Together with my valuable team at TDK, we had first developed an acoustic lab and a simulation, and then we have developed the prototypes of new robust ultrasonic time-of-flight distance sensors with integrated electronics and digital interface. These contactless piezo-based sensors can be configured to specific application needs, thanks to a versatile signal processing by Elmos Semiconductor chips, and due to metal encapsulated analogue signal conditioning, they are quite robust regarding electromagnetic interference. Prototypes were taken over for product development, and we supported a successful field trial with a company producing outdoor delivery robots. Some of our prototypes are now in operation there since 3 years. We recognized with pleasure to be awarded the “Best Productization Technology Award” in a TDK internal ranking.
