Exclusive: Sonair Inspired by Dolphins to Develop Lidar-Free Autonomous 3D Vision System

Ultrasound technology is widely recognized for its role in non-invasive medical imaging, underwater communication, and even car parking assistance. However, a promising startup from Norway, Sonair, aims to harness this technology for a different purpose: enhancing 3D computer vision for autonomous hardware applications.

Knut Sandven, the founder and CEO of Sonair, believes that the company's innovative use of ultrasound can revolutionize the market. Their approach utilizes sound waves to create 3D detections of people and objects, all while requiring significantly less energy and computation than traditional lidar systems.

Sonair has successfully secured $6.8 million in funding from early-stage investors Skyfall and RunwayFBU, alongside previous backers, to launch its technology. Initially, the focus will be on developers of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), but the company's long-term vision encompasses broader applications.

“Our strategy begins with autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) — facilitating the movement of goods from one point to another,” Sandven stated. “We plan to focus on indoor operations to establish our presence before expanding into other robotic sectors and eventually, the automotive industry.”

The name "Sonair" cleverly combines the concepts of sonar, which operates underwater, with sensors designed to interpret signals in air — precisely what the startup delivers.

Sandven, an experienced engineer and entrepreneur, previously founded GasSecure, a company that developed gas sensors using MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) technology. Following GasSecure's acquisition by a German industrial safety firm, Sandven turned his attention to new applications of MEMS technology, inspired by research from SINTEF, an innovative think tank linked to Norway's leading science university. This collaboration has incubated numerous successful companies over the years.

SINTEF introduced a novel type of MEMS ultrasonic sensor that was ready for market. Sandven acquired the technology's intellectual property, recruited the original researchers, and founded Sonair.

While lidar has become a standard component of autonomous systems, there remains an opportunity for alternative solutions. Lidar is often viewed as expensive and has inherent limitations with range and interference from ambient light and reflective surfaces.

As competitors like Mobileye explore options such as radar, Sandven is confident in Sonair's potential, noting that their ultrasound technology has the ability to cut sensor package costs by 50% to 80%.

“Our goal is to replace lidar,” he emphasized.

Sonair’s ultrasound sensors, combined with advanced software, work synergistically with cameras to deliver accurate environmental data to autonomous systems. The company's technology employs a beamforming method, similar to radar, to process sound wave data. Utilizing AI and object recognition algorithms, Sonair creates detailed spatial information, achieving a 180-degree field of view up to 5 meters in range while reducing the number of sensors required.

The company is also exploring innovative applications for its technology. Currently focused on enhancing autonomous systems' object recognition, there are hints that it could later be adapted for consumer devices. For instance, it might transform how wearable tech interprets touch—anticipating hand movements to provide instant feedback before a physical connection is made.

“What others in the industry are doing centers mainly on touch sensors,” Sandven explained. “Our technology can gauge the intent before contact. By tracking a hand's approach, our sensors provide precise distance measurements, enabling users to interact gently. While we're not developing this yet, it’s a future possibility.”

Sagar Chandna of RunwayFBU estimates that about 200,000 autonomous mobile robots will enter production in 2024, representing a $1.4 billion market opportunity. This reality positions Sonair as an affordable alternative for essential computer vision components.

“Decreasing sensor costs combined with advancements in AI for perception and decision-making will benefit a variety of sectors, from manufacturing to healthcare,” noted Preben Songe-Møller from Skyfall.