Autonomous Vehicle Awareness Sensor

Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc. (RMD) in collaboration with Munro Ranging, LLC will develop an active laser sensor for autonomous satellite awareness systems.  The instrument will be based on two innovative technologies developed by Munro Ranging and RMD to allow accurate and timely situation awareness of the host vehicle.  By coupling with RMDs avalanche photodiode (APD) arrays, the unit will be able to perform simultaneous ranging and tracking using a single transmitter-receiver pair.  In addition, a novel ranging method will allow for more compact packaging and require less power than ordinary laser ranging systems.  The information gathered by the sensor will then be used to calculate the target objects velocity vector relative to the host satellite and assess the hazard level.  When integrated with the control systems of the satellite, autonomous operation will be realized. BENEFIT: There are a numerous applications that can benefit from the development of a low-cost, compact ranging and tracking sensors for autonomous vehicle operation. Some of these applications include, 3-D imaging, collision avoidance and warning for automobiles, adaptive cruise control, robotics, industrial sensing, surveying, camera autofocus, law enforcement, border security, sports (golf, archery, hunting, baseball, tennis, etc.) and smart weapons.