ExcelSense Technologies, a leader in maintenance-free, self-cleaning solutions for industrial optics, cameras, and laser sensors, has announced the launch of LidarShield™, the industry’s first maintenance-free optical shield designed specifically for LiDAR systems. Building on the success of its advanced cameras and optical shields—widely adopted by top OEMs—LidarShield™ integrates patented technology into Ouster’s OS sensor family. Ouster is renowned for its high-performance LiDAR sensors and solutions.
The LidarShield™ is designed for compatibility with Ouster’s OS0 and OS1 3D scanning LiDAR sensors, which are essential in autonomous and automated mining operations. Its robust design provides enhanced protection against impact, vibration, and temperature extremes, ensuring reliable operation for autonomous equipment in harsh weather and demanding mining conditions.
“Nima Nabavi, Founder and CEO of ExcelSense, stated, ‘LidarShield™ was developed in direct response to industry demands for reliable 3D scanning technology, crucial for the functioning of autonomous equipment. Our maintenance-free self-cleaning technology allows Ouster’s advanced sensors to perform optimally without being affected by field conditions. This innovation is truly unparalleled in the industry.’”
Cyrille Jacquement, Ouster’s SVP of Global Sales, emphasized, “LiDAR sensors are essential in autonomous mining. ExcelSense’s self-cleaning LidarShield™ guarantees that large-scale deployments will succeed even under extreme conditions. We are excited about how LidarShield™ can enhance sensor performance and reduce downtime in mining’s autonomous and remote monitoring operations.”
ExcelSense’s range of self-cleaning optical products has proven its effectiveness in meeting the environmental challenges of the mining industry, with thousands of systems deployed in 15 countries. Major potash mines utilize ExcelSense’s ToughEye-1700™ and SensorShield-1600™ for AI-driven image analysis on heavily dust-laden conveyor belts, marking a significant technological breakthrough.
Additionally, ExcelSense cameras support various teleoperated equipment, including shotcrete spraying robots in underground mines, improving efficiency from around 50% to 90%. The Canadian Institute of Mining has referred to ExcelSense’s technology as “game-changing.”
Unlike conventional systems that require regular maintenance and are vulnerable to freezing and clogging, ExcelSense products operate maintenance-free for over 11 years in many applications. They effectively eliminate a wide range of contaminants, including wet and dry abrasives, mud, grease, oil, and crystallizing substances like salt and potash.
ExcelSense will showcase a pre-production unit of the self-cleaning LidarShield™—built on their proven technology favored by leading mining OEMs—at MINExpo 2024, held at the Las Vegas Convention Centre North Hall (booth #1221), in front of the Canada Pavilion (booths #1630 and #1632), from September 24-26, 2024. The LidarShield™, set to revolutionize the industry, is expected to be commercially available in 2025.
