

The Future of Safety in Robotics with Ouster
4 snips Apr 25, 2025
Angus Pacala, Co-founder and CEO of Ouster Lidar, shares insights on groundbreaking advancements in lidar technology. He highlights how 3D lidar enhances safety and flexibility in industrial applications, surpassing traditional 2D systems. The discussion also covers Ouster's innovative hardware evolution, the critical role of software-defined capabilities, and the future of humanoid robotics. Pacala addresses the ongoing challenges of cost reduction and the imperative for continuous innovation in the fast-paced lidar landscape.
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3D Zone Monitoring Advantages
- Ouster's new 3D zone monitoring feature analyzes volume for better obstacle detection compared to traditional 2D LIDAR.
- It improves safety by detecting challenges like chains, forklift forks, and cliffs that 2D planar LIDAR misses.
Use Multiple 3D Zones Flexibly
- Define multiple 3D zones and switch between them in real time to tailor safety behaviors for different robot environments.
- Use zones at different distances and heights for nuanced, safer robot operation.
Safety Certification in Progress
- Safety-rated 3D zone monitoring LIDAR is a goal but not yet achieved by Ouster.
- Current sensors can be part of safety-certified systems, and Ouster plans SIL2 functional safety certification soon.