by Andy Adelson | 05/28/2025
Photoneo earned recognition — and Zebra’s acquisition — by developing not only machine vision 3D cameras but also a novel technique for image processing, patented as parallel structured light. In May 2025 the company made a similar accomplishment in announcing a new version of its flagship product, the MotionCam-3D Color (Blue) with a blue laser beam instead of the industry-standard red. Photoneo developed and patented its own CMOS sensor for image processing of the blue laser beam. The vendor will continue to make and market its red-beam predecessor known as the MotionCam-3D Color.
For benefits, blue light is less susceptible than red to “noise” from glare, ambient and variable lighting and is therefore better suited for outdoor applications, bright factories and warehouses, and imaging shiny metals and plastics. Photoneo claims to generate up to 40% more light within the same laser class by using blue light instead of red. Bringing more light into scenes improves visual data quality and color detection, plus increases the available focal distance and field of view of the camera. These benefits are particularly valuable for logistics operations and automotive manufacturers, two target vertical markets for Photoneo and its parent company Zebra.
Among some benefits Photoneo observed during product development, the MotionCam-3D Color Blue achieved sub-millimeter 99.5% accuracy when picking over 1,000 items for palletization, key for accelerating picking and increasing automation of logistics and warehouse operations. Next, the blue beam is able to inspect glowing metals over 1,000o Celsius, extending machine vision’s purview for inspection into foundries of auto makers and other manufacturing sectors. Lastly, blue and red beam cameras may be used simultaneously as the different colors do not interfere with each other.
Photoneo announced “zero maintenance” for both blue and red cameras as a result of updated software released with this launch. The software can perform routine maintenance autonomously, enabling no or fewer line stoppages. This helps with tasks such as system initiation, revisions for environmental changes such as seasonal changes in lighting and temperature, and resets after system shocks (eg robot collisions).
Several competitors such as LUCID and Zivid also offer new 3D cameras capable of sub-millimeter high-speed picking while Teledyne’s e2v showcased new technology with its Topaz5D CMOS sensor. With these recent developments, Zebra further enhances its position in the rapidly growing – and increasingly competitive – 3D machine vision market which VDC is investigating in greater detail in its upcoming Machine Vision and Industrial Scanning report.