For the 8th year, SICK, Inc. is excited to announce a challenge for universities across the US and Canada to support innovation and student achievement in automation and technology. Fifteen teams will be selected to participate in the challenge, and the chosen teams will be supplied a compact but powerful 2D LiDAR (picoScan150) and accessories. The teams will be challenged to solve a problem, create a solution and bring a new application that utilizes the SICK scanner in any industry.

With a large scanning range, fine angular resolution and high sensitivity, the 2D picoScan150 LiDAR sensors are setting new standards through being able to reliably detect small and dark objects and deliver exact measurement data that can be integrated through various communication interfaces. The compact picoScan100 sensors are equipped with multi-echo technology, have a rugged housing and ensure reliable measurement results even under harsh ambient conditions. They solve demanding industrial applications in indoor and outdoor areas. 

At a Glance

• 276° horizontal field of view
• Up to 50hz scanning frequency with resolution as high as 0.05°
• Working range of 0.05m to 120m
• ROS1, ROS2, C++, Python drivers available

The 3 winning teams will win a cash award of 

Mine Guard is an autonomous robotic system designed to improve safety and efficiency in underground mining. Using AI, LiDAR, and camera sensors, it maps hazardous environments, detects risks like falling rocks and toxic gases, and sends real-time data to operators. It replaces manual inspections, reduces human exposure to danger, and offers a cost-effective alternative to existing solutions. Tested in extreme conditions, it supports flexible pricing and modular features, making it a scalable solution for modern mining operations.

PRIMO, a mobile robot-based 3D printing system, was developed to reduce waste and improve efficiency in concrete construction. Unlike traditional gantry systems, this robot prints structures by driving atop previous layers, enabling scalable, autonomous building. It uses screw pumps for continuous multi-material printing and LiDAR for precise navigation and terrain compensation. The system aims to lower costs, support sustainable materials, and accelerate construction, especially for affordable housing. Sold via a Robotics-as-a-Service model, it addresses technical complexity and adoption barriers. Though still in early stages, it shows strong potential to disrupt the rapidly growing $60B+ construction 3D printing market.

NIMBUS is an autonomous warehouse robot designed to improve inventory accuracy, space utilization, and safety. It uses multimodal perception, LiDAR, and AI to detect anomalies, track inventory in real time, and navigate warehouse environments without costly infrastructure upgrades. Paired with Nimbus View, a digital twin dashboard, it offers live insights, 3D visualization, and voice-activated analytics. Validated in real-world warehouses, Nimbus reduces manual errors and operational costs. Sold via a Robotics-as-a-Service model, it’s scalable, flexible, and ready for deployment—positioned to transform the $55B warehouse automation market driven by labor shortages and rising e-commerce demands.