Glossary · Sensors and measurement
Laser sensor
Also known as: Laser distance sensor
German: Lasersensor
In industrial automation, a laser sensor is an optical sensor that uses a laser beam for detection or measurement, for example of presence, distance, displacement or profile, by triangulation, time of flight or beam interruption.
- Sensors
In one sentence
A laser sensor uses a focused laser beam to detect small objects or measure distance and profile precisely; its laser class sets handling rules.
Example
A laser triangulation sensor measures the height of a weld bead on each part leaving the welding cell.
How it applies
- Engineering: The small, well-defined light spot allows detection of small parts and precise measurement. Surfaces that are shiny, transparent or very dark can be difficult and need suitable sensor variants.
- Safety: Each laser product is assigned a laser class according to IEC 60825-1. The class determines warnings, labeling and handling rules; higher classes can be a Radiation hazard for the eyes.
- Commissioning: Align the beam and check measurements over the full range with real parts.
- Documentation: State the laser class and the required labels and warnings in the operating manual, and keep them in line with the device label.
Laser sensor vs. LiDAR sensor
A laser sensor usually measures at one point or along a line. A LiDAR sensor scans its laser beam to capture distances over an area or volume.