Automation has transformed how industrial facilities operate. Robots handle repetitive tasks, conveyor lines run around the clock, and machines communicate across entire systems. Yet, even in highly automated environments, one element is often overlooked: the industrial door.
A slow or unreliable door sensor can interrupt workflows, waste energy, or worse—create safety risks. The solution isn’t just faster activation; it’s smarter detection that adapts to real-world conditions.
Smarter Sensing with the OPTEX OAM-Explorer
Enter the OPTEX OAM-Explorer—a sensor designed specifically for industrial doors. It combines microwave and infrared technology to deliver both activation and safety. The sensor can:
- Detect approaching vehicles
- Monitor thresholds for people or obstacles
- Trigger external alerts like warning lights or buzzers
Configuration is handled through a smartphone app, allowing installers to fine-tune each sensor quickly and safely.
Built for Real-World Complexity
Industrial environments are anything but uniform. Traffic patterns vary, lighting conditions shift throughout the day, and environmental factors like dust, heat, or wind can impact performance.
Unlike basic motion sensors or loop detectors, the OAM-Explorer is built to adapt. Its large microwave field detects objects as they approach, while its infrared safety curtain protects the area near the door. Together, these features enable:
- More reliable activation
- Fewer false triggers
- Reduced wear and tear on doors
Case Study: Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
At Dallas Fort Worth International Airport’s baggage terminal, large overhead doors were installed to retain heat during winter while accommodating constant movement of luggage tugs. Each door had unique challenges—different orientations, traffic patterns, and environmental conditions.
Multiple sensor types were tested, but none performed consistently across all locations. The variables were simply too great.
That changed with the OAM-Explorer. With support from OPTEX technicians and late-night phone guidance, the installation team tuned each sensor to match its specific environment. The mobile app allowed them to:
- Create preset templates
- Copy settings across sensors
- Make fine adjustments on-site—without repeated trips up the ladder
The result? Consistent performance, smoother traffic flow, and a major reduction in setup time.
A Seamless Fit for Industrial Automation
As facilities continue to invest in automation, many are rethinking how even the most basic systems fit into the broader picture. Door sensors may seem like a small detail, but they play a critical role in overall efficiency and safety.
With the OAM-Explorer, doors become more than just pass-throughs. They become part of the automated system—responding intelligently to movement, protecting people and assets, and keeping operations flowing.
The best technology doesn’t just perform well in perfect conditions. It works where it matters—on the floor, in the field, and under pressure. Whether you're running a distribution center, a cold storage warehouse, or an airport terminal, the OAM-Explorer delivers the reliability and control needed to keep every door working the right way.
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