Lasers, radar, acoustics and magnetic sensors come to the aid of unmanned vehicles

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to provide a review of how innovations in laser, acoustics, radar, magnetic and other sensor technologies are aiding in making unmanned vehicles more autonomous.

Design/methodology/approach

In‐depth interviews are carried out with exhibitors of sensors at the AUVSI exhibition.

Findings

Innovations in infrared, laser, acoustics, magnetic and other sensor technologies are helping unmanned vehicles better meet the challenge of an ever‐increasing range of applications in military, law enforcement, and commercial applications as well as agriculture, fishing and rescue operations.

Practical implications

These sensor innovations will help make robot applications of all types more autonomous, easier to create and more cost effective in unmanned as well as manufacturing, logistics, medical and other applications.

Originality/value

The paper provides an insight into some of the latest in laser, radar, acoustic, magnetic, accelerometer, vision and gyro sensors and how they are helping address robotic applications that one might have seen if they had been on the exhibition floor at the Las Vegas unmanned vehicle show (AUVSI) in 2012.

Citation

Bloss, R. (2013), "Lasers, radar, acoustics and magnetic sensors come to the aid of unmanned vehicles", Sensor Review, Vol. 33 No. 3, pp. 197-201. https://doi.org/10.1108/02602281311324645