2022 | Professional

MUSE Design Awards Design of the Year Winner

BLK ARC

Entrant Company

Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon

Category

Product Design - Robotics

Client's Name

Country / Region

United States

The BLK ARC is an autonomous laser scanning module for robotics applications. It provides a safe and autonomous way to capture, in 3D, the images and data of areas that are difficult or dangerous for humans to reach. Professionals in architecture/engineering/construction (AEC), manufacturing, plant, public safety, and media and entertainment attach the BLK ARC to a robotic carrier to capture data that is used to build 3D models and recreate situations. For example, man-made or natural disasters, automotive plants, bridges, and movie location sets. The product’s speed, accuracy, flexibility, and modular design provides fully autonomous mobile LiDAR scanning and navigation.



The following are three key differentiators of the BLK ARC.



1. Autonomy: The BLK ARC is the first LiDAR module to provide fully autonomous laser scanning and navigation for autonomous platforms. Before the BLK ARC, the best option was tripod-based static scanning. This requires hands-on, onsite work and requires longer in-field setup times.



Another option is LiDAR based mobile mapping. Still, the mobile mapping devices on the market are either handheld or wearable technology. This, too, requires hands-on, onsite work. While semi-autonomous robotic scanning is possible, it requires active involvement by the user.



The BLK ARC delivers enhanced navigation and better data quality to robotic carriers on autonomous platforms. The data is securely and easily accessed through the cloud.



2. Flexibility: The BLK ARC can be mounted on a multitude of autonomous platforms. This enables users to choose the right application for their needs and quickly plug and play. Additionally, users can easily edit a scan mission while a project is already in progress and not worry about having to start fresh with a new mission.



3. Safety: Users can capture 3D data in any area that a robot carrier can go, and often in places that are difficult or dangerous for humans to traverse. This includes complex facilities, plants, infrastructure, and mines. The BLK ARC also improves public safety responses to emergencies, disasters, crime scene investigations, and more by digitally capturing the environment.





Credits

Chief Technology Officer, Hexagon Geosystems
Burkhard Boeckem
Vice President, UI and Product Design, Hexagon Geosystems
Matthias Wieser
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