How do you repair an underwater pipeline at a depth of several thousand meters? How do you explore a wreck on the ocean floor? For humans, this is only possible in special pressure capsules. And even then, nothing can be seen without technical aids. Even high-energy violet light only penetrates to depths of up to 430 meters. After that, we are in total darkness. These are not good conditions for underwater research!

3D images from a depth of 3,000 meters

Robots, on the other hand, can be designed to function without limitations even at depths of 3,000 meters. But how do they recognize what they are supposed to do? The Canadian manufacturer Kraken Robotics provides a remedy with its SeaVision 3D laser imaging system. Three particularly powerful laser modules from LASER COMPONENTS – one red, one blue, and one green – scan the environment with lines thinner than a human hair. At the customer’s request, we adapted their output power to the light conditions of the deep sea. The reflections captured by special deep-sea cameras are then assembled in the computer into detailed 3D models. From short distances, a resolution of 0.1 mm can be achieved, allowing even the finest damage to underwater structures to be detected.

Deep-sea explorers do not even get their feet wet

Kraken Robotics has developed this system primarily for use with remote-controlled miniature submarines. The control personnel sit comfortably on dry land and steer the underwater drone to the site of operation »classically« with a spotlight and camera. This is where things get exciting because even though the scanning process only takes four seconds, the submarine and the object under investigation must remain absolutely still for this short period of time. It is a good thing that the designers have thought things through: They immediately integrated an algorithm that detects the movements of the vehicle and adjusts the measurement results accordingly.

SeaVision has already proven its worth in many projects – be it in the maintenance of pipelines, the search for sunken ships, or when it comes to monitoring the growth of corals.

The gap between the end of the turbine blades and the casing is considered the main cause of inefficiency, unreliability, and noise in aircraft engines. Here, every millimeter counts. With the GapGun, even the slightest deviations can be detected in seconds. For its handheld measuring device, the manufacturer Third Dimension uses the compact all-rounder laser module FLEXPOINT^® MVnano, which can also be integrated into small devices (e.g., in the variation with separate optical and electronic elements). For customers for which space is at a premium, we can supply just the laser and dispense with the control electronics altogether.

In the cake factory, laser lines indicate where the knives need to be positioned so that all pieces are cut the same size and that no guest is disadvantaged at the coffee table. For this purpose, large confectioners like to use the compact, cost-effective ILM12IP laser module. Its stainless-steel housing is not only robust but also waterproof according to protection class IP67. It must be waterproof because to meet the hygiene standards of the food industry, the machines are regularly hosed down and cleaned.