The "echo" of electromagnetic waves reflecting off an object to be measured is the metrological basis of a radar. The declared aim is to measure distances, velocities and angular positions of moving or stationary objects in relation to the radar sensor – and even simultaneously. Due to the extensive, non-contact measurement possibilities, radar sensors are used in numerous application areas. Here are a few examples from everyday life:
COLLISION PROTECTION AND SAFETY
Radar technology has its origins in the field of securing sea and air routes, largely in the military sector. Here, radar was used to detect ships and flying objects in the vicinity and to avoid collisions. Even today, security technology is largely based on radar and has been expanded to include other applications, such as motion detectors for alarm systems and automatic door opening for border surveillance.
SENSORS FOR AUTOMOBILES
Radar sensor technology makes our everyday lives easier in the automotive sector: the sensors around a vehicle supply driving assistance system with the necessary environmental data, for example for parking assistants, speed and distance control or emergency braking assistants. With the ongoing development of autonomous driving, radar sensors are becoming all the more important to ensure safe and accident-free driving.
WEATHER MONITORING
Radars used to collect weather data are referred to as weather radars. Several radars are networked for this purpose, and their data is used to calculate a large-scale weather situation. A weather forecast derives by simulation and comparison with data from the past. Measurable data include cloud cover, precipitation and wind speeds.
INUDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION
Radar sensors play a particularly important role in the automation of industrial processes. Here they take measurements for process control and collision avoidance by detecting obstacles and measuring distances. A typical application is level measurement, where the level of liquids or bulk materials in a container is measured. For placement robots in assembly lines, distance measurement primarily prevents collisions.
TRAFFIC MONITORING
A classic example of distance measurement with radar is speed monitoring or speed camera technology. Here, the change in distance between the transmitter and receiver resulting from the movement of the vehicle provides information about the speed, or more precisely, about the frequency shift of the waves. If the speed is exceeded, the speed camera is triggered. Distances between road users can also be measured for dynamic traffic guidance systems.
LOCALIZATION AND MAPPING
In early development, there exist intelligent robots or unmanned flying objects that scan their surroundings and simultaneously create a map from data. The measurement basis for this simultaneous localization and mapping can be radar sensors. This solution would be particularly useful in the area of rescue and disaster control.