Witch sensor do you recommend for my project ?

Other Hardware Sensors
1

hi,
I have a project implicating an Arduino operating a pneumatic cylinder to lift and lower a five meter wide steel fence in a cow barn.

I'm having a hard time finding a sensor able to detect an animal is underneath the path.
ideal would be to have a sensor sitting on top (3,5 meters high) able to detect in a "triangle" like chape to reach 5 meters on the bottom.

Alternately, i will be installing a TFMini Lidar sensor on the side but these are relatively expensive and placing is not ideal because they will get dirty.

I'm open for suggestions. thanks to everyone taking time to reply.

2

I guess my answer would be to narrow the passage the cow must go through.

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3

Have you considered using a few Garage Door Safety IR Beams? Just as an example.

Ron

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4

You could look at door sensing edge.

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5

It's going to be difficult to find a sensor that will stand up to the dust and dirt in a barn, not to mention cows scratching themselves against it.

Maybe have the cylinder move slowly and detect when it stops moving and immediately retract?

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6

Perhaps a sensor you can build using dust-proof microswitches pressed by a platform the cows must walk across. Hold the platform in position using coil springs. Occasionally remove the platform to clean under it.

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7

If you want to do crazy, you can use a cheap camera and a Raspberry Pi. It can see over a lot of mud, and it can recognize different things so you can add extra features later. But only if you just want to try it and have lots of time.

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8

Hi there! :handshake:

Your project sounds fascinating, and detecting animals under a moving fence in a barn environment can indeed be challenging.

As a leading manufacturer of laser distance sensors, we offer customizable OEM/ODM solutions specifically designed for complex environments like yours. Our sensors can be tailored for:

Wide-area detection from an overhead position (like your triangle-shaped coverage request).
Durability and reliability in dusty, barn-like conditions.
Cost-effectiveness without compromising precision.

We’d be happy to discuss a solution tailored to your needs. Feel free to visit our website（https://meskernel.net） or reach out directly—we’re confident we can help optimize your setup!

Looking forward to collaborating with you.

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9

Thanks for the information.
I will be looking into these sensor.

10

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