ProPhotonix delivers 100,000th laser module for robotic guidance application

ProPhotonix Ltd of Salem, NH, USA, a designer and manufacturer LED illumination systems and laser diode modules for OEMs and medical equipment companies (as well as a distributor of laser diodes for Ushio, Osram, QSI, Panasonic and Sony) with operations in Ireland and the UK, says that it has now delivered more than 100,000 custom laser diode modules designed specifically for obstacle detection in robotic guidance applications.

Robotic guidance applications (i.e. autonomous mobile robots employing vision systems to direct and re-direct a robot) require laser modules to be both compact and robust. Long lifetimes are also important, as replacing laser modules can be costly. Critical to this application is the ability to meet a number of demanding requirements of the laser beam to ensure successful obstacle detection.

ProPhotonix reckons that, as a supplier of laser diodes as well as a laser module manufacturer, it is well positioned to identify the most suitable laser diode to meet the user’s optical requirements. Its ability to design an optimal optical system and to manufacture laser module parts in house ensures that the tight tolerances required are reliably and consistently achieved, the firm claims.

“This is an excellent example of how ProPhotonix works with OEMs to understand the key requirements for their application and then utilizes its strengths and experience to design a cost-effective custom solution to consistently deliver on those requirements,” says Jeremy Lane, managing director of ProPhotonix Ltd UK. “The volume of sales in this instance is a good indicator of the suitability and reliability of the laser module.”