Inxpect safety radar systems are industrial-grade, volumetric 3D safety sensors designed to detect human presence, prevent unauthorized access, and stop unwanted machine restarts — even in harsh environments with dust, debris, smoke, or challenging temperature/light conditions. These systems are SIL2/PLd certified and UL Listed, meeting rigorous functional safety standards for industrial automation and machine safety applications.
Safety Radar Basics – How It Works
Inxpect radars monitor a 3D volume around machinery using millimeter-wave (60 GHz) FMCW technology. Unlike optical safety sensors, radar can see through visual disturbances and reliably detect motion and presence. Signals are processed to distinguish between static objects (ignored in access detection) and moving humans or machinery parts that should trigger safety functions.
Two core safety functions define all radar models:
- Access Detection (AW) – Detects entry into a protected area; stops machines or gates immediately if someone enters a hazardous zone. Static objects are filtered out, so machines only stop when a person is present.
- Restart Prevention (MV) – After work or maintenance inside a zone, the radar continues to check for micro-movement (like breathing) inside the area. It prevents the system from restarting until the space is confirmed clear.
Model Breakdown: Inxpect Safety Radars
1. AW – Access Detection Models (e.g., S201A-W & S203A-W)
Best for: straightforward access control detection around machinery or hazardous zones.
- Function: Designed primarily for access detection where detecting entry is the priority. Static objects in the field are excluded to minimize false trips.
- Typical Models:
- S201A-W Corridor FOV: Wide/adjustable horizontal and vertical fields of view suitable for corridor-style detection at entry points.
- S203A-W Vertical FOV: Narrow vertical plane for taller hazard zones or vertical-oriented protection.
Features:
- Volumetric coverage allows 3D spatial monitoring around machinery.
- Configurable detection zones via Inxpect Safety Studio/Web App.
- Fast response for access detection (≈100 ms typical).
Applications:
- Machine safeguarding entry points (e.g., robot cells, press doors).
- Conveyor safety zones.
- Restricted area access monitoring and safety interlocks.
2. MV – Presence Sensing & Restart Prevention (e.g., S202A-MV)
Best for: environments where machines must not restart while humans are still present, including maintenance or intermittent access.
- Function: Focuses on presence sensing — detecting even minor micro-movements of a human body after access. Using high sensitivity, it ensures machines do not restart until the space is fully clear.
Key Benefits:
- Restart prevention: Keeps machinery stopped if any movement is detected inside the safety volume, even during maintenance.
- Excellent for dynamic environments with changing layouts or human activity.
Applications:
- Robotic cell maintenance zones where workers enter briefly.
- Automated equipment servicing where personnel presence must be confirmed clear before restart.
- Material loading/unloading areas where repeated entry/exit occurs.
3. MS – Safeguarding / Cuboid (e.g., S202A-MS)
Best for: comprehensive “safeguarding” coverage where both access detection and restart prevention are needed, but simpler targeting is okay.
- Function: A single volumetric safety zone (cuboid) that combines AW and MV capabilities. It detects access and presence for restart prevention with user-configurable coverage.
Features:
- Single cuboid detection volume sized to the dangerous area.
- Good balance between simplicity and spatial coverage.
- Compatible with Inxpect Safety Studio for easy configuration.
Applications:
- Guarding around large, irregular hazard zones.
- Stand-alone machine safety barriers or work cells with limited access points.
- Areas where complex multi-zone layouts are unnecessary.
4. MC – Multi-Zone Cuboid Models (S202A-MC1 / MC2 / MC4)
Best for: complex safety requirements needing multiple monitored volumes or tailored detection regions.
- Function: Offers multiple cuboid zones in a single radar sensor (1, 2, or 4 cuboids). Each zone can be individually shaped and positioned to match the exact dangerous geometry.
Model Variants:
- S202A-MC1: Single cuboid — ideal for a focused, tailored safety zone.
- S202A-MC2: Two independently configurable cuboids — great for multi-section machines or dual entry points.
- S202A-MC4: Four cuboids — best for segmented or highly irregular hazard areas, minimizing blind spots.
Features:
- Create precise 3D cuboids matching your machine’s footprint.
- Multiple zones reduce the need for extra sensors.
- Maintains full safety functions (access + restart prevention) across all zones.
Applications:
- Complex guard layouts (e.g., large multi-station machines).
- Shared work areas with overlapping safety needs.
- Safety perimeter zoning with segmented detection and diagnostics.
Comparing Models at a Glance
| Feature / Function | AW (Access) | MV (Restart) | MS (Single Cuboid) | MC (Multi-Zone Cuboid) |
| Access Detection | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Presence / Restart Prevention | ✘/limited | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Multi-Zone Capability | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | Up to four zones |
| Best For | Entry detection only | Human presence & restart safety | Simple volume safety | Complex multi-zone coverage |
| Ease of Config | Simple | Moderate | Moderate | High |
| Typical Use Cases | Basic guards | Maintenance cells | Large areas | Advanced layout zones |
Practical Tips for Specifiers & Engineers
- Choose AW models where the only requirement is to stop machines upon entry (e.g., access doors, gates).
- Choose MV or MS when human presence must be confirmed clear before allowing a restart — including where maintenance or loading occurs.
- Use MC variants where hazardous areas are uneven, have multiple entry points, or need segmented coverage without many separate sensors.
Installation & Configuration
All models integrate with the Inxpect Safety Studio or the standard configuration software, offering intuitive 3D visualization to design and validate detection volumes. Software lets you adjust zone geometry, sensitivity, and safety parameters according to your application needs.
Summary – Choosing the Right Inxpect Radar
Inxpect safety radars excel in robust industrial environments. Their radar-based 3D volumetric sensing offers reliable detection where optical sensors struggle — or where dust, debris or lighting conditions are unpredictable.
- AW models for straightforward access detection.
- MV models for presence sensing and restart safety.
- MS models for single cuboid guarding with safety functions.
- MC models when multi-zone coverage is needed.
With configurable zones, SIL2/PLd certification, and strong environmental tolerance, Inxpect safety radars are suitable for robotics cells, conveyors, presses, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and any area where people and machines share space.
