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SMART DOCKING LIDAR
The smart docking lidar scanner was developed in the wake of an innovation challenge for the Port of Antwerp-Bruges (POAB). They wanted a product-solution for accurately measuring the movements of moored container vessels in the port. As accurate GPS systems are very expensive and inconvenient, because they have to be installed on the bridge of the ship when the vessel is moored. 

Therefore, a lidar scanner placed on a bollard on the quay wall is a much more convenient solution for the port personnel. A custom software program uses the lidar data to determine surge, sway and yaw motions of the whole vessel.
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Build of the prototype

The prototype was designed with a strong emphasis on usability and ergonomics. The handle placement, operation steps and weight distribution were some key aspects in the design of the housing. The outdoor environment and product requirements also posed some challenges when selecting the hardware components. The whole prototype had a weight limit of 7 kg and all components should sit securely in the housing, so the prototype will survive dropping etc.
The housing was 3D-printed out of a carbon fiber reinforced nylon that can handle UV-radiation, water, impacts, ...  The device has a large LiFePO4-battery to power a 4G connection for data transfer, a solid-state lidar scanner and the on-board computer autonomously for 36 hours. 

The prototype has magnets fitted on the bottom to hold it onto the bollard. The idea is that port personnel will place the prototype on a bollard at the back of the ship and only have to press the ON-button.
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