In Munich, the days are getting shorter, the city is decorated and even the first snow has already fallen – in short, the year 2022 is drawing to a close. As every year, we like to use this time to look back on the past 12 months and see what has happened.
This was Blickfeld’s year 2022
The year kicked off with a big announcement: At this year’s hybrid CES, we announced the world’s first smart LiDAR, the Qb2 (pronounced ‘Cube 2’). The Qb2 stands out because it combines software and hardware in one device, allowing it to not only record LiDAR data, but also process it. It offers WiFi on the device, drastically simplifying installation and operation. The Qb2 delivery announcement followed in November.
Cube 1 Outdoor and new Percept features
But that wasn’t the only product news this year. Percept has gained new features this year: the perception software now allows continuous volume monitoring of bulk material piles.
Also new to the portfolio is the Cube 1 in an outdoor version. With IP65 rating, it enables exciting applications in all weather conditions.
On the tracks, on the beach and in the fields – Cubes in action
We were able to highlight some of these applications in more detail this year. At the North Sea, for example, LiDAR sensors are used to capture and visualize visitor traffic at popular tourist destinations. With occupancy displays on the website of Die Nordsee GmbH or on site, visitors can inform themselves in advance about the situation and, if necessary, choose a different destination. The first summer with the LiDAR sensors in use has already shown great results.
Other areas in which we have seen our sensors in use this year include shunting freight trains, equipping traffic infrastructure to secure autonomous driving functions, and the integration in agricultural machinery.
New partner for Volume Monitoring
One application area that has kept us particularly busy this year is volume monitoring of bulk material piles. We were able to gain a great partner in Quvo Limited, which has excellent knowledge of the waste and recycling industry in Great Britain and Northern Ireland and with whom we are jointly implementing interesting customer projects. One of these is the monitoring of recycling material at Cireco, which supports the company with precise inventory data for optimal machine utilization.
Expansion into the US and China
Blickfeld is growing steadily and has taken major steps in the areas of internationalization and industrialization. Offices in the US and China have been opened to expand operations in these markets. They are managed by Patrick Pylypuik in the US and Mike Yang in China, both of whom have many years of experience in building companies and in sales. We have already welcomed additional sales, finance and administrative staff in both locations.
China
With the appointment of Fabrinet as a manufacturing partner, Blickfeld also takes an important step in industrialization and paves the way for series production of the Qb2. As a manufacturing partner, Fabrinet will take care of production as well as supply chain and quality management.
Fairs, events and awards
This year, events and trade shows have picked up speed again. We were able to meet numerous exciting people and enjoyed the personal exchange with customers, partners and suppliers at various industry events on the topics of volume monitoring, security and smart city.
As far as awards are concerned, 2022 is also a year we are proud of! We received the Best of Sensors Award, the Mittelstandspreis der Medien, the Ultimate Urban Tech Challenger and the Rising Star Award, and were also recognized as a Top Startup Employer. We are very honored to be nominated for these awards at all, and to be able to take them home fills us with deep gratitude. Many thanks to all juries, presenters and organizers!
We would also like to extend our thanks to our great team and all our customers, partners and suppliers for their loyalty and commitment this year. We are looking forward to everything that 2023 has in store for Blickfeld!
