Laser Measurement System (LMS) sensors from SICK were used by several teams during the DARPA Grand Challenge, held in March 2004. Sponsored by the Dept of Defense, the competition tested state-of-the-art autonomous vehicle technology via a race that covered a rugged course between Barstow, CA and Primm, NV. The LMS sensor is a key component of the navigation system, helping to sense the terrain and obstacles in front of the unmanned vehicles.

"The LMS units play a key role in our terrain-sensing capablities," commented Chris Pederson, team leader for the A.I. Motorvators team. "The reliability and quality are impressive and demonstrate SICK's commitment to producing components that have the performance and durability needed for autonomous ground vehicles." (LMS unit is shown here on an A.I. Motorvators vehicle.)

"The SICK LMS sensors are considered key to our ability to generate a simplified 3D image of the immediate terrain in front of the vehicle," added Ivar Schoenmeyr, leader of the CyberRyder team. SICK non-contact LMS sensors offer accurate distance measurement and collision control throughout a scanning field up to 180 deg. They can also be used to monitor open spaces for building security, for object classification, determining the volume of objects, and collision prevention for vehicles and cranes.

"SICK is proud to lend its expertise in automatic identification products to this historic event," said Jeff Osterhues, manager of the SICK Automatic Identification Division. "The LMS is a powerful and versatile imaging and measuring tool -- and is another product in a long line of innovative solutions from SICK."