Radar sensors enable networked production plants to see where they remain blind with conventional sensor systems: They penetrate materials such as plastic and textiles, and even smoke and dust. Even under challenging conditions, they are able to measure spacings, distances, velocities, and the location of concealed objects. The Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics IAF has developed the perfect solution for industrial use that works with sub-millimeter accuracy in the W-Band (75-110 GHz) and, for example, inspects packaged goods for content and completeness remotely and in real-time.

Applications in various different fields are also possible. For instance, radar sensors can be used to calculate the safe distance between cobots and human workers, dynamically and without interruption. Under the often difficult production conditions in the steel industry, with high temperatures and steam and dust, radar sensors allow for the measurement of distances and positions of flat steel in hot rolling mills, thereby helping reduce production waste, which saves energy and resources. The company Mecorad, established at Cologne University of Applied Sciences, is also working on radar sensors for hot rolling mill steel production.