01     Advantages of dToF Sensors

Compared to traditional IR and ultrasonic sensors, Direct Time-of-Flight (dToF) sensors deliver a significant performance leap, offering superior environmental perception and obstacle avoidance for robotic vacuums—effectively addressing long-standing industry troubles.

02     Maxic dToF Sensor Applications 

  Application 1: Cliff Detection – A Robust Line for Safety

In home environments, stairs, steps, and balcony drops pose serious safety risks for robotic vacuums. Traditional sensing solutions relying on IR sensors suffer from low accuracy and are vulnerable to ambient light interference, making effective risk avoidance difficult. In contrast, dToF sensors marks a breakthrough in safety and reliability.

Maxic's dToF sensors are mounted at a tilted angle near the front bottom of the robot, using its downward-slanted field of view (FOV) to detect elevation changes in advance for earlier warnings. Simultaneously, the synchronously acquired distance and depth information enables real-time, precise calculation of cliff height differences with a measurement resolution of ±3mm, accurately distinguishing safe height thresholds (e.g., 2cm) and dangerous cliff. When a hazardous height difference is detected, the intelligent decision system immediately triggers triple protection: stopping forward movement, reversing direction, and sounding an alert—ensuring effective cliff protection.

Application 2:Millimeter-Level Edge Cleaning For No Dust

Edge cleaning has long been a technical bottleneck for robotic vacuums. Traditional solutions often suffer from inaccurate distance measurement, leading to visible dirt lines. Maxic’s dToF sensor offers an excellent system-level solutions for robotic mops and vacuums by enabling precise constant distance control, intelligent side brush adjustment, and improved adaptability to complex wall surfaces.

In edge-cleaning mode, dToF sensor maintains constant distance measurement accuracy, ensuring the side brush stays optimally close to the wall for tight-edge coverage. Real-time distance feedback allows the system to dynamically adjust the brush extension, guiding debris precisely into the main suction channel. It also accurately identifies various wall types—such as baseboards, glass panels, and textured tiles—and automatically adjusts the cleaning strategy accordingly.

MT3212, a RGB and color temperature sensor, also plays an important role in the intelligent dirt recognition systems of robotic mop-vacuums. This advanced multispectral sensor offers enhanced sensitivity and employs a dual-mode detection algorithm based on color temperature and brightness. With multiple dedicated dirt detection channels, it can accurately identify various stain types, enabling precise and targeted cleaning.Building on successful collaborations with leading robotic vacuum brands, we are now developing the next-generation long-range dToF sensor system—aimed at driving breakthrough advancements in cleaning robot technology. The core advantages of this solution include a multi-sensor fusion architecture that simultaneously captures depth, grayscale, and color data—greatly enhancing object recognition and classification. By leveraging high-resolution 3D ToF point clouds and real-time 3D SLAM capabilities, it enables more comprehensive and accurate environmental modeling for robotic vacuums.

As a technology leader in the industry, Maxic remains committed to innovation in signal chain ICs with Platform of mobile + automotive + robotics. Amid rapid progress in AI, the company continues to deepen its cross-sector integration, driving synergistic breakthroughs in core technologies. Looking ahead, Maxic will strengthen collaboration with ecosystem partners to accelerate the creation of a robust and innovative domestic industrial landscape.