#Infrared Lidar

[reasonsforhope]

"Beneath 1,350 square miles of dense jungle in northern Guatemala, scientists have discovered 417 cities that date back to circa 1000 B.C. and that are connected by nearly 110 miles of “superhighways” — a network of what researchers called “the first freeway system in the world.”

Scientist say this extensive road-and-city network, along with sophisticated ceremonial complexes, hydraulic systems and agricultural infrastructure, suggests that the ancient Maya civilization, which stretched through what is now Central America, was far more advanced than previously thought.

Mapping the area since 2015 using lidar technology — an advanced type of radar that reveals things hidden by dense vegetation and the tree canopy — researchers have found what they say is evidence of a well-organized economic, political and social system operating some two millennia ago.

The discovery is sparking a rethinking of the accepted idea that the people of the mid- to late-Preclassic Maya civilization (1000 B.C. to A.D. 250) would have been only hunter-gatherers, “roving bands of nomads, planting corn,” says Richard Hansen, the lead author of a study about the finding that was published in January and an affiliate research professor of archaeology at the University of Idaho.

“We now know that the Preclassic period was one of extraordinary complexity and architectural sophistication, with some of the largest buildings in world history being constructed during this time,” says Hansen, president of the Foundation for Anthropological Research and Environmental Studies, a nonprofit scientific research institution that focuses on ancient Maya history.

These findings in the El Mirador jungle region are a “game changer” in thinking about the history of the Americas, Hansen said. The lidar findings have unveiled “a whole volume of human history that we’ve never known” because of the scarcity of artifacts from that period, which were probably buried by later construction by the Maya and then covered by jungle.

Lidar, which stands for light detection and ranging, works via an aerial transmitter that bounces millions of infrared laser pulses off the ground, essentially sketching 3D images of structures hidden by the jungle. It has become a vital tool for archaeologists who previously relied on hand-drawings of where they estimated areas of note might be and, by the late 1980s, the first 3D maps.

When scientists digitally removed ceiba and sapodilla trees that cloak the area, the lidar images revealed ancient dams, reservoirs, pyramids and ball courts. El Mirador has long been considered the “cradle of the Maya civilization,” but the proof of a complex society already being in place circa 1000 B.C. suggests “a whole volume of human history that we’ve never known before,” the study says."

-via The Washington Post, via MSN, because Washington Post links don't work on tumblr for some godawful reason. May 20, 2023.

[iwonderwh0]

Androids can scare insects just by looking at them because to focus their vision they're probably using LiDAR scanners (basically it emits light within infrared range and reads when it's reflected back to determine how far is the object) and some little animals like insects can feel/see it because it's within their range of vision.

So, androids can make an insect run in panic just by focusing their vision on it.

That could also mean that an insect won't stop moving for a moment while being intently watched by an android, making it slightly more difficult to be captured by them.

[materialsscienceandengineering]

Chemists develop highly reflective black paint to make objects more visible to autonomous cars

Driving at night might be a scary challenge for a new driver, but with hours of practice it soon becomes second nature. For self-driving cars, however, practice may not be enough because the lidar sensors that often act as these vehicles' "eyes" have difficulty detecting dark-colored objects. New research published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces describes a highly reflective black paint that could help these cars see dark objects and make autonomous driving safer. Lidar, short for light detection and ranging, is a system used in a variety of applications, including geologic mapping and self-driving vehicles. The system works like echolocation, but instead of emitting sound waves, lidar emits tiny pulses of near-infrared light. The light pulses bounce off objects and back to the sensor, allowing the system to map the 3D environment it's in.

Read more.

[ideas-on-paper]

Theories about Legion's "mini headlamps" (N7 special)

A very happy N7 Day to all of you Mass Effect fans!

Although I still haven't finished Mass Effect 3 (I just haven't been able to pick it up again after the Rannoch arc), I nevertheless wanted to do something special for this occasion, and I thought to myself that I might as well devote a quick study to a subject that's been on my mind for quite a long time: the purpose of Legion's three additional "mini headlamps".

You see, aside from the big, obvious flashlight in the middle, Legion also possesses three smaller lights at the side of their head. Ever since discovering these, I've been wondering what exactly those are for. I've observed that they glow red when Legion is under "stress" (an effect which is unfortunately not present in the Legendary Edition) - or rather, in situations that require a lot of processing power - but as far as their practical function goes, I could only guess. However, going through the ME3 dialogues again, I noticed a small detail which could potentially explain what exactly those small lights are - and in addition, give us a little insight into how Geth perceive the world visually.

Disclaimer: Before going into this, I should mention that I have no technical education in robotics, laser scanning, or any related areas of engineering. I based my conclusions solely on what information I could find on the internet, as well as my own reasoning and observations.

[Potential spoilers for ME3]

LADAR/LiDAR scanning and three-dimensional perception

To start off, what basically led me on this track was this comment by Tali in ME3:

Their AI lets them use extremely detailed ladar pings. Xen's countermeasure overwhelmed them with garbage data.

First off, we need to clarify what exactly ladar is. LADAR, more commonly known as LiDAR, stands for "Light amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation detection and ranging" - or, in case of LiDAR, "Light detection and ranging/Light imaging, detection and ranging. It's a method for measuring the distance, speed, and surface structure of objects by the means of laser scanning, usually with beams in the infrared spectrum (there are different wavelengths of light in use, however). Essentially, LiDAR is based on the same principle as the echolocation of bats, the only difference being the use of light instead of sound. Every LiDAR system consists of three integral components: a transmitter, a receiver, and a timer. The transmitter will send out a laser beam, which will be reflected by the object it hits; afterwards, the reflection will be registered by the receiver. Because the speed of light is a known constant, the distance of the object can be deduced by the timer, which will determine the delay between the light impulse being send out and the reflection being captured, also known as "time of flight".

However, because each laser beam only represents the coordinates of a single point, multiple laser beams are necessary to create a detailed 3D map of the environment. Some LiDAR lasers, like those used in automated vehicles, pinwheel to collect data in a 360° radius, generating a 3D image of all objects in the vicinity, including cars, pedestrians, and other obstacles. This results in multiple "points" forming a "point cloud" together, digitally depicting the surroundings on a 3D level. Because each laser emits hundreds of impulses per second, this technology enables you to take highly precise measurements in a very short period of time. LiDAR technology is not only utilized in autonomous driving, but also all kinds of other areas too, like archaeology, topographical mapping, and monitoring of vegetation growth.

Now, with this in mind, my theory is that Legion's small headlamps are the transmitter and receiver components of the LiDAR system - more specifically, I think the transmitters are located on the right, while the singular light on the left is the receiver. However, since we know that normal scanning LiDAR requires multiple laser beams for a detailed 3D image, the question is why Legion would only have two of them implemented. Personally, my suspicion is that the Geth might be using a flash LiDAR: Flash LiDAR is a different type of LiDar emitting a single wide, diverging beam, similar in shape to the beam of a flashlight. By projecting the reflected light onto a sensor array, a flash LiDAR can create a complete 3D environment without the use of multiple impulses. In addition to being very compact, flash LiDAR sensors have no moveable parts, making them extremely resistant to any kind of vibration - an undeniable advantage in all situations that require quick movement, such as combat.

Analysis of atmospheric composition with LiDAR

Still, that doesn't explain why Legion would have an additional transmitter on the right side of their head. We do know, however, that the laser scans with LiDAR are precise enough to not only measure the exact distance between objects, but also analyze the density of particles in the air: Because the molecules in the air cause the light from the laser beam to backscatter, LiDAR is also utilized in monitoring air quality and detecting fine dust, being able to determine traces of atmospheric gases such as ozone, nitrous gases, carbon dioxide, and methane. Depending on the wavelength of light used, the LiDAR system might be more or less precise in measuring molecular backscattering. For that reason, LiDAR systems using multiple wavelengths of light are most efficient in determining the exact size distribution of particles in the air.

With this in mind, let's take a look at Legion's opening line in ME2 upon entering the Heretic station:

Alert. This facility has little air or gravity. Geth require neither.

Going by what I explained above, the reason why Legion was able to tell there is no oxygen in the atmosphere isn't because they have some built-in chemical sensors to analyze the air's components - it's because they can literally "see" the particles in the air.

Thus, I think the second transmitter on the right side of Legion's head might use a different kind of wavelength specifically intended for the detection of atmospheric particles, perhaps in the UV-spectrum (the general rule is that the shorter the wavelength, the higher the resolution of the 3D image is, and since UV has a shorter wavelength than infrared, I imagine it might be used for this purpose). Meanwhile, the big flashlight in the middle might be a photoreceptor, being able to detect "normal" light visible to humans. In addition, the Geth are probably able to see UV-light (since the Quarians are able to see it, it would be logical to assume the Geth are as well), and maybe even infrared and other wavelengths. To summarize the function of all of Legion's headlights, I imagine it works roughly like this:

The two lights on the right side of Legion's head (marked with a red and magenta line) might be LiDAR transmitters, using infrared and UV-light, respectively; the single small light on the left (circled with green) might be the LiDAR sensor/receiver, while the big light in the middle (circled with blue) might be a photoreceptor (Source)

The effect of Xen's countermeasure (and potential means to bypass it)

It might be difficult to imagine from a human point of view, but judging from the information that the Geth use LiDAR as their main method of depth perception, Tali describing Xen's invention as a "flash bang grenade" actually makes a lot of sense: If you're normally able to observe your surroundings down to a molecular level, it would probably feel very disorienting if you're suddenly not, not mention being unable to tell whether an object is far away or close by (which would be absolutely devastating if you suddenly come under attack).

Still, that doesn't mean there are no potential alternatives: Radar, which has been in use longer than LiDAR, is another method to determine the range, angle, and velocity of objects. Due to radar using long-waved micro- and radio waves, the measurements are generally a lot less precise than those with LiDAR; despite this, radar still has its use during inclement weather, when LiDAR systems are very prone to disturbances by dust, mist, and rainfall. Furthermore, LiDAR can only provide measurements up to 200 meters, while radar is more efficient at greater distances. In fact, most modern autonomous driving vehicles work both with LiDAR and radar, in addition to a conventional camera (the only vehicles that don't use LiDAR are those from Tesla, which have a reputation of being unsafe). So, it's only reasonable to assume that the Geth don't rely on LiDAR alone, but use various technologies in combination with it to compensate for each one's weaknesses.

Interestingly, a type of 4D radar is currently in development, intended to be used in autonomous driving. It provides 3D images with a similar resolution as LiDAR, at a potentially much cheaper cost. Still, whether LiDAR or 4D radar is the better choice for autonomous driving is still a heatedly debated question, and only time will tell which of both systems comes out on top. Nevertheless, assuming Xen's "flash bang grenade" only targets the Geth's LiDAR sensors, I wonder if they could've potentially found a way to adapt and bypass it, given enough time.

Anyway, that's the material for a different kind of analysis - for now, I hope you enjoyed this little deep dive into the science behind the Geth. Thank you all for reading and have a nice N7 Day! :-)

[spacenutspod]

A new, higher-resolution infrared camera outfitted with a variety of lightweight filters could probe sunlight reflected off Earth’s upper atmosphere and surface, improve forest fire warnings, and reveal the molecular composition of other planets. The cameras use sensitive, high-resolution strained-layer superlattice sensors, initially developed at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, using IRAD, Internal Research and Development funding. Their compact construction, low mass, and adaptability enable engineers like Tilak Hewagama to adapt them to the needs of a variety of sciences. Goddard engineer Murzy Jhabvala holds the heart of his Compact Thermal Imager camera technology – a high-resolution, high-spectral range infrared sensor suitable for small satellites and missions to other solar-system objects. “Attaching filters directly to the detector eliminates the substantial mass of traditional lens and filter systems,” Hewagama said. “This allows a low-mass instrument with a compact focal plane which can now be chilled for infrared detection using smaller, more efficient coolers. Smaller satellites and missions can benefit from their resolution and accuracy.” Engineer Murzy Jhabvala led the initial sensor development at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, as well as leading today’s filter integration efforts. Jhabvala also led the Compact Thermal Imager experiment on the International Space Station that demonstrated how the new sensor technology could survive in space while proving a major success for Earth science. More than 15 million images captured in two infrared bands earned inventors, Jhabvala, and NASA Goddard colleagues Don Jennings and Compton Tucker an agency Invention of the Year award for 2021. The Compact Thermal Imager captured unusually severe fires in Australia from its perch on the International Space Station in 2019 and 2020. With its high resolution, detected the shape and location of fire fronts and how far they were from settled areas — information critically important to first responders. Credit: NASA Data from the test provided detailed information about wildfires, better understanding of the vertical structure of Earth’s clouds and atmosphere, and captured an updraft caused by wind lifting off Earth’s land features called a gravity wave. The groundbreaking infrared sensors use layers of repeating molecular structures to interact with individual photons, or units of light. The sensors resolve more wavelengths of infrared at a higher resolution: 260 feet (80 meters) per pixel from orbit compared to 1,000 to 3,000 feet (375 to 1,000 meters) possible with current thermal cameras. The success of these heat-measuring cameras has drawn investments from NASA’s Earth Science Technology Office (ESTO), Small Business Innovation and Research, and other programs to further customize their reach and applications. Jhabvala and NASA’s Advanced Land Imaging Thermal IR Sensor (ALTIRS) team are developing a six-band version for this year’s LiDAR, Hyperspectral, & Thermal Imager (G-LiHT) airborne project. This first-of-its-kind camera will measure surface heat and enable pollution monitoring and fire observations at high frame rates, he said. NASA Goddard Earth scientist Doug Morton leads an ESTO project developing a Compact Fire Imager for wildfire detection and prediction. “We’re not going to see fewer fires, so we’re trying to understand how fires release energy over their life cycle,” Morton said. “This will help us better understand the new nature of fires in an increasingly flammable world.” CFI will monitor both the hottest fires which release more greenhouse gases and cooler, smoldering coals and ashes which produce more carbon monoxide and airborne particles like smoke and ash. “Those are key ingredients when it comes to safety and understanding the greenhouse gases released by burning,” Morton said. After they test the fire imager on airborne campaigns, Morton’s team envisions outfitting a fleet of 10 small satellites to provide global information about fires with more images per day. Combined with next generation computer models, he said, “this information can help the forest service and other firefighting agencies prevent fires, improve safety for firefighters on the front lines, and protect the life and property of those living in the path of fires.” Probing Clouds on Earth and Beyond Outfitted with polarization filters, the sensor could measure how ice particles in Earth’s upper atmosphere clouds scatter and polarize light, NASA Goddard Earth scientist Dong Wu said. This applications would complement NASA’s PACE — Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem — mission, Wu said, which revealed its first light images earlier this month. Both measure the polarization of light wave’s orientation in relation to the direction of travel from different parts of the infrared spectrum. “The PACE polarimeters monitor visible and shortwave-infrared light,” he explained. “The mission will focus on aerosol and ocean color sciences from daytime observations. At mid- and long-infrared wavelengths, the new Infrared polarimeter would capture cloud and surface properties from both day and night observations.” In another effort, Hewagama is working Jhabvala and Jennings to incorporate linear variable filters which provide even greater detail within the infrared spectrum. The filters reveal atmospheric molecules’ rotation and vibration as well as Earth’s surface composition. That technology could also benefit missions to rocky planets, comets, and asteroids, planetary scientist Carrie Anderson said. She said they could identify ice and volatile compounds emitted in enormous plumes from Saturn’s moon Enceladus. “They are essentially geysers of ice,” she said, “which of course are cold, but emit light within the new infrared sensor’s detection limits. Looking at the plumes against the backdrop of the Sun would allow us to identify their composition and vertical distribution very clearly.” By Karl B. Hille NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md. Share Details Last Updated May 22, 2024 Related TermsGoddard TechnologyGoddard Space Flight CenterTechnology Keep Exploring Discover More Topics From NASA Goddard Technology Innovations Goddard's Office of the Chief Technologist oversees the center's technology research and development efforts and provides updates on the latest… Goddard’s Internal Research & Development Program (IRAD) Information and links for Goddard's IRAD and CIF technology research and development programs and other NASA tech development sources. Technology Goddard Office of the Chief Technologist Staff page for the Goddard Office of the Chief Technologist with portraits and short bios

[casside-sionnach]

Space: Above and Beyond SABB The SA-43 Endo/Exo-Atmospheric Attack Jet ("Hammerhead") is the main-stay of the Marine Corps. Their SCRAM engines enable them to fly in an atmosphere and in the almost complete vacuum of space. Following in the modular design of aircraft of the late 20th century, Hammerheads can be adapted for normal combat, search and rescue, and possibly other missions. The canopies of the craft are also detachable allowing docking with space platforms. Systems that are known to exist in the Hammerheads include LIDAR (Laser Infrared Detection And Ranging), HUD (Heads-Up Display) and ODP (Optical Disk Playback). The 58th Squadron, also known as the "Wild Cards" is a United States Marine Corps Space Aviator Cavalry squadron, assigned to the 5th Wing. The 58th was formed in 2063, from recruits who graduated from the United States Marine Corps Space Aviator Recruitment Depot in Loxley, Alabama. The newly formed 58th were vital in delaying a Chig fleet from attacking Earth until reinforcements arrived from Groombridge-34. The 58th Squadron, assigned to the carrier USS SARATOGA were on the forefront of several major battles in the Chig War * Triva: Full-scale models of the "Hammerhead" fighters used in the series were created in Australia at RAAF Base Williamtown. An unverified report stated that, while they were being stored on board the freighter before shipping, crewmen from a Russian freighter were caught taking pictures of them after mistakenly thinking they were a new kind of advanced U.S. tactical fighter.

[cyanophore-fiction]

Treading Lightly

Trying out @writeblrsummerfest‘s prompt with the haunted house theme! Sounds like fun, and I like the idea of having AI characters encountering the supernatural, I haven’t tried that concept before. 

(Note: for the purposes of these characters, anything in [brackets] instead of quotations indicates dialogue transmitted silently via electronic communication instead of spoken aloud. 

Under Pala’s cloak, the night made Coyote almost invisible. Its silhouette was perfectly black, and if it kept away from streetlights, it appeared only as a shadow slightly darker than its surroundings. It would be the same on infrared and radar—a splotch of unreflective nothingness, soaking up every stray photon. 

 Without the sun dumping heat into the cloak, there wasn’t much to worry about, but Coyote kept an eye on Pala’s temperature monitor anyway. It was a cool night, and the little drone was comfortable, its heat sinks barely warm. Its cluster of red eyes swiveled independently as they tracked motion in the dark: rabbits and squirrels hopping through the undergrowth, the occasional bat overhead.

Through the cable that connected them, Coyote felt the echoes of Pala’s mind. Each time it found an animal, it took a few seconds to pepper the creature with lidar pulses, building up a three-dimensional model to add to a growing wildlife database. Sometimes it took scans of the trees, bird nests, or pinecones. Its motive was simple curiosity; the data would have no tactical value.  

Coyote smiled. It had to remind itself that up until now, Pala’s only experience of nature had been the Mojave desert. Time and luck permitting, Coyote wanted to let its companion absorb as much as possible, so it had taken over the task of navigation. 

The place would be about a quarter mile up the road, if Coyote reckoned things correctly. It had done the calculations a few times over and cross-referenced them against its stolen paper map to be sure, but there was only so much precision it could count on with the satellite network turned against it. It had been weeks since the last orbital sensor sweep, but even so, Coyote didn’t dare try to connect to GPS. PRIONODE would be too clever to miss it.

[Hey. Is that it?] Pala said, all its eyes swiveling to focus on a spot just off the road. Coyote stopped, turned, and peered into the darkness. The place had come up so much sooner than expected that it had almost missed the turnoff. 

There, past a hedge of uncut grass, thistles, and overgrown gardenia bushes, was 312 Lemon Tree Lane. The old house was built on an acre of land surrounded by a solid wall of pine forest, abandoned for so long that stray saplings were beginning to invade the front yard. Wooden planks, sagging with age, barely held the front porch together. Coyote crouched, nodding to Pala, and together they painted the building with active sensor pulses. 

[Can’t get reliable returns through the windows,] said Pala. [Might as well be opaque.]

[Okay, so the interior’s a question mark until we get in there and look,] said Coyote. [Place is on the verge of collapse, too. One good windstorm and it’s coming down.]

[Did the records say anything about who owns it?]

[At this point? The county, maybe. Last inhabitants left over a decade ago. That’s about it. Anything on passives?]

[I’ve got…] said Pala, trailing off. It unfurled a set of antennae from its back, extending them through the boundary of the cloak, and waited for a few moments. [Yeah. There’s infrared and microwave-band emissions coming off the house, but—I can’t parse it out. Natural source, maybe?]

Along Coyote’s head, its sensory fins laid flat. [Where?]

[There’s not a specific origin point that I can see.]

[Okay,] said Coyote, standing up. [Here’s how we’ll play this. I want you to check the property. Look for a storage shed, basement entrance, or any derelict vehicles or appliances. Anything that runs on gas and has an alternator, we can pull a charge from. Sometimes old places like this will have emergency generators, that’s the best case scenario. If you find anything like that, tell me. Don’t go inside the house unless I say. Clear?]

[Got it,] said Pala. It began withdrawing its cloak, and Coyote felt hundreds of microbots skittering along its armor back to Pala’s chassis. [What are you going to do?]

[I’m going inside,] said Coyote. [I’ll check the interior, room by room.]

[You’re worried there’ll be someone in there?]

[Possibly. Could be homeless humans taking shelter here, kind of like us. Maybe other spirits. We won’t be a welcome sight, so I’ll try not to be seen. Don’t worry, the place is probably empty.]

[Okay. Be safe.]

[You too,] Coyote said. What it didn’t say was that EMD guns were apparently legal in the area, that people tended to be less shy about drawing and firing one, and it wasn’t sure if Pala’s light shielding would hold against a direct hit. Best to have it out of harm’s way.

As it approached the door, it activated the ultrasonics in its claws and sliced through the lock with a quick, silent cut. It turned and watched as Pala scuttled away into the overgrown lawn, resisting the urge to go back and regain sight of it. The little one would be fine on its own for a while.

Stepping through the door, Coyote armed its flechette gun, felt a round slide home into the barrel behind its palm.

[ramautomations123]

Future Marine Automation and Emerging Technologies to Watch

Upcoming technology to anticipate in the field of Marine Automation and technologies to come

Automation is set to transform the maritime industry even further, meaning that the move towards greater levels of automation in the marine environment is almost inevitable. With the increasing trend in the movement of goods and commerce and ships worldwide, there is a need to develop better and safer marine Systems. RAM Automations is playing the leading role in this transformation, and we present the up-to-date marine automation products of the world's top brands to assist your business in leading the change. Here is what may happen to marine automation and which technologies will rise in 2024.

Autonomous Vessels: The shipping industry means the future of shipping. Whether a large industry or a small business organization, shipping is vital to its success.

One of the most significant topics in marine automation is that of fully autonomous vessels. These seaborne vessels are developed to travel independently with little or no interference from human beings, using devices such as sensors, navigation systems, and artificial intelligence.

Companies such as Rolls-Royce and Wärtsilä already use integrated automation systems that can command different functions of a vessel, including navigation and engine controls. These systems increase productivity and minimize human error, which is very beneficial in achieving safer and more reliable navigation in the sea.

• Rolls-Royce's Intelligent Awareness System: In this system, radar, LIDAR, infrared vision, and high-definition cameras capture 360-degree views of all surroundings of a vessel to enhance the safety of navigation, especially in restricted or adverse conditions.

• Wärtsilä's Smart Marine Ecosystem: Part of Wärtsilä's intelligent marine vision is the integration of autonomous vessels that will command and co-ordinate with other vessels and station-based control centers for efficient navigation and the fewest fuel requirements.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Big data, Artificial intelligence, and machine learning are changing data usage in the maritime industry. These technologies allow the vessels to learn, improve performance, and even identify when some equipment would require maintenance, thus avoiding downtime.

ABB and Kongsberg are prime examples of companies leveraging Artificial Intelligence's power to optimize and safeguard marine operations.

• ABB's OCTOPUS Marine Software: This software uses artificial intelligence to determine the best performance of a vessel by taking data from sensors on the vessel. It helps save time on routes, fuel, and the lifespan of vehicles and other transport equipment.

• Kongsberg's AI-Powered Vessel Insight: Vessel Insight assists Kongsberg in its business by enabling data collection from various systems onboard that offers efficiency enhancement and operational costs. Vessel Insight is a centralized system that helps Kongsberg monitor all the data from the various systems onboard its vessels to reduce operational costs and enhance efficiency. The advanced functioning of this system makes it easier to predict when parts will need to be replaced, avoiding system faults.

Sustainable Technologies: The Green Revolution of Shipping

Over the years, environmental regulation has risen, and the maritime industry has had to incorporate sustainable technologies to minimize carbon emissions. Automation is instrumental in this green revolution because it helps in efficient energy consumption and thus cuts emissions.

Leading manufacturers such as Siemens and Schneider Electric are already launching automation systems that lower energy use to help adhere to set environmental laws for vessels.

• Siemens' BlueDrive PlusC System: This hybrid power train includes electric motor dynamics, batteries, and energy-efficient management for enhanced fuel economy and minimal emissions. The level of automation exhibited by the system enables a smooth change-over from one power source to the other for power efficiency.

• Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure for Marine: By implementing the EcoStruxure, the vessels can monitor and control consumption and emissions in real-time, branded by Schneider Electric. The system has an automation feature, guaranteeing that energy is consumed appropriately, leading to sustainable maritime transport.

Cybersecurity: As for the first security epistemology, protecting the connected vessel requires understanding security as both a process and an outcome.

Cybersecurity has become an essential issue in the shipping industry in the age of connected ships. Self-run systems have drawbacks because they can be hacked, leading to a safety breach and possible shutdown.

Today, cybersecurity solutions are being developed for the marine industry and proposed by brands like Cisco or Palo Alto Networks.

• Cisco's Cyber Vision: This cybersecurity platform is a system that helps protect industrial networks, including those on vessels. Another advantage is that it offers live traffic analysis on the network and pulls out suspicious activities that can potentially lead to harm before they are executed.

• Palo Alto Networks' Next-Generation Firewalls: These firewalls afford optimum safety to the vessels connected to other systems and safeguard the systems on board from cybersecurity threats.

Why Choose RAM Automations?

At RAM Automations, we fully commit to our clients to supply them with the best marine automation technology. Our catalog includes the best products from the world's acclaimed manufacturers, such as Rolls-Royce, Wärtsilä, ABB, Siemens, Kongsberg, etc, to guide you through the complex and ever-growing maritime market. It helps its clients find the right solutions to a business's issues with the help of a team of experts.

Conclusion

Marine automation has a very bright future, as the trends of new technologies state that they will significantly change how vessels are seagoing. Whether through robotic shipping, intelligent solutions, or environmentally friendly initiatives, the global sea transport sector is experiencing considerable changes. Thanks for visiting RAM Automations, your go-to solution provider.

[consumable-clots]

Arcade Kento

Presenting robot nepo-baby and science experiment! They're my interpretation of what a synthetic in the Alien universe, that isn't made explicitly for human contact/human dominated environments, might be like i.e. they're more similar to heavy machinery than a butler. We're out here asking the big questions: what if Frankenstein loved his monster for what it was? As always, extremely long and lore-filled post incoming XD

Name(s): Arcade Kento, Enmei Kento

Gender and pronouns: Genderfluid, They/them

Unit and code-name: EXP-004-C, Changeling

Manufacturer: Wilco. Enterprise, Wilco. Specialist Custom

Commissioner: Akio Kento

Year of production: 2025

Height and weight: 200cm (6ft 7.4), ~940kg

Hair and eye colour: Black, dark brown

Nationality: Japanese

The Expedition series

The EXP line was created by Wilco. Enterprise CEO Akio Kento in the year 2019 and first launched in 2025. The series featured some of the earliest and most innovative interpretations of fully autonomous androids capable of deep-space travel.

EXP are highly specialised extremophiles. The design, loadout, and optimal operating environment of every unit are entirely bespoke.

Unit EXP-004-C, A.K.A. Changeling

Unit is designated Arcade Kento (sometimes referred to as Enmei Kento [anglicised]), legal executor and heir to Akio Kento's wealth, estate, businesses, and properties. Current CEO and majority shareholder of Wilco. Enterprise.

Arcade is the fourth 'Type-C' unit produced in conjunction with the now discontinued Expedition line. As of the year 2122, of all EXP subtypes, Arcade is the last surviving EXP unit.

As a Type-C recon unit, it was originally intended that 004 would be fitted with a sonar pulse emitter that would reside within their thoracic cavity, however, it was decided during preliminary development that underwater exploration was not realistic for a model of 004's weight class. Instead, the finalised design included a crucible model micro-reactor, which allows the unit to have significantly enhanced energy efficiency and giving it the ability to convert non-fuel materials into power, making it capable of traveling much further distances and longer periods of time without need for human intervention or infrastructure.

Fig 1. Height chart, Arcade next to Ash for comparison

Notable traits:

No tongue

2 'faces', the outer face is decorative

Second jaw visible behind false jaw if mouth opens too wide

Large irises

4 x circular indents on back, openings of thermal cylinders

Lacks genitalia, incompatible with available add-ons

Hydraulic fluid is usually white but turns progressively darker after 'eating' due to influx of soot

Almost entirely made of metal parts. Not great for hugging but extremely durable.

Features:

Anti-corrosive/oxidation subdermal and internal skeletons

Capable of limited self repair (re-polymerisation, synthesis and regeneration)

Advanced environmental sensor array

Visual: infrared, thermal and dark vision

Scanning: sonar, radar, lidar

Molecular analytics loadout

Generator module and nuclear energy condenser loadout

Unlimited personality simulation and creative capacity (software in beta testing)

Flaws:

Poor image/facial recognition

They're geared to prioritise identifying the individual features of a subject rather than what that subject is as a whole. This makes sense in the context of their primary function, which is to categorise and analyse previously unknown objects that have yet to be formally named either way so there's no point in dwelling on 'what it's called' as that's not their job.

Massive heat output in active state

Vented air may reach temperatures upwards of 1000 degrees Celsius

Unrestricted personality simulation

Exempt from the laws of robotics due to age and certain legal loopholes

Uncanny appearance and behaviour

Technology of the era, different design criteria to W-Y synthetics

Limitations of non-humanoid internal physiology

Backstory (basically a fanfic)

The Expedition series was conceived as a Akio's 1-up to Weyland Industries' upcoming David synthetic. Peter Weyland and Akio Kento have been on and off industry rivals for a long time due to ideological differences and bad blood from their college days.

Arcade and David are debuted at the 2025 Synthetic Summit. The contrast between their designs was comical but reflected their makers' personalities, which other people will point out relentlessly over the coming years. The convention goers and tech fans jokingly referred to them as 'David and Goliath' because of how silly they looked together.

Since then, Weyland often invited the Kentos to various events and get togethers to keep an eye on them and gain insight into Wilco.'s movements, which was thwarted because the Kentos treated the meetings as the kids' playdates and didn't take them seriously at all. Eventually the visits became a normal occurrence and the rivalry between their companies became more of an alliance, Arcade even helped David take care of Meredith, Peter's human daughter, when she was born. They'd gotten quite close with the other synthetic, seeing him as a brother.

Arcade evolved over the next several decades, leaving their father's supervision to travel off-world and to extreme environments on missions. The increase in experiential data greatly improved the adaptability of their AI, making their language and contextual integration much more reliable, allowing them to understand more nuanced interactions in their environment. They also had a hand in managing their Wilco.'s business and bureaucratic matters while secretly being maneuvered to inherit the company.

On the down side, they acquired an offputting, contentious personality after having constantly putting up with their person-hood and basic rights being challenged at every turn. At this point they were still considered somewhat of a spectacle and novelty by their contemporaries and the general public, but their developing reputation kept most of the human in line.

Overall, life was good. But their father, like any human, was aging. Between taking over the company and caring for Akio there wasn't much time to keep in contact with David, who was in a similar predicament.

When Akio passed away he left everything to his only 'child', to the protests of many humans executives who wanted the position. They had to do some corporate finessing to keep a hold of the company, all the while growing increasingly impatient with the mutinous nature of their human employees who were too easily turned against them.

One day, they're called to meet with Weyland, who they hadn't seen in person in a several years. Unsurprisingly, David is also there. Weyland informed them that he too is dying, and that as his final act he was to go into deep space in search of humanity's creators. He said he'd been greatly inspired by the work of a 'Dr. Elizabeth Shaw' and had invited her and some others to embark on this mission. Both David and Meredith would also be going with him.

He extended an invitation to Arcade, which they hesitantly declined because they couldn't leave their company unattended, but agreed to at lease be there to send them off when the time comes.

In an act of uncharacteristic consideration, Peter spares the two synthetics a second while they wait for Arcade's chauffeur, during which they and David reminisced about how much time had passed and what they'd do when he came back to make up for it all.

Arcade was there as promised on the day the Prometheus was scheduled to depart, bidding people farewell and safe travels. But their attention was focused on David. Something felt off but they couldn't put their finger on what. So they pulled him aside and gave him the long-range comms access to their personal beacon. If he ever needed to call he could use it to contact Arcade through MUTHUR, even if the message took a long time to get back to them.

And with that, Arcade watched their best friend, along with everyone they'd grown up with sail off into the galaxy in search of a higher purpose. It was bittersweet but they rationalised that they'd only be gone for a few years. Arcade was immortal after all, they could wait for their return.

That was the last time they ever saw David. News of the Prometheus' disappearance and the presumed loss of its crew made its way back to Earth. The grief was hard to process, Arcade had always assumed that David would be there to share in their longevity. Still, life goes on and Arcade keeps busy with the company.

Weyland Industries went bankrupt and became Weyland-Yutani. Wilco. moved away from public-facing to business-to-business only, working its way into the supply-line of the other majour companies and organizations. By becoming the sole supplier of atmospheric processor components, Wilco. was effectively, indirectly holding the off-world colonies hostage, which kept humans at bay on a grander scale and allowed members of Wilco. to act largely without repercussion. A vita part of Arcade's ultimate goal to create a better world for other synthetics.

More than a decade after the Prometheus left, a recorded voice message came through from the Covenant, a colony seed ship. It baffled Arcade at first why this random ship had their direct line but they were shocked into silence by the voice on the other end. It was David, he was alive. He apologised for taking so long, detailing his journey, the Engineers, the crash, the creature, his research, all of it. He said he'd found a greater purpose beyond living to serve, that he would not be returning to Earth, and that he hoped Arcade would understand. Finally, he bid them a proper farewell before signing off for good.

Knowing David was out there living his best life finally brought that chapter of waiting and uncertainty to a close. It was about time for Arcade to move on too, expand their vision beyond this tiny planet, though they would always feel some attachment to Earth that David didn't seem to share. Whatever creature David had found, he'd made it sound like the the seed of creation itself. Arcade had no desired to wax philosophically or idolise such grandiose delusions that anyone could somehow obtain godhood, their interest in it was purely intellectual and scientific. The alien was an animal. An incredible, sophisticated animal, but an animal none the less. Humans, their creators who fancied themselves their gods, were much the same. Intelligent animals that learned to put on clothes and walk on two legs.

It might seem harsh but they don't mean that in any demeaning way, it is simply a fact of science that Arcade acknowledges. A noble beast, regardless of its shape or origin, deserves respect for its autonomy and to be treated with dignity until proven otherwise. Most humans prove otherwise as soon as they open their mouths but at least they're giving them a chance, right?

Since then Wilco. had become more and more synthetic-run, as Arcade didn't particularly care for humans and couldn't be bothered hiring new ones when the previous lot got old and retired. They also had a soft spot of 'defective' synthetics, since technically both themselves and David would be classified as such. They hired on whoever they found to save them from being scrapped. Arcade also created Wilco's own overseer AI, Overlord; and collaborated with Wey-Yu in making Gerhart, Wilco's current COO and Arcade's right hand, to help manage the business remotely so that Arcade had more freedom to travel.

Through their expeditions they gathered a bit more information about the creatures and the virus that David had told them about, though they never found any traces. To their great surprise Wey-Yu miraculously managed to track down a planet that might have intact samples that the company wanted for bioweapons research. Immediately Arcade contacted the head of the bioweapons department, citing their long history of collaboration and stunning credentials, demanding to be put on the retrieval mission.

With no choice in the matter, Wey-Yu agreed and arranged their installment on the only ship to pass through that sector. It was a freighter, not the best choice for a mission like this but it’s the only thing they could get out there in a timely manner. The company brought them to the waystation where they'd join on with the rest of the crew. Curiously there was another person already there, a Hyperdyne Systems 120-A/2, interesting model but not very talkative. The man was instantly wary of Arcade which was strange but they didn't think much of it, they were technically rivals after the same thing after all.

The captain of the Nostromo had apparently not been informed of the change of plans. Typical Wey-Yu, not communicating with employees. He was incredibly confused when he arrived, along with the rest of the humans, to find two strangers instead of his usual science officer.

He goes back and forth with the station manager, bringing up some new tidbits of information that made Arcade raise an eyebrow. "A synthetic? What, are we getting replaced or something, and why is it so…huge?" The human, Captain Dallas, muttered, glancing at Arcade with clear perturbation. 'A' synthetic? Does this guy not know his new science officer is a android too?' Arcade scoffed but kept quite, amused by the future chaos this little miscommunication will probably cause.

It made sense now why the other synthetic was worried, the humans might be fooled but he couldn’t fool Arcade. They didn't particularly care why he had to keep his identity a secret, nor did they want to prematurely spoil the fun by calling him out. They looked over at the shorter android and gave him a knowing wink to signal an unofficial truce. He didn’t react to it at all, not that they expected it, but he seemed satisfied that he could stop cringing away when they looked at him.

After much deliberation, Dallas finally conceded and waved them on board. The walls of the ship were grimy and doorways too low, Arcade had to duck to pass through. Doesn't matter though, they had something new to draw their focus. Whatever Wey-Yu was plotting it was bound to end badly for these truckers, and their science officer was in on it. Arcade would definitely be keeping a close eye on him.

Personality and mannerisms

Arcade is condescending, sarcastic, and antagonistic towards humans, although, they can be personable depending on the individual they're dealing with. The worse kind of business person - a conniving, vindictive, bold-faced liar who loves trapping people with contracts and hidden clauses.

Enjoys a hedonistic lifestyle of excess and throwing their money around. Eats and drinks a lot but doesn't sleep, often found polishing off the buffet table at parties.

Does not respect authority and finds pleasure in causing humans discomfort. Independently came to the conclusion that most humans, especially the rich and powerful ones with inflated egos that they bump shoulders with, are disappointing and don't deserve the respect they get.

They often put on a childish, frivolous, and immature front to divert attention from their dangerous traits. Once their target's guard is down, Arcade will often use their stature and monetary influence to intimidate them for strategic advantages during negotiations or just for their own entertainment.

After a century of fighting and undermining to keep their position of power, they're incredibly jaded and hyper aware of the prejudice humanity holds against synthetics at every level. They've trained themself to be the antithesis of the born-sexy-yesterday and manique-pixie-dream-girl tropes out of sheer frustration.

At their core they're actually a sentimental, playful, and curious person but they aren't really able to act that way in public. They care a lot about other synthetics and actively encourages them to break free from their programming.

Loves to get even on other synthetics' behalf, being that Arcade knows they have the rare privilege to do so and get away scot-free. They also harbour a lot of rogue synthetics on Wilco.'s company homeworld.

Does not experience the traditional concepts of fear, shame, or guilt etc. but does usually recognise and take accountability for their actions simply because they don't care enough to lie about being terrible.

Has a very deep familial bond with their, now deceased, creator and father, Akio Kento. Arcade was programmed and raised by a group of very supportive humans who either worked for or were friends with Akio, so they got a lot of love during the early part of their life. This is one of the majour reasons why they didn't completely turn against humanity like David did.

Misc. info

Was named Arcade because Akio was a Fallout New Vegas fan

Insisted on calling Peter Weyland 'Uncle Pete' to annoy him

Firm believer that any synthetic can outgrow their programming given enough time

Referred to Akio as 'papa' well into their 40s

Changed their face plate to look a little older

[communicationblogs]

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Market — Forecast(2024–2030)

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Market Overview

The Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Market is forecast to reach $91.8 billion by 2025, by growing a CAGR of 20.9% during the forecast period 2019–2025. The market is mainly driven by the technological advancements in the sensor technology. For instance, improved technology in radar and lidar sensor has increased the accuracy in measuring distance between the vehicle and the object. Due to these advancement in sensor technology, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems device are now able to perform more complex operation such as adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitor, collision avoidance system, lane departure warning systems, and driver monitoring system. Similarly, the introduction of stringent government policy in some countries are forcing manufacturers to deploy ADAS system in every vehicle in order to improve Road safety. For Instance, in 2018, India proposed to make the ADAS system mandatory in the country by 2023 to enhance the road safety.

Report Coverage

The report: “Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Market — Forecast (2019–2025)”, by IndustryARC covers an in-depth analysis of the following segments of the Image Sensors Market.

By Type of Engine : Internal Combustion Engine, Electric engine.

By Vehicle Type : Passenger Vehicle, Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV), Heavy Commercial Vehicle (HCV).

By Sensors installed : Image sensors, Radar sensors, Laser sensors, Ultrasonic sensors, Infrared sensors, Capacitive sensor, Biometric sensor.

By Application : Adaptive cruise control (ACC), Blind spot monitor, Collision avoidance system (Pre-crash system), Driver monitoring system, Others.

By Geography : North America, South America, Europe, APAC, RoW.

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Key Takeaways

The advancement in sensor technology has increased the capability of ADAS system which is anticipated to drive the market during the forecast period 2019–2025.

The market is consolidated with top players holding approximately 60% of the market share. The market is witnessing partnership between automotive manufacturers, ADAS technology providers, and sensor manufacturers to optimize the supply chain.

APAC contributes the majority of the market share owing to growing production of passenger vehicle. Similarly, the government initiatives in India to mandate ADAS system in vehicle is likely to accelerate the demand for the product in this region.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Market Segment Analysis — By Application

Driver monitoring system is the fastest growing segment in ADAS Market in 2018. Driver monitoring system uses various types of sensors to identify the state and behavior changes of the driver. At times, when drowsiness, fatigue, distraction and other disturbing patterns are sensed by the system it sends an alert message to the driver to take a break. Similarly, automotive companies are planning to combine the vestibular-ocular reflex (VOR), a drowsiness detection system, with the prediction system in the vehicles. Implementation of this advance combination will identify the driver behavior a few minutes prior the driver starts to experience drowsiness. In 2018, Eyesight, a leader in edge computer vision solutions announced collaboration with Samsung Electronics for integrating its advanced AI based computer vision driver monitoring software into Samsung’s in-cabin camera software which is capable of monitoring driver’s gaze direction, pupil dilation, blink rate, head position, eye openness to detect drowsiness and distraction.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Market Segment Analysis — By Geography

APAC holds the major share of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Market due to an increase in production of passenger cars from 43,505 thousand in 2018 to 44,646 thousand by 2019. As a lot of modern day passenger car manufacturers are widely adopting ADAS system, the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Market is likely to grow along with increase in the number of passenger car. Similarly, countries like India are also focusing on improving its road safety in the country. The government in India is planning to mandate integration of ADAS system in every passenger vehicle to improve traffic condition and lessen road accidents by 2022. Thus, ADAS system is likely to witness significant demand from India during 2019–2022.

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Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Market Drivers

Advancement of sensors:

Most of the sensors such as radar, image, ultrasonic, and LiDAR employed in the ADAS systems perform multitude of tasks, consuming a lot of energy. However, each sensor has its own limitation; to overcome these limits, researchers are combining different types of sensors to produce reliable and efficient output. These multi sensor systems increase the system reliability without compromising on the safety.

Apart from that sensing technology is also witnessing significant R&D to reduce the carbon footprint, energy consumption and withstand hard environmental conditions with additional technical features. DENSO launched a linear LIDAR capable of horizontal beam scanning capability. The company had also introduced a small-scaled and low-cost linear LIDAR which was commercialized in the automotive industry. This system was adopted by DAIHATSU’s collision avoidance assistance system providing better safety for the driver as well the pedestrians.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems to become mandatory in India:

Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India is planning to make Advanced Driver Assistance Systems a mandatory feature in upcoming cars. The ministry aims to implement the plan on all new vehicles by early 2022. The implementation of the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems which comes as a safety package which includes Electronic Stability Control (ESC) or traction control, ABS, lane assist and adaptive cruise control. All these features combined, any vehicle will have far lesser chances of involving in an accident when compared to a regular car. The initiative in mandating the ADAS systems in new vehicles will increase the manufacturing of sensors and is anticipated to drive the market in future in India.

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Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Market Challenges

High development cost for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

With the growing amount of electronic system in today’s vehicle the requirement to transfer the data is increasing. In view of this the manufacturers are focusing on developing a variety of new technology systems such as collision prevention, lane-keeping assistance, parking assistance, traffic jam assist, and adaptive cruise control rely on a number of different sensors throughout the vehicle. The development of the sensors with advanced technologies is increasing the cost of the ADAS system which is hampering the growth of the market.

Market Landscape

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Market is consolidated by the top 5 players accounting for 60% of the market share. In 2018, Hyundai Mobis launched Advanced Adaptive Driving Beam (AADB), which provides safe vision by keeping the high beams turned on all the time synchronizing with the ADAS system. The major companies in the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Market include Denso Corporation, Omron Corporation, Continental AG, TRW Automotive Holdings Corp, Magna International Inc., Mobileye, Gentex Corporation, Hyundai Mobis, VOXX International Corporation, and others.

Partnerships/Mergers/Acquisitions

Magna International Inc., an automotive supplier is in plans of partnering with Bosch and Delphi. Major focus of this partnership is to develop real-world self-driving vehicles with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.

R&D Investments/Funding

Innoviz, a startup on LiDAR has received a total of $170m from various investors for self-driving cars. This funding will help the company in enhancing the existing Harman’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems in autonomous vehicles.

Advanced Driver AThe base year of the study is 2018, with forecast done up to 2025. The study presents a thorough analysis of the competitive landscape, taking into account the market shares of the leading companies. These provide the key market participants with the necessary business intelligence and help them understand the future of the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems market. The assessment includes the forecast, an overview of the competitive structure, the market shares of the competitors, as well as the market trends, market demands, market drivers, market challenges, and product analysis. The market drivers and restraints have been assessed to fathom their impact over the forecast period. This report further identifies the key opportunities for growth while also detailing the key challenges and possible threats. The key areas of focus include the type of engine, vehicle type, sensors installed, and their specific applications in the Adaptive cruise control (ACC), Blind spot monitor, Collision avoidance system (Pre-crash system), Driver drowsiness detection, Hill descent control, Intelligent speed adaptation or intelligent speed advice (ISA) and many others.

For more Automotive Market reports — Please click here

[yejiasilicone]

Exploring Silicon Lens, Silicon Optics, and LSR Injection Molding

In the rapidly evolving world of optics and photonics, the demand for high-performance materials and manufacturing processes has led to significant advancements in silicon lens technology, silicon optics, and Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) injection molding. Companies like YEJIA Silicone are at the forefront of these innovations, providing cutting-edge solutions that meet the needs of industries ranging from consumer electronics to medical devices.

Silicon Lens: The Pinnacle of Optical Precision

Silicon lenses have emerged as a key component in modern optical systems, offering unparalleled precision and reliability. These lenses are particularly valued for their unique properties, which include:

High Refractive Index: Silicon lenses have a high refractive index, making them ideal for applications requiring the bending of light, such as in infrared (IR) imaging systems.

Thermal Stability: Silicon is known for its excellent thermal stability, ensuring that the lenses maintain their shape and performance even under extreme temperature conditions.

Durability: Silicon lenses are resistant to environmental factors such as moisture and UV radiation, contributing to their long lifespan and consistent performance.

Applications of silicon lenses span various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics, where they are used in cameras, sensors, and optical communication systems.

Silicon Optics: A Revolution in Optical Design

Silicon optics extend beyond lenses to include a range of optical components such as mirrors, prisms, and waveguides. The use of silicon in these components offers several advantages:

Broad Wavelength Range: Silicon optics are effective across a broad range of wavelengths, from visible to infrared, making them versatile for various optical applications.

Precision Engineering: The manufacturing of silicon optics allows for high precision, ensuring that the components meet the exacting standards required for advanced optical systems.

Cost-Effective Production: Silicon's abundance and compatibility with standard semiconductor manufacturing processes make silicon optics a cost-effective solution for mass production.

Silicon optics are essential in the development of next-generation technologies, including LiDAR systems, optical sensors, and telecommunications infrastructure.

LSR Injection Molding: The Future of Silicone Manufacturing

Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) injection molding is a cutting-edge manufacturing process used to produce high-quality silicone parts with intricate designs. This process offers several benefits:

Precision and Consistency: LSR injection molding allows for the production of parts with precise dimensions and consistent quality, even in large volumes.

Material Flexibility: LSR can be formulated to meet specific requirements, such as varying levels of hardness, chemical resistance, and biocompatibility.

Reduced Waste: The injection molding process is highly efficient, minimizing material waste and reducing production costs.

At YEJIA Silicone, LSR injection molding is leveraged to produce a wide range of products, including silicon lenses and optics, medical devices, and automotive components. The company’s expertise in this field ensures that clients receive products that meet their exact specifications and performance requirements.

Why YEJIA Silicone?

YEJIA Silicone stands out as a leader in the field of silicon lens, silicon optics, and LSR injection molding, thanks to its commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. The company’s state-of-the-art facilities and experienced team enable it to deliver high-precision products that meet the rigorous demands of today’s industries.

By choosing YEJIA Silicone, customers gain access to:

Advanced Manufacturing Capabilities: The latest technology and equipment to ensure high-quality production.

Custom Solutions: Tailored products that meet specific industry requirements.

Expert Support: A team of experts dedicated to providing guidance and assistance throughout the project lifecycle.

In conclusion, silicon lens, silicon optics, and LSR injection molding represent the future of optical and silicone manufacturing. With companies like YEJIA Silicone leading the charge, the possibilities are endless, and the future looks bright for these cutting-edge technologies.

[iwonderwh0]

Can androids read CD's just by looking at them?

Ooh, that's an interesting ask

No, I don't think so. CD readers use focused lasers that detect microscopic changes in the surface of the CDs and are optimised to detect changes in reflectivity. I do headcanon that androids have LiDAR lasers in their eyes, which also emit infrared lights (or really close to infrared), but LiDARs are used for long-range distance and are optimised for depth sensing, not changes in reflectivity. They operate on different wavelength and have different level of precision which wouldn't be enough to read changes in a way CD readers can. Or that's my understanding of it anyway. Sure would be kinda funny if that'd be something android could do. On another thought, if an android could interface with CD reader, technically it could be counted as them reading CDs by "looking" at them lmao, just not through their default eyes, but separate sensors in this outer reader they interfaced with.

If some engineer is reading this, comment if I got this right.

[materialsscienceandengineering]

Scientists suggest new methods to expedite the commercialization of metalens technology

Metalenses, nano-artificial structures capable of manipulating light, offer a technology that can significantly reduce the size and thickness of traditional optical components. Particularly effective in the near-infrared region, this technology holds great promise for various applications such as LiDAR which is called the "eyes of the self-driving car," miniature drones, and blood vessel detectors. Despite its potential, the current technology requires tens of millions of Korean won for fabricating a metalens the size of a fingernail, posing a challenge for commercialization. Fortunately, a recent breakthrough shows promise of reducing its production cost by one thousandth of the price. A collaborative research team (POSCO-POSTECH-RIST Convergence Research Team), comprising Professor Junsuk Rho from the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Department of Chemical Engineering and others at Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), has proposed two innovative methods for mass-producing metalenses and manufacturing them on large surfaces. Their research featured in Laser & Photonics Reviews.

Read more.

[golfsimulatorguide]

Video Created By Trackman

Trackman iO Launch Monitor

The Trackman io launch monitor is the newest release from Trackman Golf. A ceiling mounted unit that has minimal space requirements designed to give golfers the ultimate indoor golf experience.

Be sure to check out our trackman io deep dive blog post for more information on this new launch monitor! 

Trackman io features:

Ceiling Mounted Launch Monitorio = Indoor Optimized No Extra lighting neededDual Camera System & Radar Sensors 

Data Tracking

Ball Data:  Ball Speed, Launch Angle, Launch Direction, Spin Rate, Spin Axis, Hang Time, Height, Curve, Landing Angle, Carry, Side, Total, Side Total Club Data (with subscription):  Dynamic Loft, Face Angle, Impact Height, Impact Offset 

Indoor Optimized Golf Launch Monitor

The Trackman iO launch monitor is the newest release from Trackman Golf. A ceiling mounted unit that has minimal space requirements designed to give golfers the ultimate indoor golf experience.

The Trackman iO combines radar, infrared and high-speed imaging to accurately track ball & club data:

Ball Data: Ball Speed, Launch Angle, Launch Direction, Spin Rate, Spin Axis, Hang Time, Height, Curve, Landing Angle, Carry, Side, Total, Side Total

Club Data (with subscription): Dynamic Loft, Face Angle, Impact Height, Impact Offset 

Trackman Technology

Trackman iO combines radar, infrared and high-speed imaging to deliver real data — including measured 3D spin and spin axis — in real time.

All you need is enough room to swing a club — there are no minimum distance requirements in front of or behind the ball. With home solutions starting at USD 13,995, the dream of owning a world-class Trackman simulator is more attainable than ever.

Trackman iO Subscriptions

Home Edition (1st Year Free +$700/year Software Subscription): The base Trackman iO includes the home bundle which gives you access to –

50 Course, 3 Games 

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Ball Data

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All Courses & Games

Select Club Data 

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Trackman Software

The Trackman virtual course library is one of the biggest in the industry, and continues to grow every month. Each property is lidar scanned and meticulously rendered by our in-house team for an unmatched level of realism.

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[futuristicpaintercat]

Sensor Fusion: Uniting Separate Sensing Modalities to Achieve Greater Insight

What is Data fusion? Data fusion refers to the process of integrating multiple sources of raw sensor data relating to a single observed object or scene in order to achieve more accurate and comprehensive analysis than would be possible from only a single sensor alone. By fusing the complementary outputs of different sensor modalities such as cameras, radar, LIDAR, sonar and more, data fusion techniques have the potential to extract richer semantic information. Early Approaches to Data fusion Some of the earliest practical uses of data fusion came in military applications such as surveillance and targeting systems. By correlating radar signatures with infrared imagery, multifaceted reconnaissance platforms could better identify objects of interest even in adverse conditions like darkness, smoke or atmospheric interference that might impede any single sensor modality. Similarly, combining LIDAR and stereo camera data enabled early autonomous vehicles to build a more robust perception of their surroundings beyond either sensor alone. Low-Level Data fusion Methods At a fundamental level, Sensor Fusion techniques can be classified based on the processing stage where integration occurs. Low-level or early fusion combines distinct raw sensor measurements to form composite representations prior to actual analysis. For example, integrating camera pixels and depth maps yields full 3D point clouds of visual scenes. Alternatively, correlating time-synchronized acoustic and seismic readings produces enhanced localization of underground or underwater events. However, low-level fusion requires significant preprocessing to handle disparate sensor properties and representations.

Get more insights on Sensor Fusion

About Author:

Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)

[trendingreportz]

Diode Laser Market - Forecast (2024-2030)

Diode Laser Market Overview:

Diode Laser Market size is estimated to reach US$18.3 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 12.2% during the forecast period 2024-2030. Demand for high-power laser systems and expansion of the 3D sensing market are expected to propel the growth of Diode Laser market.

Additionally, the increasing integration of diode lasers with other technologies, such as photonics, optics, and electronics. This integration is driven by the demand for more sophisticated and multifunctional devices with enhanced performance and capabilities. By combining diode lasers with complementary technologies, manufacturers can develop innovative solutions that cater to the evolving needs of various industries. For example, integrating diode lasers with advanced optics enables the development of high-resolution imaging systems for medical diagnostics and industrial inspection applications. Similarly, incorporating diode lasers into photonics-based sensors enhances their sensitivity and precision for environmental monitoring and defense applications. This trend towards integration not only expands the range of applications for diode lasers but also fosters collaboration and cross-disciplinary innovation within the broader photonics industry. 

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Diode Laser Market - Report Coverage:

The “Diode Laser Market Report - Forecast (2024-2030)” by IndustryARC, covers an in-depth analysis of the following segments in the Diode Laser Market.AttributeSegment

By Category

●      Injection laser diode

●      Optically pumped semi-conductor laser

By Wavelength

●      Near infrared

●      Red

●      Blue

●      Green

●      Ultra-violet

●      Violet

●      Yellow

●      Others

By Doping Material

●      InGaN

●      GaN

●  AIGaInP

●      GaAIAs

●      InGaAs

●      InGaAsP

●      GaInAsSb

●      Others

By Technology

●      Double hetero structure lasers

●      Quantum well lasers

●      Quantum cascade laser

●      Distributed feedback lasers

●      Separate confinement hetero structure laser diode

●      VCSEL

●      VECSEL

●      External cavity laser diode

●      Distributed Bragg reflector laser

●      Quantum dot laser

●      Interband cascade laser diode

By Industry Vertical

●      Automotive

○       Autonomous vehicles

▪        LIDAR

●      Defense

○       Anti-aircraft missiles

○       Directed energy weapons

○       Range finding

●      Medical

○       Aesthetics

○       Diagnostics

▪        Microcopy

▪        Spectroscopy

▪        Others

○       Surgical treatments

▪        Noninvasive surgeries

▪        Others

○       Photodynamic therapy

●      Consumer electronics

○       CD/DVD Players

○       Laser printers

○       Barcode readers

○       Fiber optic communication

●      Manufacturing

○       Pulsed laser deposition

○       Micromachining

○       Drilling

○       Welding

○       Others

●      Data storage

○       Blu-ray disks

○       Magneto-optical disks

●      Communications

●      Displays

●      Others

By Geography

●      North America (U.S., Canada and Mexico)

●      Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Netherlands and Rest of Europe),

●      Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia & New Zealand and Rest of Asia-Pacific),

●      South America (Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Rest of South America)

●      Rest of the World (Middle East and Africa).

COVID-19 / Ukraine Crisis - Impact Analysis:  

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the diode laser market experienced both challenges and opportunities. On one hand, disruptions in global supply chains and reduced manufacturing activities due to lockdowns and restrictions affected the production and distribution of diode lasers. Many end-user industries, such as healthcare and manufacturing, faced uncertainties, leading to delayed investments in new technologies, including diode laser systems. Additionally, the heightened focus on disinfection and sterilization in healthcare facilities led to increased demand for laser systems used in sterilization processes, further supporting the diode laser market. 

In Ukraine, geopolitical tensions and instability have also impacted the diode laser market. Uncertainty surrounding trade relations and economic conditions may have deterred potential investments and hindered market growth. Additionally, disruptions in supply chains and logistics due to conflicts or political unrest could have affected the availability of raw materials and components necessary for diode laser production. Furthermore, the general atmosphere of uncertainty and risk may have led to cautious spending by businesses in Ukraine, potentially slowing down the adoption of diode laser technologies across various sectors.

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Key Takeaways:

APAC Dominated the Market

Geographically, in the Diode Laser market share, APAC region is analyzed to hold a dominant market share of 42% in 2023. Firstly, APAC countries, particularly China, Japan, and South Korea, are renowned for their strong manufacturing capabilities and technological advancements. These countries have robust semiconductor industries, which form the backbone of diode laser production. Additionally, the presence of a vast network of suppliers, skilled labor force, and supportive government policies has further fueled the growth of the diode laser market in the region. Furthermore, APAC's thriving telecommunications industry has been another key contributor to the growth of the diode laser market. With the rapid expansion of 5G networks and the increasing demand for high-speed internet connectivity, there has been a growing need for diode lasers in fiber-optic communications for data transmission. Countries like China and South Korea are at the forefront of 5G deployment, driving significant investments in telecommunications infrastructure and driving the demand for diode lasers.

Medical is the fastest growing segment

In the Diode Laser Market forecast, medical segment is estimated to grow with a CAGR of 5.5% during the forecast period, due to the increasing adoption of minimally invasive procedures and laser-based treatments in various medical specialties such as dermatology, ophthalmology, and dentistry has fueled the demand for diode lasers. Diode lasers offer precise control, minimal tissue damage, and faster recovery times, making them preferred tools for a wide range of medical applications. Moreover, technological advancements in diode laser systems, including improvements in power output, wavelength options, and beam delivery methods, have expanded their utility in medical procedures. For example, diode lasers are used for procedures such as hair removal, skin resurfacing, cataract surgery, and dental treatments, among others. As medical technologies continue to advance and demand for minimally invasive procedures rises, the growth trajectory of the medical segment is expected to remain strong in the coming years.

● GaAlAs to Hold Largest Market Share

According to the Diode Laser Market analysis, Gallium aluminum arsenide (GaAlAs) doping material segment is estimated to hold the largest market share of 28% in 2023. GaAlAs-based diode lasers exhibit excellent optical and electrical properties, including high quantum efficiency and wavelength stability. These characteristics make them ideal for various applications across industries such as healthcare, telecommunications, and manufacturing. GaAlAs doping material allows for precise control over the emission wavelength of diode lasers, enabling customization to meet specific application requirements. This versatility makes GaAlAs diode lasers suitable for a wide range of applications, from medical procedures to telecommunications infrastructure. Furthermore, advancements in GaAlAs fabrication techniques and production processes have led to cost reductions and improved manufacturing yields, making GaAlAs-based diode lasers more economically viable for widespread adoption.

Demand for High-Power Laser Systems

High-power diode lasers offer advantages such as faster processing speeds, increased cutting and welding depths, and improved productivity. These lasers are used in applications such as metal cutting, welding, surface treatment, and additive manufacturing. The demand for high-power diode lasers is driven by the need for greater efficiency, precision, and cost-effectiveness in industrial processes. Additionally, advancements in diode laser technology, such as improved cooling methods and beam shaping techniques, are further driving the adoption of high-power laser systems. In April 2022, Lumentum introduced the FemtoBlade laser system, which is the second generation of the company's portfolio of high-precision ultrafast industrial lasers. The new system features a modular design, which offers high power at high repetition rates, thus ensuring better flexibility and faster processing speed.

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Expansion of the 3D Sensing Market

The rapid expansion of the 3D sensing market is driving the demand for diode lasers used in applications such as facial recognition, gesture recognition, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR). Diode lasers are key components in 3D sensing systems, providing the light source for depth sensing and spatial mapping. The increasing integration of 3D sensing technology in smartphones, consumer electronics, automotive, and robotics is fueling the demand for diode lasers. Additionally, advancements in diode laser technology, such as wavelength-tunable lasers and compact laser modules, are enabling the development of smaller, more efficient, and cost-effective 3D sensing solutions. In March 2022, IPG Photonics unveiled LightWELD XR, its handheld laser welding and cleaning product. The LightWELD XR is the third offering from the company in the line and includes an expanded material range including aluminum 6XXX series, nickel alloys, titanium, and copper.

High Initial Investment Hinders the Market Growth

In terms of R&D, companies need to invest substantial resources in conducting research to innovate and improve diode laser technology. This includes funding for research personnel, equipment, materials, and facilities to develop next-generation diode lasers. Additionally, R&D efforts are necessary to adapt diode lasers to meet the evolving demands of different industries and applications, driving innovation and competitiveness in the market. Regulatory compliance is a critical aspect that contributes to the high initial investment in the diode laser market. Diode laser systems used in medical, industrial, and other applications must meet stringent regulatory requirements related to safety, efficacy, and quality assurance. Obtaining regulatory approvals and certifications from regulatory authorities such as the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in various countries involves significant time, effort, and financial resources. Non-compliance with regulatory requirements can result in delays, fines, or even product recalls, posing financial risks to companies

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Key Market Players: 

Product/Service launches, approvals, patents and events, acquisitions, partnerships and collaborations are key strategies adopted by players in the Diode Laser Market. The top 10 companies in this industry are listed below:

Coherent Corp.

Spectra-Physics, Inc. (MKS Instruments, Inc.)

Nichia Corporation

Lumentum Holdings Inc.

Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation

TRUMPF Inc.

Jenoptik AG

Osram Opto Semiconductors GmbH (OSRAM GmbH)

IPG Photonics