Factory Automation
Measuring the distance from the sensor face to a container on the production line helps autonomous systems perform accurately and with proper timing.
Distance Ranging with Ultrasonic Sensors
ToughSonic® ultrasonic sensors excel at distance ranging without touching or damaging the target. They are widely used for collision avoidance in vehicles, and for obstacle avoidance in robotics and autonomous systems.
Senix sensors are easy to use, install, and configure. Their reliability sets them apart as a top choice for hundreds of industrial applications throughout the world.
Measurements are conveniently converted and sent to the user’s IoT solution of choice—a LAN, Public LoRa services, or BinCloud®, a Cloud-based inventory management software.
How Ultrasonic Sensors Solve Proximity Challenges
Ultrasonic sensors' distance ranging capabilities are versatile and can serve many uses: including for automation and industrial process control.
ToughSonic® ultrasonic sensors can measure snow levels in remote locations, measure object heights on moving conveyor belts, and alert vehicles or control robotics when obstacles are detected in their path.
It couldn't be simpler: an ultrasonic wave is emitted toward the target, and its time of flight is converted to a distance measurement. Data can be integrated into a PLC, system controls, or the user's IoT solution of choice.
Plus, optical characteristics such as color, transparency, and size of a target do not affect the precision of ultrasonic technology.
How can Senix best meet your distance ranging needs?
Common Industries & Applications
While industrial automation is the most common use for ToughSonic sensors' distance ranging measurements, many industries benefit from precise, real-time readings.
Obstacle Avoidance
Proximity alerts and collision avoidance. Integrate distance readings into autonomous systems to inform robotics or equipment of obstructions.
Converting Processes
Automatic monitoring of printing processes, including roll diameter measurement and web break detection—with automated alerts that allow workers to take action.
Material Handling
Sorting, dimensioning, and measuring diameter of product on conveyors without contacting objects. Sensors can also detect presence/absence of target items.
Non-Contact Precision
Ultrasonic Sensors for Positioning & Automation
ToughSonic® ultrasonic sensors excel at distance ranging. The space between the sensor and a target is measured without contact for accurate, damage-free proximity detection.
They are widely used in robotics, forklift, and municipal vehicles—as well as industrial automation systems—where reliable, real-time distance data is critical.
- Enable collision/obstacle avoidance for vehicles, robotics, and autonomous systems
- Support industrial automation with accurate positioning, sorting, and dimension measurement
- Detect a wide range of targets regardless of color, transparency, or surface characteristics
- Integrate with PLCs, IoT, and cloud software for real-time monitoring and control
What Targets Can ToughSonic® Sensors Detect?
A wide scope of targets can be detected with distance ranging. Small objects require the sensor to be placed closer to the item. Larger objects can be measured from farther away.
Accuracy in Variable Conditions
Ultrasonic technology is unaffected by texture, color, transparency, and shape of targets or bulk materials being measured.
A ToughSonic’s ideal range—in which the sensor performs with highest precision—can depend on an object's size, shape, orientation, and sound absorption.
Push-Button "TEACH"
TS-100.03, TS-100.14, and TS-100.30 general-purpose sensor models include a push-button, and thus, "TEACH" functionality. Learn more about the feature here.
This allows the user to configure a sensor without a computer or software. Simply use the push button and the Target Status Indicator LED on the back of the sensor.
Setting Endpoint Distances
Using the included SensorView™ software, set analog output endpoint distances for low and high values and adjust ultrasonic measurement conversion rates.
SensorView also allows users to synchronize multiple sensors, activate or deactivate temperature compensation, or restore sensors to factory defaults.
Integrate with Your IoT of Choice
Ultrasonic Sensor Connectivity
Ultrasonic distance sensors connect with all common types of automation and telemetry equipment.
Measurements are converted to data, which is simultaneously delivered to the cloud and connected equipment for efficient automation without interruption.
ToughSonic sensor measurements can be converted as quickly as 5 milliseconds, providing a speedy response if a process needs to be stopped or restarted.
Add BinCloud® software for real-time, on-site or remote visibility into liquid levels or distance measurements.
BinMaster's Binventory® 2.0 platform is also available for secure operations or those who prefer complete control of their data without the cloud.
Additional Uses for Distance Ranging Sensors
Product Sorting & Anomaly Detection
Vehicle Collision Avoidance
Presence/Absence on Moving Conveyors
Detecting Distance on the Industrial Floor & In the World
Senix Ultrasonic Sensors Chosen for Accessible RV
BraunAbility and Winnebago required a short-range, real-time, accurate ultrasonic sensor for their new accessible RV. Senix was up to the task!
How Plant Growth is Monitored with Senix Sensors
ToughSonic® ultrasonics are well-suited for research & development, including the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's plant phenotyping project.
Measuring Height with Ultrasonic Sensors
From automated automotive maneuvering to children's museums! ToughSonic® sensors' distance ranging abilities prove valuable in many industries.
Senix Ultrasonics Reduce Chemical Usage in Agriculture
Ask an ag professional: they'll say optimized chemical usage is best. ToughSonic® ultrasonics' level & distancing abilities help keep usage low.
Ready to get Tough? Connect with a Senix sales expert today.