation in some of the most challenging conditions known to industry.
MINExpo and Beyond
The mining and autonomous equipment industries are eager to see the pre-production model of LidarShield™ in action at MINExpo 2024 in Las Vegas. This event will allow industry professionals to witness firsthand the capabilities of this revolutionary technology. ExcelSense will be showcasing the LidarShield™ at their booth located in the Canada Pavilion in front of Canada Cafe (booths #1221, #1630, and #1632). The full-scale commercial release of LidarShield™ is expected in 2025, a timeline that promises to further revolutionise the mining and autonomous systems sector.
As ExcelSense continues to expand its product line, LidarShield™ represents just one facet of their broader mission: to ensure that industrial vision systems are no longer constrained by the environmental conditions in which they operate.
The Future of Autonomous Mining
It’s clear that the future of mining is autonomous, and technologies like ExcelSense’s LidarShield™ will be at the forefront of that transformation. With their proven track record of innovation and commitment to rugged, maintenance-free solutions, ExcelSense is well-positioned to lead the charge in enabling reliable autonomous operations in the most demanding industrial environments.
As the global mining industry continues to adopt more autonomous technologies, the importance of reliable, self-sustaining sensors and optical systems cannot be overstated. ExcelSense is setting a new standard, ensuring that businesses can reduce downtime, lower maintenance costs, and improve operational efficiency—all while maintaining a commitment to environmental sustainability.
