A Human-Machine Distance Control System Using Incoherent Cooperative FMCW Radar Sensors

Modern automated machinery and industrial facilities need perception systems to ensure safe operation and prevent collisions between mobile objects. A sensor system that meets the requirements for these applications is a spatially distributed cooperative radar system, because it is able to provide instantaneous information on position, velocity, and direction of movement of a target. As an example, we demonstrate a prototype of a distance control system that keeps a defined distance between a human target and a movable machine. It is based on incoherent sensors to to show the capabilities of cooperative radar units for these applications. The theory for bistatic FMCW radars and the implemented methods are presented in detail. The functionality and performance of the system is evaluated experimentally.