Pudu Robotics’ BG1 and ET1 cleaning robots use MRDVS 3D sensors to support environmental perception and obstacle avoidance. Each platform uses a different sensor layout to suit the spaces it is designed to clean.
Pudu Robotics reported more than CNY 100 million in preorders for the BG1 series during its first month on the market. MRDVS contributes depth-sensing hardware to the BG1 and ET1, providing data that helps the robots detect obstacles and understand their surroundings.
Different robots, different sensing layouts
BG1: side coverage for large spaces
Designed for shopping malls, warehouses and parking facilities, the BG1 has an S11 3D camera on each side of its body. These cameras extend its view of the surrounding space when turning, cleaning along walls or moving close to shelving.
ET1: compact sensing for tighter spaces
The smaller ET1 is designed for narrow aisles and commercial spaces with closely spaced tables and chairs. It combines S11 MIPI modules with compact S01 dToF sensors, providing 3D depth data and additional close-range coverage within a smaller chassis.
Wide-angle sensing and close-range coverage
Cleaning robots share their routes with people and carts while working around furniture, shelves and low obstacles. They need depth information across a broad area, as well as a closer view of objects near the chassis.
The S11 combines three capabilities for this task:
- A 136° horizontal field of view for broad spatial coverage.
- A 0.1–5 m sensing range for detecting nearby obstacles and moving objects.
- Centimeter-level ranging accuracy for detailed depth measurements.
The S01 adds coverage in areas such as the sides of the chassis. It detects low obstacles and changes in floor height, helping address sensing gaps when the robot moves through tight passages, turns or approaches drop-offs.
Designed for changing light conditions
S11 and S01 support sensing at ambient light levels of up to 100,000 lux and can detect objects with limited texture or low visual contrast. This helps them handle the changes in lighting found along cleaning routes, from sunlit entrances to dim interiors and nighttime operation.
IP67-rated configurations are available for applications that require additional dust and water resistance.
Compact modules, simpler integration
S11 and S01 are available in standard and MIPI module versions. The compact modules give designers more flexibility when placing multiple sensors inside smaller robots, with less impact on the overall body design.
The sensing solution also supports on-camera obstacle-detection processing. This reduces the workload on the robot’s main controller and simplifies hardware and software integration.
3D perception for cleaning robots and beyond
The BG1 and ET1 deployments show how MRDVS sensors can meet different space and coverage requirements. MRDVS 3D sensing products are also used by manufacturers of other commercial cleaning robots and robotic lawn mowers.
