Hesai Technology, CRATUS partner to develop autonomous warehouse systems

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Hesai Technology’s QT128 LiDAR. | Source: Hesai Technology

Hesai Technology, a provider of LiDAR systems, and CRATUS, a software system integrator of LiDAR systems, announced they’ve entered into a strategic alliance to develop autonomous warehouse systems. Hesai and CRATUS will work together to release a series of drivers, middleware and end solutions centered around Hesai’s QT128 LiDAR sensors. 

The QT128 has a 360º horizontal field of view (FOV), which eliminates blindspots that automated guided vehicles (AGVs) typically have when using traditional devices, which provide a 270º or less field of view. Eliminating these blindspots means avoiding any potential safety risks that come from the robot not being able to see everything around it. 

Hesai’s QT128 has also obtained ISO 26262 ASIL B – Performance Level D Functional Safety certification by TÜV Rheinland. This certification verifies that the QT128 can detect potential risks in electronic systems. When it does, it sends an alarm to the autonomous driving system and initiates protections, ensuring AGVs operate safely and efficiently. 

“We are embarking on a revolution within the warehouse. These facilities are increasingly becoming more automated and efficient. By utilizing the QT128, with its recent safety rating certification, we are now able to release a host of new software products which will increase the capabilities and overall safety of these solutions within the material handling sector,” Zeki Gunay, CEO of CRATUS, said.

The QT128 has 128 laser channels, which provide additional safety redundancy and enable rich 3D perception data. The product’s many laser channels mean that if one fails or is interfered with by strong light sources like sunlight, then the AGV won’t lose visibility and be unable to operate properly. 

“Hesai is eager to support CRATUS in its development of safety-rated AGV and AMR applications. We are excited that CRATUS has recognized the QT as a truly revolutionary product within this market. No other LiDAR sensor is able to deliver such accurate data to the perception stack and provide a performance level D safety rating that is required for this industry. We see CRATUS as a very capable partner and first mover within the space,” Bob in den Bosch, Senior Vice President of Global Sales at Hesai, said.