Exclusive Interview: Photoneo Launches PhoXi 3D Scanner Gen3 For High-Accuracy Automation
Photoneo, a leader in 3D vision technology, launches its flagship PhoXi 3D Scanner Gen3. This top-of-the-line scanner is engineered for the most accuracy-critical applications, combining high-resolution 3D data with blue laser technology.
We sat down with Marcel Svec, Strategy & Product Lead, VP of Photoneo, now part of Zebra Technologies, to discuss this groundbreaking new device.
Marcel, congratulations on the new launch. What was the primary goal behind the development of the PhoXi 3D Scanner Gen3?
Thank you. We wanted to create a single device that could tackle the most demanding, accuracy-critical tasks in automation. The Gen3 is the result of that vision – a top-of-the-line scanner that allows to use vision guided robotics for even more challenging objects and connect it to 3D inspection capabilities.
How do its hardware upgrades translate into real-world benefits for your customers?
The 5.1 MP resolution allows the scanner to capture 60% more 3D points than the previous model. This means our customers can now on one side navigate oriented robot picking by smaller details on the object or use the same 3D camera for vision guidance and inspection.
Detecting these flaws early in the production process is crucial for speeding up the cycle times, reducing costs of using additional systems and therefore implement quality control in more cells, leading to increased efficiency of the production line
The Gen3 also includes an integrated RGB camera. Why was it important to combine 3D data and color texture capture?
We see a demand to do multiple operations in the robotic cells that were previously only used for robotic guidance based solely on 3D data, e.g. to read bar codes or distinguish products or features by various properties which are typically evaluated on the RGB image.
By combining 3D with RGB, our customers gain more versatility in where they can deploy the system while reducing costs of integrating another vision system.
How does Gen3 deal with challenging materials?
This is one of the advancements we’re most proud of. The Gen3’s blue laser technology provides up to 2.5 times better scan completeness on a huge range of complex surfaces.
Whether it’s reflective metal, dark, plastic, or rubber objects, the scanner captures clean, complete data without missing areas.
The scanner is being promoted for everything from fine detail inspection to long-range logistics. How can one device excel at such different scales?
This is thanks to our modular architecture, which allows us to build different models with specialized FoV. Each model benefits from the mentioned improvements either in speeding up the acquisition time or by allowing them to scan much further distances.
At longer distances, the resolution of the point cloud is naturally less dense, which is nicely compensated by the higher resolution sensor. Therefore it is possible now to pick objects more accurately from larger distances without compromising the cycle time.
How does the Gen3 ensure continuous operation?
We’ve introduced an autonomous maintenance feature of our cameras that allows the system to correct itself automatically and provide customers with hassle free operations during the year, without the requirement for special accessories or procedures.
Thank you for your time, Marcel. How can people learn more or see the 3D scanner in action?
To learn more about how this next-generation technology can transform your operations, watch the launch webinar or contact Photoneo for more information on photoneo-sales@zebra.com.
