News › JABIL · Industry cooperation leads to a new era of 3D cameras
Jabil announces cooperation with ams OSRAM and Artilux to realize a SWIR 3D camera for indoor and outdoor applications
PETERSBURG, FL – January 18, 2023 – Jabil Inc (NYSE: JBL), a leading provider of manufacturing solutions, today announced that its renowned optical design center in Jena, Germany, is currently prototyping a next-generation 3D camera that can operate seamlessly both indoors and outdoors up to a range of 20 meters. Jabil, ams OSRAM and Artilux have combined their proprietary technologies in 3D sensor architecture, semiconductor lasers and germanium silicon (GeSi) sensor arrays to develop a 3D camera that operates in the short-wave infrared (SWIR) at 1130 nanometers.
Strong growth in automation is driving performance improvements in robots and mobile automation platforms in industrial environments. The industrial robotics market is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate of over 11% to over $35 billion by 2029. The 3D sensor data from these innovative depth cameras will enhance automated functions such as obstacle detection, collision avoidance, localization and route planning – critical applications required for autonomous platforms.
»For too long, the industry has accepted 3D sensing solutions that limit the operation of their material handling platforms to environments that are not affected by the sun. The new SWIR camera offers a glimpse into the limitless future of 3D sensing, where sunlight no longer affects the utility of autonomous platforms,« said Ian Blasch, senior director of business development in Jabil’s Optics business unit. »This new generation of 3D cameras will not only change the expected industry standard for medium ambient light tolerance, but also usher in a new paradigm of sensors that work in all lighting environments.«
»1130nm is ams OSRAM’s first SWIR VCSEL technology that offers enhanced eye safety, excellent performance in high sunlight environments and skin detection capability, which is critical for collision avoidance when, for example, humans and industrial robots interact,« said Dr. Jörg Strauss, senior vice president and general manager at ams OSRAM for the Visualization and Sensors business unit. »We look forward to working with Jabil to make the next generation of 3D sensing and vision solutions a reality.«
Dr. Stanley Yeh, Vice President of Platform at Artilux, agrees, »We are pleased to work with Jabil and ams OSRAM to develop the first mid-range SWIR 3D camera using near-infrared (NIR)-like components such as CMOS-based sensors and VCSELs. This is a significant step toward mass adoption of SWIR spectral sensors and leading CMOS SWIR 2D/3D imaging technology.«
For nearly two decades, Jabil’s optics division has been recognized by technology companies as a leader in advanced optics design, industrialization and manufacturing. The optics division employed more than 170 people at four locations. Jabil’s optics designers, engineers and researchers specialize in solving complex optical problems for customers in the 3D sensing, augmented and virtual reality, action camera, automotive, industrial and healthcare markets. In addition, Jabil’s customers leverage its expertise in product design, process development, testing, internal active alignment (from Kasalis, a Jabil technology division), supply chain management and manufacturing expertise.
Additional information can be found at the following website: www.jabil.com/3Dcamera
About Jabil:
Jabil (NYSE: JBL) is a manufacturing solutions provider with more than 260,000 employees in 100 locations in 30 countries. The world’s leading brands rely on Jabil’s unmatched breadth and depth of end-market experience, engineering and design capabilities, manufacturing expertise, supply chain insights and global product management expertise. Driven by a common purpose, Jabil and its employees are committed to making a positive impact on their local community and the environment. More information can be found on the website www.jabil.com.
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