Acroname to Distribute Fotonic 3D Cameras

Acroname Inc., a developer and distributor of hardware and software for robotics, automation, control and testing systems, has been named the U.S. reseller of Fotonic 3D time-of-flight (TOF) cameras.

"We believe 3D cameras are the key enabler for new automation and robotics to create a safer and better world," Rickard Åström, founder and CEO of Fotonic. "With Acroname as our U.S. distributor, we've found a partner with unmatched experience, one that understands the product and its potential and one that shares our ethic of working directly with customers to solve engineering problems that create competitive advantages."

The two companies are working with clients to integrate the technology into driverless car collision avoidance and pedestrian safety, medical applications and patient care, logistics and automated materials handling, airport baggage and security systems, agriculture, mining, manufacturing, machine vision, interactive art exhibits, automated cow milking machines and other unique object-detection scenarios.

Based on a CCD image sensor, the camera performs well outdoors and in harsh thermal conditions, producing 3D imaging at 50 fps. The sensor affords the ability to run on very short cycles, which avoids overexposure problems in bright sunlight, while the powerful built-in illumination substantially improves performance in dark conditions. Low motion artifacts and high frame rate enable effective, reliable tracking of moving objects, and a Texas Instruments ARM processor with Linux enables users to run their own software on board to simplify imaging analysis.

"We're just at the beginning of seeing where this game-changing technology can go," said Justin Gregg, CEO of Acroname. "We’re exploring all sorts of potential applications and consulting with a variety of customers — and many developers, particularly those in defense and automation industries, already have their own ideas of what the Fotonic camera can accomplish, so we make it easy to purchase directly from our online store."

Fotonic is a developer, manufacturer and marketer of 3D cameras, spun out from Optronic Inc., a provider of automotive lighting products and accessories. Acroname designs, develops and distributes products for applications in embedded robotic, automation and control systems.

For more information, visit www.fotonic.com and www.acroname.com.