Case Studies - archive

More automated systems are all around us. From ground-based robots to driverless vehicles and drones, we see the increasing application of machines that operate with an accurate, real-time understanding of their surroundings.  

Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) has become a foundational technology for such capability. By measuring distances with laser pulses, LiDAR sensors can be used to capture precise shapes, distances, and motion, reliably detecting obstacles, no matter whether it is day or night. This capability enables autonomous systems to construct ultra-detailed maps of their surroundings in an instant. It is this consistent, predictable spatial awareness that underpins safe decision-making without a human in the loop.

For autonomous systems, accurate perception is not a nice-to-have feature; it is a critical performance enabler. Take ground-based robots moving around a factory floor, for example. Their systems must continuously interpret surroundings with certainty, often in unpredictable environments where there are obstacles of many types. Depth errors of just a few centimetres can significantly invalidate navigation paths and collision avoidance decisions. Equally, performance must remain consistent across bright sunlight, low light, reflective surfaces, and low-contrast objects – all common in modern industrial settings.

Therefore, sensing technology must offer high accuracy, low latency, environmental robustness, and the ability to operate reliably without human involvement. And it needs to be compact and lightweight for easy integration within embedded environments. It is within this highly demanding context that advances in LiDAR architecture have become critical to the next generation of autonomous capability.

HarshCam, a highly ruggedized electro-optical camera system from Iberoptics, is engineered to deliver dependable, high-quality imaging in extreme environments where conventional vision systems struggle. Designed to maintain full zoom, focus, and clarity under severe shock, vibration, and temperature fluctuations, HarshCam ensures continuous performance when stability matters most

The partnership will see the development of the EYE6N0-S smart city camera with 3X to 25X optical zoom and clear 4K resolution in smooth flow of 60 frames per second
 

Sky Mantis 2 platform from Evolve Dynamics benefits from a 61-megapixel camera that allows 30X optical zoom

3D stereo, Time-of-Flight (ToF), and 3D LiDAR technologies enable machines to perceive and interact with the world in three dimensions, bringing about innovative use cases in manufacturing, automotive and smart cities.

The collaboration sees the development of the Series U50 digital camera microscope with 4K resolution and 60 FPS frame rate for high-speed inspection and live working

A shared vision: Close collaboration between Sony ISS and Denmark-based TAGARNO leads to the development of the world's first digital microscope featuring a 4K camera with 60 frames per second

High-performance image-sensing solutions such as cameras are increasingly important in professional sports environments. Such equipment is featured in a surprisingly diverse range of applications. Inside stadiums, it is used for goal-line technology and more precise decision-making, the monitoring of grass quality, and the safety and security of competitors, officials, and spectators. Meanwhile, off the field, there is a rapidly expanding role in fan engagement through the creation of multi-channel immersive experiences.

Drones have come a long way from the early days of being hobbyist toys used to experience the excitement and challenge of controlling a flying machine. 

Nowadays, they are serious pieces of equipment, finding multiple applications in many sectors, from utilities and agriculture to defense.

Indeed, according to the Drone Manufacturers Ranking 2022 report, the commercial drone market has reached a stage of high technological sophistication, with the fleet growing massively. "The hype of recent years has faded", says the report, "and it is clear now that drone technology is here to stay since it offers very practical solutions to real-life problems."

Drones have become a reliable and versatile tool for mapping, surveying, and inspection activities across various industrial sectors. This proliferation has been driven by the availability of rugged and ultra-lightweight imaging systems such as interchangeable lens cameras, which have allowed organizations in industries such as power and utilities to monitor assets remotely – saving time and money and reducing safety risks.

As the capability of drones has increased, so has the scope of their application too. Many companies and organizations now use drones to gather large amounts of data over vast geographic areas, streamlining operations and boosting efficiencies.

So, drones have become invaluable and economical ‘flying sensors’ in a data-driven world. Here, we highlight five top industry applications for drones with image-sensing capabilities, providing use cases highlighting their adaptability.

A huge proportion of the Earth’s oceans have still not been fully studied, due to the enormous depths involved. This means that we do not have a true understanding of the more inaccessible areas or the plant and animal species that inhabit them. Backed by UNESCO, the decade-long 1 OCEAN project is taking underwater exploration to places where it has never been before

The Sony FCB-EV9520L sets itself apart from other camera blocks through several important attributes. Pivotal to its operation is the unique cell structure utilised. In order to boost sensitivity, the photodiode layer in each cell has been made much deeper than in conventional arrangements.