A system for detecting objects using ultrasonic waves and methods for making and using the same. The object detection system can uniquely encode each of a plurality of ultrasonic waves and transmit each of the uniquely-encoded ultrasonic waves in a respective direction. The object detection system can then receive any of the emitted uniquely-encoded ultrasonic waves that are reflected from an object. By decoding the reflected ultrasonic waves, the object detection system can distinguish among the uniquely-encoded ultrasonic waves and detect the existence and location of the object. The objectdetection system can be used by any conventional type of mobile system, including, but not limited to, an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle ("UAV") and an automobile. By uniquely encoding each of a plurality ofultrasonic waves, the object detection system advantageously can avoid interference among different sensors while detecting objects in the respective directions.