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WHAT ARE
AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS?

 

Self-Driving Trucks

 

Farming Robots (AgriTech)

 

Vision Guided Robotics

 

Cars, Drones, and Unmanned Vehicles

Self-driving cars, autonomous trucks, flying taxis, autonomous agriculture, farming robots, agri-tech, autonomous robotics – they are all part of a larger Autonomous Systems market. The word autonomous means having the power to self-govern.1 Autonomous Systems “self-govern” by incorporating real-time image processing and computer vision to provide automated-control with little to no external intervention. Imaging and sensor technologies have benefited from advancements in the fields of optics and photonics, enabling the use of Autonomous Systems to create real world solutions. While self-driving cars and drones may have once seemed like science fiction, it is real today and being implemented across the board.

Why Autonomous Systems?

According to the US Department of Transportation, driver error accounted for about 94% of all automotive crashes between 2005 to 2007, a total of 2,046,000 accidents.2 Machine vision systems are currently being used to guide autonomous systems such as self-driving cars reliably and repeatably to drastically reduce automotive accidents by removing driver error almost entirely.

Driver, Vehicle, and Environment-Related Crashes

  • Driver Error93
  • Vechicle Error2
  • Environment2
  • Unknown2
 

Optics for Autonomous Applications

On-board components must be robust, compact, shock or vibration resistant, and versatile to provide a broader degree of freedom than the components used in factory automation. Without such machine vision components, autonomous systems are unable to view their environment and, as a result, are fragile and defenseless against even low-risk, easily avoidable hazards.

Who is Edmund Optics®?

Edmund Optics (EO) is a world class optics and photonics manufacturer with over 78 years of experience in optics, design, testing, and manufacturing. Additionally, Edmund Optics offers a broad selection of versatile and off-the-shelf products, which are continuously updated to support current, relevant challenges for autonomous systems. Learn more about Edmund Optics and our World-Class Imaging Optics and Manufacturing Capabilities.

About Us
Imaging Optics Capabilities

Edmund Optics’ Solutions for Autonomous Systems

Edmund Optics’ Solutions for Autonomous Systems

Optics & Lenses for Autonomous Applications
TECHSPEC

Optics & Lenses for Autonomous Applications

  • Ideal for Automated Machine Vision Applications
  • Fixed focal length
  • Single wide angular field of view
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Rugged Blue Series M12 Lenses
TECHSPEC

Rugged Blue Series M12 Lenses

  • Ruggedized to reduce pixel shift for a variety of potentially harsh environments
  • Fixed focal length and a single wide angular field of view
  • Commonly referred to as micro video lenses
Learn More
Ruggedized Lenses for Autonomous Applications
TECHSPEC

Ruggedized Lenses for Autonomous Applications

  • Ruggedized to minimize pixel shift after shock and vibration
  • Individual optics glued in place to maintain optical pointing stability
  • 50G shock rating with sub-micron pixel shift of <1µm
Learn More
Filters
TECHSPEC

Filters

  • Used to improve contrast, reduce noise, and eliminate unwanted wavelengths
  • Neutral density filters offer additional control over the brightness of an image without changing the exposure time or adjusting the f/#
  • Polarizing filters used to reduce glare
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Edmund Optics® Imaging: Manufacturing Capabilities

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Technical Information and Tools

Videos

Informative corporate or instructional videos ranging from simple tips to application-based demonstrations of product advantages.

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Ruggedized Imaging Lenses

 
How an Edmund Optics Imaging Lens is Made

How an Edmund Optics Imaging Lens is Made

 
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Victor Tango AutoDrive: Edmund Optics Case Studies

 

Application Notes

Technical information and application examples including theoretical explanations, equations, graphical illustrations, and much more.

11 Best Practices
for Better Imaging
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6 Fundamental Parameters of an Imaging System
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From Lens to Sensor: Limitations on Collecting Information
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Imaging Lens
Selection Guide
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Imaging Electronics 101: Understanding Camera Sensors for Machine Vision Applications
Read  

Ruggedization of
Imaging Lenses
Read  

Technical Articles

Links to technical articles appearing in industry publications authored by Edmund Optics or featuring contributions from Edmund Optics' engineering team and key management.

"Vision & Sensors Lens Selection Guide, Part 1" by Nick Sischka - Quality Vision & Sensors

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"Lens Selection Guide, Part 2" by Nick Sischka - Quality Vision & Sensors

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"Vision Systems for 3D Measurement Require Care to Ensure Alignment" by Jessica Gehlhar - Industrial Photonics
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"The Importance Of Ruggedization For Imaging Lenses" by Daniel Adams - Assemblaggio & Meccatronica
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"How To Maximise The Performance Of An Imaging System" by Daniel Adams - Assemblaggio & Meccatronica
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Calculators

Technical calculators based on commonly used and referenced equations in the Optics, Imaging and Photonics industries.

Imaging System Parameter Calculator
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Imaging Lens Selector
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1951 USAF Resolution Calculator
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References

1 Merriam-webster.com. (2020). Definition of AUTONOMOUS. [online] Available at: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/autonomous [Accessed 13 Jan. 2020].

2 “Critical Reasons for Crashes Investigated in the National Motor Vehicle Crash Causation Survey.” National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, February 2015.

Working on Optics for an
Autonomous System?