Shaping the Future with Lidar
Laser Accuracy for Better Automation
In today’s high-throughput stockyards, accurate detection and range sensing are non-negotiable. From tracking vehicles to identifying personnel and obstacles, sensor technology underpins operational efficiency and site safety. Although a diverse range of sensors remains essential, lidar (Light Detection And Ranging) has emerged as the clear technological leader, surpassing radar and camera sensors in almost every way. Offering unmatched precision, data density and environmental reliability, lidar sets a new benchmark for yard automation, far surpassing the limitations of traditional systems.
While traditional cameras and radar remain valuable, they’re inherently limited. Cameras struggle in low light and varying weather, and radar lacks the resolution and object clarity needed for complex industrial environments. In contrast, lidar uses laser-based sensing to capture detailed, high-resolution 3D data over long distances, up to hundreds of metres, with exceptional accuracy, in a wide variety of conditions.
We’re comfortable using a variety of sensors, but what we love about lasers is they offer a density of data, precision and range that is just unmatched. Especially when you see lasers from a few years back compared to where they are now, it’s completely different.
— Josh, Axo33 Development Lead
At MRA Automation and Axo33, we’re harnessing the full potential of advanced 3D lidar to drive the future of smart stockyard automation. By strategically mounting just a few lidar sensors on critical equipment, we gain a real-time, ultra-precise view of yard activity from infrastructure and materials to moving vehicles and personnel.
The recent advancement in 3D lidar has demonstrated the full power of these systems within stockyards, allowing us to reliably ensure both safety onsite and full operational efficiency. With the ability to accurately monitor all critical infrastructure, lidar can distinguish between real threats and false events, reducing false alarms and missed events. It improves efficiency through increased automation opportunities and the creation of detailed 3D inclusion and exclusion zones, allowing for warning and alarm zones to aid in the safety of all personnel.
Throughout all aspects of stockyard management, digital lidar sensors offer a significant advancement towards addressing the limitations of conventional sensor infrastructure. Lidar enables high-resolution 3D mapping that is unachievable by traditional sensors, allowing us to create a real-time digital twin of stockyards and operation sites. This provides MRA with accurate detection, classification and tracking of all objects, vehicles and individuals within the yard, allowing real-time responsiveness for any eventuality.
Our machines are often in quite challenging environments, and the industrial ruggedness of Lidar sensors gives us the confidence that we can deploy them long-term without compromising performance.
– Josh, Axo33 Development Lead
Looking ahead, fixed lidar infrastructure is foundational to next-generation stockyard automation. Lidar delivers long-term operational value with minimal maintenance and maximum accuracy, with permanent sensor installation on fixed infrastructure standing the test of time to provide ongoing and real-time safety and efficiency to a standard unavailable by radar and camera sensors. From improving dwell times to optimising loading operations and ensuring perimeter security, lidar is transforming industrial automation in bulk material handling to create an efficient environment that protects people and production.
At MRA Automation and Axo33, we’re not just adapting to the future; we’re building it with lidar at the core.