IDS Imaging adds Nion ToF sensor to its portfolio of 3D cameras

IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH has expanded its 3D sensor portfolio with the introduction of the Nion, an industrial time-of-flight (ToF) camera. The camera features a 1.2-megapixel resolution and integrated depth processing, and it is now available in series production. The Nion is designed to provide high-resolution and temporally stable depth information at 30 frames per second, even during rapid movements and changing lighting conditions, making it suitable for applications that require precise 3D data at real-world process speeds, such as logistics, automation, and robotics.

Patrick Schick, product manager for 3D vision and imaging software at IDS, said in a statement that the Nion delivers stable depth data even under variable lighting conditions, providing a solid foundation for automation processes that rely on fast and accurate 3D data.

Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Obersulm, Germany, IDS Imaging offers a range of 2D and 3D cameras, monitoring cameras, and AI-supported models. Its portfolio includes around 5,000 products, and the company employs more than 320 people from 21 countries, with branches in the U.S., Japan, South Korea, and the U.K., as well as representative offices in France, the Benelux countries, and India.

The Nion is engineered to capture moving objects with virtually no blur, and its high resistance to stray light ensures reproducible measurement results both indoors and outdoors. With a measurement range of 0.3 to 7.5 meters (0.9 to 24.6 feet), it covers typical industrial scenarios. The camera features a rugged IP67-rated housing for demanding environments and supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) to reduce installation effort and cabling.

At the heart of the Nion is onsemi's advanced 1.2 MP indirect time-of-flight sensor, the AF0130, from the Hyperlux ID family. Compared with standard ToF cameras, this sensor offers higher resolution, lower noise, more stable results in ambient light, and better motion stability, according to IDS. As a result, the Nion achieves high depth accuracy even with fast-moving objects and variable lighting conditions.

With its compact design, high measurement quality, and excellent value for money, the Nion offers a straightforward introduction to 3D image processing. Companies can easily integrate the camera into existing systems and benefit from a cost-effective solution for reliable depth data. Schick also noted that in many cases, existing 2D processes can be retained and supplemented with depth data where necessary, aiding decision-making in the process.

This article was originally published by The Robot Report. It provides details on IDS Imaging's new Nion ToF camera, which offers high-resolution depth sensing for industrial applications.