Optimized Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave Radar Configuration for Proactive Collision Avoidance in Collaborative Robots
Simiao Chen, Han Guo, Tito Pradhono Tomo, Sophon Somlor, Alexander Schmitz, Shigeki Sugano · 2025
This paper presents an optimized frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar configuration tailored for real-time human proximity detection in collaborative robots (co-bots). FMCW radar offers improved robustness against environmental variations such as changing lighting conditions. Our approach systematically evaluates key radar parameters—detection range, frequency, and angle to enhance stability and accuracy in detecting human presence. Experimental results on Nicebot 7, a collaborative robotic platform, indicate that a 2.0m detection range, 21Hz frequency, and ±15° detection angle provide optimal performance. The proposed configuration enables real-time motion tracking and seamless robot halting mechanisms upon human approach. This study demonstrates the efficacy of FMCW radar in advancing collision avoidance strategies, contributing to safer human-robot interaction (HRI) and reinforcing sensor-driven cobots safety frameworks.