Detecting a small object in space.

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Detecting a small metal object (0.5-1 cm³) in a 3D space, particularly in a 25 cm³ volume, can be approached using various technologies like radar, Lidar, electromagnets, and radio transmitters. For accurate tracking, options such as RFID chips combined with directional antennas or phase detection for radio signals are suggested. Radar may require specific conditions like absorptive walls and fast response times, making it less practical in some scenarios. While cameras could provide a simple solution, they may not be the preferred choice due to complexity. Ultimately, a combination of methods may yield the best results for detection and tracking.
NewSkol
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Hello,

Unfortunately I am not very proficient in physics, however I got very curious in regards to detecting an object (For the matter of argument let us use a metal object that would be the size range of about 0.5-1cm3) in 3D space.

I am not sure what would be the best way to even start thinking about it?

Radar, Lidar, Electromagnets (The object can contain a magnet), Radio transmitters.

I would like to be able to detect this object rather accurately and I would need to be able to track it. What do you think would the best technology to use be? I am looking for something simple, fast and cheap. (Thus I don't think I want to use cameras, but that would probably be easiest at this point).

Any ideas? Thanks in advance.
 
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How much space?
 
Lets say for example 25cm x 25cm x 25cm.
 
For just detecting an object in a 1 foot cube I might go with magnets and metal detectors.

If you want the position as well, then...hmmmm... I wonder if you could use an RFID chip in your object and some _really_ directional antennas. Or some kind of phase detector for the radio signal. Radar kinda stuff would need fully absorptive walls (if it's a container we are talking about) and a very fast response time -- 1ns per foot. A couple cheap web-cams might be your best option. There's open-source position detecting software for images out there.
 

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