37 Distance Measuring Sensor Manufacturers in 2023
This section provides an overview for distance measuring sensors as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 37 distance measuring sensor manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked distance measuring sensor companies as of April, 2023: 1.Migatron Corp., 2.Onexia, Inc..
Table of Contents
What Is a Distance Measuring Sensor?
Distance measuring sensors, as the name implies, are sensors used to measure distance. Recently, they have been utilized in automated driving of automobiles and industrial machinery, and in preventing collisions with detected objects in advanced safety systems.
Distance measuring sensors include Lidar, millimeter-wave, ultrasonic, and stereo camera methods, and sometimes a combination of these methods is used depending on the application.
Many sensors utilize a system of sensors called TOF (Time of Flight). It transmits a signal for each method and measures the distance from the time the signal is received reflected from the object being measured.
Uses of Distance Measuring Sensors
1. Lidar
Advantage: High resolution for accurate recognition of position and shape.
Disadvantage: Vulnerable to environments where light is difficult to reach, such as fog.
- 3D shape measurement of terrain by attaching to airplanes, drones, etc.
- Forward shape recognition in automatic driving
2. Millimeter wave
Advantage: Longer measurement distance, strong resistance to environmental changes.
Disadvantage: Unsuitable for detection of materials that do not reflect radio waves, such as cardboard and Styrofoam.
- Adaptive cruise control, collision damage reduction brakes, blind spot monitors in automobiles
- Sensor for watching over the house
3. Ultrasonic
Advantage: Low cost.
Disadvantage: Short detection distance of about 10 m.
- Obstacle detection when parking a car
- Object detection on conveyor belts
4. Stereo camera (not TOF, but unique Principle of)
Advantage: Detection and identification by image recognition.
Disadvantage: Weak in environments such as nighttime and snow.
- Automobile collision damage reduction brakes
- Recognition of surrounding environment such as people and obstacles in industrial equipment
Principle of Distance Measuring Sensors
Many sensors utilize a sensor mechanism called TOF (TIme of Flight). It transmits a signal per method and measures the distance from the time the signal is received reflected from the object being measured.
1. Lidar
It transmits a laser pulse signal and calculates distance by detecting the time it takes to receive the reflected light from the object being measured.
2. Millimeter Wave
Millimeter wave has two types: pulsed and FMCW.
- Pulse Method
Pulsed radio waves are transmitted, and the distance is calculated by detecting the time taken to receive the reflected radio waves from the object to be measured. - FMCW Method
Transmits radio waves whose frequency varies with time, and calculates distance from the beat frequency (frequency difference) generated by interference between the transmitted and reflected signals.
3. Ultrasonic
Transmits pulsed ultrasonic waves and calculates distance by detecting the time it takes to receive the reflected ultrasonic waves from the object being measured.
4. Stereo Camera
Uses two cameras to capture images of the measured object and acquire positional information. The distance to the measurement object is detected by 3-point surveying based on the positional information from the two cameras and the installation distance of the cameras.
Familiar Distance Measuring Sensor Application Examples
Some of the smartphones we use in our daily lives are also equipped with Distance measuring sensors, which use ToF sensors, which, as mentioned earlier, measure distance by detecting the rebound from an object in response to a transmitted signal. In smartphones, the distance measuring information obtained by the ToF sensor is used to improve the accuracy of the camera's autofocus function. With this mechanism, for example, the distance between a subject and the camera can be calculated with high precision even in dark surroundings, where it has been difficult to focus in the past, greatly improving the performance of the autofocus function.
Using this technology, the distance between the camera and any point in the image can be measured, and camera images that were previously only captured in 2D can now be processed as 3D data. This technology is expected to be applied in the fields of virtual reality (VR technology) and augmented reality (AR technology), as it will greatly improve the accuracy of recognizing objects in an image.
Distance Measuring Sensor Applications in Factories
Distance measuring sensors are used in many applications in factories.
An example is the automatic guided vehicle (AGV), commonly known as an automatic guided vehicle (AGV). These robots drive around the factory delivering workpieces and carrying finished products. In some factories, there are many AGVs running around, and accidents often occur when AGVs collide with each other. If workpieces or finished products fall due to a collision, in the worst case scenario, they must all be disposed of. Therefore, AGVs are equipped with Distance measuring sensors to constantly measure the distance to surrounding objects. If the AGVs approach an object, they communicate with each other and perform autonomous traffic control to prevent contact accidents.
Another example of utilization is the detection of abnormalities in production equipment. In production equipment, the position of workpieces and equipment must always be controlled and in a fixed position. However, this can be disrupted by any event. When this happens, workpieces and equipment collide with each other, causing equipment failure. Therefore, a Distance measuring sensor is installed in the production equipment to monitor not the control value of the control controller, but the actual value measured by the Distance measuring sensor. This makes it possible to detect any unexplained disruption in the positional relationship of workpieces or equipment within the equipment, thereby preventing equipment failure.
List of 37 Distance Measuring Sensor Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Onexia, Inc.
Distance Measuring Sensors
Company Overview
ONExia Inc is based in Exton, Pennsylvania and is a robotics integrator, custom machine builder, and industrial distributor. ONExia specializing in manual process automation and assists manufacturers of all sizes increase throughput with cutting edge technology. ONExia works with customers to develop turnkey custom machines including 2D & 3D vision system integration, software design & development, and machine safety services. ONExia uses robotics to automate line packaging. ONExia also offers robot palletizers that are compatible with new or existing packaging lines.
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Omron Microscan
Distance Measuring Sensors
Company Overview
Omron Automation was originally established in 1933. Omron Automation is a producer and manufacturer for industrial automation solutions including robotics, sensing, motion, logic, and safety. Industries include automotive automation, electric vehicle manufacturing, food and beverage packaging, semiconductor and manufacturing electronics, life sciences automation, logistics & warehouse automation, machine tool, oil and gas, water and wastewater, entertainment, security and detention, and other industries. Some of Omron Automation’s product categories include machine automated controllers, RFID solutions, safety laser scanners, safety outputs, smart cameras, vision sensors, machine vision software, servo systems, articulated robots, parallel robots, SCARA robots, photoelectric sensors, and rotary encoders along with many software-based solutions.
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Diamond Technologies, Inc.
Distance Measuring Sensors
Company Overview
Diamond Technologies was founded in 1997 and is based in Hudson, Massachusetts and is a custom designer and engineer for data collection automation, and industrial communications. Diamond Technologies’s automation solutions segment offers OEMs and other customers system configuration, component selection, verification of compatibility, review of power requirements, software development, and other services. Data collection includes integration of data collection equipmpent, maintained OEM delivery, pre-programmed barcode, RFID, or embedded data collection components, OEM labeling, and others.
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Rockwell Automation
Distance Measuring Sensors
Company Overview
Rockwell Automation, Inc. was founded in 1903 and is headquartered in Milwakee, WI. Rockwell Automation provides industrial automation and digital transformation solutions around the world. Rockwell Automation operates through their intelligent devices, software & control, and lifecycle services segments with both hardware and software products and services. The Intelligent Devices segment offers drives, motion, safety, sensing, industrial components, and configured-to-order products. The Software & Control segment provides control and visualization software and hardware, information software, and network and security infrastructure solutions. The Lifecycle Services segment provides consulting, professional services and solutions, and connected and maintenance services through independent distributors.
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Win Source Electronic Technology Ltd.
Distance Measuring Sensors
Company Overview
WIN SOURCE is a customer-focused online store serving a wide variety of markets industries ranging from consumer to automotive to medical, industrial, and aerospace. WS specializes on size and speed, offering a catalog of over 1 million SKUS that can be shipped within 24 hours around the world. Offerings include an extensive array of semiconductor components, audio products, cable assemblies, racks, and battery products. WIN SOURCE is AS9120B, ISO9001, ISO14001, and ISO45001 certified and is a member of the anti-counterfeiting organization, ERAI.
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Exsenco, LLC - US division for Santest Co.
Distance Measuring Sensors
Company Overview
EXSENCO, LLC., is based in Corpus Christi, Texas. EXSENCO is the American distributor for SANTET, Co. Ltd, which is a manufacturer of sensing and controls products based in Osaka, Japan. EXSENCO offers consultancy in the general area of control systems to provide clients with technology that adapts itself to changes in the workplace, rather than the workplace adapting to changes in technology. EXSENCO’s product segments include displacement & level measurement, servo valves, I-SAC servo controllers, and other products.
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Hybrid Electronics
Distance Measuring Sensors
Company Overview
Hybrid Electronics is a global distribution specialist of electronic components, with access to over 50 million unique components. Among the markets HE serves are the aerospace, automotive, communications, defense, industrial, medical, national security, and test & measurement industries. In addition to components, HE also provides quality and compliance testing, counterfeit detection, upscreening, and other forms of quality control. Examples of component subtypes that HE offers include ICs, batteries, capacitors, semiconductor products, sensors, circuit protection, interconnectors, filters, optoelectronics, relays, switches, power supplies, and cables and cable assemblies.
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AutomationDirect
Distance Measuring Sensors
Company Overview
AutomationDirect.com was founded in 1994 to provide solutions for the industrial automation market and has been growing its list of offerings ever since. AutomationDirects’ extensive catalog includes individual components such as cables, various controls, I/O devices, relays, gauges, fittings, and sensors to complete systems. Many parts and devices, especially PLC units are customizable. AutomationDirect.com also provides support via video instructions, online manuals, a learning library, an active community forum to further assist customers.
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Company Overview
Pilz is headquartered in Ostfildern, Germany. Pilz designs components, systems, and services to assist industrial plant and machinery customers globally. Customers include many industries such as metals, pharmaceutical, food, presses, and robotics. Pilz serves customers through 4 venues: products and industries, services, support, and training. Products and services include everything from sensor technology and small controllers to robotics to software and operation monitoring. Services include machinery and workplace safety and international compliance. Support is offered 24/7. Training is available through courses and qualification programs.
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Micro-Epsilon
Distance Measuring Sensors
Company Overview
Micro-Epsilon was originally founded in Osaka and Micro-Epsilon America was founded in 1998, headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina. Micro-Epsilon develops, manufactures, and distributes sensors to aerospace, battery production, glass production, wind power, precision optics, medical technology, transportation, semiconductor, and other industries. Micro-Epsilon’s sensor product categories include inductive, capacitive, laser, confocal, laser distance, magneto-inductive, draw-wire, rotation speed, color, paint thickness measurement, and fiber optic sensors in addition to interferometers and other sensor equipment.
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Massa Products Corporation
Non Contact Distance Measurement Sensor
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Saddle Brook Controls
Distance Measuring Sensors
Company Overview
Saddle Brook Controls is a division of Ribble Engineering, which was founded in 1933 in Saddle Brook, New Jersey. Saddle Brook Controls is a manufacture as well as a designer, distributor, and support service provider of automation solutions for factory automation. Product groups include PLCs, controllers, Remote IO devices, HMIs, industrial computers, machine vision and inspection machines, motion devices, drives, motor controls, enclosures, circuit breakers, safety products, sensing and control products, power supplies, and UPS.
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Balluff
Distance Measuring Sensors
Company Overview
Balluff was founded in 1921 and is headquartered in Neuhausen, near Stuttgart, Germany. Balluff is a manufacturer of sensor and automation solutions for customers globally. Balluff serves many industries including life sciences, semiconductors, metalworking, fluid power, and mobile equipment. Balluff’s product line consists of sensors and connectivity components, accessories, complete systems, and software. Balluff offers services to assist customers across the range of finding solutions, deploying solutions, training, as well as support.
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Advanced Fluid Systems, Inc.
Distance Measuring Sensors
Company Overview
Advanced Fluid Systems was founded in 1985 and is based in York, Pennsylvania. The company is a distributor of fluid systems and provides planning, designing, engineering, and manufacturing services for customers. The company serves power generation facilities, industrial and manufacturing, and marine and mobile markets. The company has 7 product lines, ranging from simple motion controls to integrated manifolds, all the way up to hydraulic systems and power units, and power generation solutions. The company’s field services include installation, preventative maintenance, and repair.
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Pepperl+Fuchs Inc.
Distance Measuring Sensors
Company Overview
Pepperl+Fuchs, Inc. was founded in Mannheim, Germany in 1945 developing the forerunner of the proximity switch. Pepperl+Fuchs continues to develop proximity sensors as well as other industrial sensors including ultrasonic sensors, rotary encoders, positioning systems, display and signal processing, vibration monitoring, industrial communication, and signal processing as well as related accessories and software. Explosive protection products include safety barriers, surge protection, wireless solutions, HMI systems, power supplies, electrical explosion protection equipment, level measurement, and related software.
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Emerson Electric Co.
Distance Measuring Sensors
Company Overview
Founded in 1890 in Missouri, Emerson Electric Co., is a technology and engineering company that provides various solutions for customers in industrial, commercial, and consumer markets globally. Business segments include automation solutions, AspenTech, and commercial & residential solutions segments. The Automation Solutions segment offers measurement and analytical instrumentation, industrial valves and equipment, and process control software and systems. The AspenTech segment provides asset optimization software for enhancing performance through a combination of modeling, simulation, and optimization capabilities. The Commercial & Residential Solutions segment offers residential and commercial HVAC products, system protector and flow control devices, and IoT thermostats.
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ifm efector, inc.
Distance Measuring Sensors
Company Overview
ifm efector (ifm) is a subsidiary of ifm electronic, founded in Germany in 1969. ifm has developed, manufactured and marketed sensors and controls technology to industries that include assembly and robotics, automotive, material handling, metal forming, mobile equipment, plastics, and food and beverage. Ifm produces sensors, condition monitoring equipment, image processing, safety technology, industrial communication, IO-link, systems for mobile machines, displays, software, connection technology, voltage supplies, as well as other accessories.
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Mod-Tronic Instruments Limited
Distance Measuring Sensors
Company Overview
MOD-TRONIC Instruments Limited was established in 1972 in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. MTis a distributor of industrial sensors, transducers, heaters, controls, and instrumentation, primarily made in the USA as well as Japan, Switzerland, and Germany. MT’s customers are primarily in the aerospace, building automation, manufacturing, medical, military, oil and gas, and water treatment industries but also serves individuals. MT offers an above industry standard 5-year warranty and technical support on every product sold.
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Auburn Armature, Inc.
Distance Measuring Sensors
Company Overview
Auburn Armature was founded in 1946 and headquartered in Auburn, New York. Auburn Armature is a distributor of electrical products and was recently purchased by Power-Flo Technologies of New Hyde Park, New York. Services that Auburn Armature provide include training, testing, rebuilding, repair, troubleshooting, and training. Parts that Auburn Armature specialize in include automation systems, AC and DC drives, motor controls, motors, motion controls, connectors, wire, boxes, cables, sensors, relays, transformers, panels, struts, terminal blocks, lighting supplies, and conduits.
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Nanjing KJT Electric Co,.LTD
laser distance measuring sensor & customized yarn sensor
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Kuongshun Electronic Limited
GP2Y0A60SZ0F, Sharp IR Distance Measuring Sensor
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GZ Cyndar Co., Ltd.
Distance Measurement Sensors
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Acuity Laser
AR3000 DISTANCE MEASUREMENT SENSOR
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Chengdu JRT Meter Technology Co.,Ltd
150m Digital Laser Distance Measure Sensors
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Unlimited Electro
Distance Measuring Sensors
Company Overview
Unlimited Electro Group was originally established in 1988 in Chula Vista, California. Unlimited Electro is a distributor of motion control parts for production and manufacturing industries. United Electro has 5 primary product categories: robotics, bowl feeders, industrial control panels, laser marking machines, and wireless solutions kits. Robotics include ABB single and multi-arm robots, packers, and collaborative robots known as cobots, as well as accessories including extruders, pumps, supply systems, grippers, and safety equipment. Industrial control panels can be custom-designed and built. Laser marking machines can be custom built for compatibility with several metals and plastics including copper, aluminum, brass, polycarbonate, PET, and polyethylene.
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Distance Measuring Sensor Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of April 2023 in United States of America
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Migatron Corp. | 50% |
| 2 | Onexia, Inc. | 50% |
Ranking as of April 2023 Globally
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Migatron Corp. | 50% |
| 2 | Onexia, Inc. | 50% |
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the distance measuring sensor page as of April 2023. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
- Balluff: 3,600
- Pilz: 1,000
Newly Established Company
- LANBAO HONOR: 1998 (25 years ago)
- Advanced Fluid Systems, Inc.: 1985 (38 years ago)
- Micro-Epsilon: 1968 (55 years ago)
Company with a History
- Rockwell Automation: 1903 (120 years ago)
- Balluff: 1921 (102 years ago)
- Pilz: 1948 (75 years ago)
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