A wide Variety of Products – Based on a proven principle
Symeo’s robust radar sensors enable precise real-time distance measurement by radio over short, medium and long ranges in industrial environments. The basis of the distance measurement is the worldwide unique, patented LPR® radar technology. Symeo’s radar sensors provide reliable measurements with accuracies sometimes down to the millimeter range – both indoors and outdoors, even under the most adverse environmental conditions.
Typical applications include determining the position of crane systems, rail-bound vehicles, and crane trolleys, measuring crane-to-crane and crane-to-wall distances, crane automation processes, crane collision avoidance, and measuring lift height – to ensure reliable, safe, and efficient operating processes.
A rugged close-range radar distance sensor, small. Affordable. Precise.
A successor of the widely proven 60 GHz technology, it enables highly accurate, robust and maintenance-free distance measurements over short, medium and long distances.
Highly accurate distance measurement, reliable data transmission and integrated diversity antenna
Symeo Collision Control Center (CCC) is a modular assistance and management system developed especially for crane anti-collision applications.
LPR®-SAFE is a system for safe distance measurement in accordance with functional safety standards, suitable for cranes and rail-bound vehicles.
Additional Symeo products and accessories: from robust radar sensors to matching antennas, cables, and mounting solutions – perfectly tailored to your requirements.
Your robust radar platform for high-resolution environment perception, precise distance and position data, and rapid development of customized applications.
With HD Imaging Radar, you gain high-resolution radar data for demanding applications where accuracy, robustness, and level of detail are critical.
A radar distance sensor is a high-precision measuring device that uses electromagnetic waves to determine the distance to an object. The functionality of such a sensor is based on proven radar technology, which is also used in safety-critical industrial applications. Unlike optical or ultrasonic sensors, a radar distance sensor operates independently of lighting conditions, dust, fog, or other environmental influences.
A radar sensor uses high-frequency electromagnetic waves (radar waves) to measure distance, speed, and motion. The basic operating principle follows this physical process:
A radar distance sensor determines the distance based on the time the signal takes for the round trip. The distance can be calculated as follows:
Distance = (Travel Time × Speed of Light) / 2
The division by two accounts for the round trip of the signal (to the object and back).
If the target object is moving, the frequency of the reflected signal changes—an effect known as the Doppler shift. A radar sensor can evaluate this frequency shift to determine not only the distance but also the relative speed of the object.
In practice, various radar methods are used, differing in signal type, frequency range, and application.
Radar sensors can be categorized by their technological design and area of application. Based on the type of signal used, we distinguish between:
These sensors emit short high-frequency pulses and measure the time it takes for the echo to return. They are especially suitable for long-range applications requiring high power and range—for example, in aviation or rail transport.
CW radar sensors emit a continuous signal. Measurement is based on the frequency shift (Doppler effect) between the transmitted and received signal. These are ideal for speed measurement, such as in vehicles or moving machinery.
FMCW radar sensors are an advanced form of CW radar. They continuously modulate the frequency of the transmitted signal, enabling simultaneous measurement of both distance and speed. This type of sensor—like those developed by Symeo—is particularly precise and widely used in industrial applications.
Radar sensors can also be classified by their physical design:
In a monostatic radar sensor, the transmitter and receiver are housed in the same unit. This compact and robust design is well-suited for many industrial applications where space and easy integration are important.
Bistatic sensors have spatially separated transmitter and receiver units. This setup allows for flexible measurement configurations and is used especially in safety-critical applications or complex environments.
Multistatic radar sensors consist of multiple transmitters and/or receivers working together to detect a target. This setup allows for improved detection accuracy and is ideal for tasks such as precise object tracking or redundancy in safety-relevant systems.
Industrial radar systems have established themselves as robust and versatile solutions for a wide range of applications across many industries. Their ability to reliably detect objects, measure distances, and track motion even under the harshest environmental conditions makes the industrial radar sensor a key technology for automation, safety, and efficiency in modern industry.
Radar sensors are used in a wide variety of sectors. Key areas of application include:
Collision avoidance: Industrial radar sensors are vital for preventing collisions in dynamic industrial environments. They are used on cranes (gantry, bridge, container cranes), industrial trucks (forklifts, automated guided vehicles), construction machinery, and robotics to detect people and objects in work areas, trigger timely warnings, or adjust machine movements. This enhances safety and prevents costly accidents and downtime.
Position detection and tracking: Accurate determination of the position of machines, vehicles, or objects is essential for many industrial processes. Radar sensors are used to position cranes in ports and industrial facilities, guide AGVs, align steel strips in coating plants, or control boom heights in agricultural sprayersDistance and dimension measurement: Industrial radar technology enables precise distance measurements and can also be used to determine dimensions such as the width or thickness of steel or wood panels. This is important for quality control and process optimization.
Automation in harsh environments: Thanks to their resistance to dust, dirt, smoke, fog, rain, extreme temperatures, and vibrations, industrial radar sensors are ideal for use in demanding environments such as mining, steel production, cement plants, foundries, or waste bunkers at power utilities. They can even measure through certain non-metallic materials, allowing for concealed installations that protect the sensor itself.
The range of a radar distance sensor is the maximum distance at which it can detect an object. It depends on several technical factors and can vary widely depending on the application.
Depending on design and application, the typical range of a radar sensor lies between a few millimeters and several hundred meters. Key factors for actual range include:
The transmission power determines how strongly the signal is emitted — the higher it is, the farther the signal can reach. Just as important is the sensitivity of the receiver, which must reliably detect even weak signals reflected from distant objects.
Only a well-balanced combination of transmission power, receiver electronics, and signal processing allows a radar sensor to reach its full potential.
The shape, size, and orientation of the antenna determine how strongly and in what direction the radar signal is emitted and received. A directional antenna focuses the signal into a narrow area, increasing range and accuracy. Broad-beam antennas cover larger areas but are better suited for short distances. The appropriate antenna geometry is therefore crucial for achieving the desired range and precision in a specific application.
The size, material, and shape of the target object influence how much transmitted energy is reflected back to the radar sensor. Large, flat metal surfaces reflect signals almost entirely and are detectable from a great distance. Small, complex-shaped, or absorbent materials scatter or dampen the signal, reducing the range.
With adapted frequencies, polarization, and intelligent signal processing, a radar sensor can also amplify weak reflections — enabling reliable measurements even with less reflective targets. The angle of incidence also affects the reflected energy.
Symeo develops high-precision radar distance sensors for industrial applications where reliability, robustness, and range are critical. Depending on the model and use case, our sensors achieve ranges of up to 1,000 meters — even under extreme environmental conditions.
Thanks to state-of-the-art signal processing and intelligent antenna technology, Symeo provides tailored radar sensor solutions for a wide variety of applications.
Tip: If you’d like to learn more about the range capabilities of our radar distance sensors or need a custom solution, feel free to contact us — our experts will gladly assist you.