MODEX 2026: Sonair’s ADAR 3D ultrasonic sensor makes show debut

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Photo: MODEX 2026: AI, components, warehouse automation software & more

Photo: MODEX 2026: Cutting-edge warehouse robots, AMRs & more

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Norway-based ultrasonic sensor company Sonair is introducing its ADAR (Acoustic Detection and Ranging) sensor to the North American market with its official debut at MODEX 2026.

The company is also highlighting its first commercial deployment in serial production on Cleanfix’s new autonomous cleaning robots.

Sense for autonomous machines

Sonair said that ADAR allows autonomous machines to perceive their surroundings using sound rather than light. While traditional robots often rely on flat, two-dimensional sensing for safety purposes, the company said that ADAR enables true three-dimensional spatial awareness.

Built on patented technology developed at the SINTEF research institute in Norway, ADAR uses MEMS-based transducer arrays to detect people and objects in real-time. Sonair said that this "sound-powered" vision provides a critical new sensing layer that proves reliable, deterministic short-range distance measurements where vital safety decisions are made.

Reliable perception technology

Unlike optical sensors, Sonair said that ADAR’s ultrasonic sensing is unaffected by lighting conditions, reflective surfaces or dust-filled environments, which frequently cause issues for camera- or laser-based technologies in busy warehouses and factories.

Sonair highlighted the following technical advantages of ADAR, including:

• Full 180° × 180° field of view: Provides total spatial awareness to eliminate blind spots.
• Enhanced operational uptime: By detecting obstacles at all heights and reducing "false positives" from environmental factors, the sensor minimizes unnecessary stops.
• Safe human-robot interaction: Designed specifically for dynamic environments where humans and AMRs must share space closely and safely.
• Privacy-first operation in secure environments: By deliberately avoiding camera-based or optical sensor systems, ADAR enables autonomous robots to operate in areas with heightened security, such as military facilities or sensitive commercial sites, where the use of cameras is often restricted or prohibited.

ADAR in action

Sonair said that the technology is no longer just a prototype; it is currently in series production.

Swiss manufacturer Cleanfix recently integrated ADAR into its RA660 Navi XL autonomous floor-cleaning robot. Sonair said that this deployment marks a significant milestone, proving that 3D ultrasonic sensing can deliver robust perception in complex, real-world conditions like sports venues and industrial facilities.

“Robots must understand the world around them reliably if they are going to work safely alongside people,” says Knut Sandven, CEO of Sonair. “Receiving the LogiMAT Best Product Award, and now bringing ADAR to MODEX is strong recognition that the industry sees the need for this new sensing layer. But we didn’t build this to win awards. We built it so people don’t get hurt.”

Sonair highlighted ADAR’s potential at Automate 2025 in Detroit and announced a $6 million funding round in September 2025.