Prototype of the Eyeonic Trace Laser Line Scanner, designed to provide sub–millimeter depth precision for next-generation warehouse automation, robotics, farming, construction and manufacturing applications. Source: SiLC Technologies
Factory and warehouse operators dealing with labor shortages are increasingly seeking autonomous systems capable of human-like vision for applications that require high levels of dexterity, precision, and coordination. SiLC Techologies Inc. today launched Eyeonic Trace, a Class 1 laser line scanner that it said can accurately dimension objects, even at distances of up to 10 meters.
“What we’re seeing in mobility related to machine vision that is human-like and predictive is following suit in industrial automation, warehouse operations, robotics, and manufacturing,” stated Mehdi Asghari, CEO of SiLC Technologies.
“The new Eyeonic Trace Laser Line Scanner provides better depth precision than the human eye,” he added. “Not only does our Eyeonic Trace measure objects with great precision, but the laser is also Class 1 eye safe, which means that factory workers can use it without the constraints of a ‘Keep Out’ area, or ‘Special Eye Protection Required’ mandate.”
Silicon photonics industry veterans founded SiLC Technologies in 2018. The Monrovia, Calif.-based company has developed frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) lidar-based vision systems. It said its “4D+” Eyeonic chip integrates all photonics functions for a coherent vision sensor, reducing requirements for space, cost, and power for a range of industrial devices and applications.
Eyeonic Trace is compact with a wide view
“The new Eyeonic Trace is an all-in-one inspection and measurement tool for objects moving on conveyor belts, bucket elevators, and assembly lines or being scanned by a robotic arm,” said SiLC Technologies.
The company designed the Eyeonic Trace around its Eyeonic Vision Sensor with a highly integrated silicon photonics chip containing low-loss waveguides, coherent detection, semiconductor optical amplifiers and other photonic functions. The scanner has a wide 72⁰ field of view to allow for measurement of large objects.
Measuring only 200 x 135 x 75 mm (7.8 x 5.3 x 2.9 in.), companies can easily mount the Eyeonic Trace above a conveyor belt, an assembly line, or on the side of a robotic arm, said SiLC.
Scanner has range, resolution for varied conditions, objects
The Eyeonic Trace scanner’s long operating range allows it to be placed two or three meters above a conveyor belt to measure large boxes and still accurately measure items as small as a few centimeters tall. In fact, the scanner can provide millimeter precision from as far as 10 m (32.8 ft.).
SiLC Technologies also touted the following characteristics:
- Measurement accuracy: Eyeonic Trace can measure depth of objects with millimeter precision (1/32 in.) from 10 cm to 10 m distances.
- Flexibility: It operates effectively across a wide dynamic range, accommodating objects with diverse reflective properties.
- Ambient light immunity: SiLC said its scanner functions reliably indoors such as in dim warehouses or outdoors like bright sunlight; it is unaffected by ambient light.
- Performance: The Eyeonic Trace surpasses existing line-scanner products, standing alone in its class, SiLC claimed.
“FMCW LiDAR offers more resolution, which is a huge advantage in automation,” noted Harvey Weinberg, director of sensor technologies at Microtech Ventures. “Scanning packages passing at a high speed on a conveyor belt requires a scanner with quick response time, millimeter accuracy, wide field of view, and a long operating range. The Eyeonic Trace is the industry’s first scanner to meet this challenge.”
Microtech Ventures is a global firm focused on mergers and acquisitions, investments, and business development for sensors, MEMS (microelectromechanical systems), and microtechnology companies.
See SiLC at CES; system to be available later in 2025
SiLC Technologies said new system marks its first turnkey, fully integrated offering. Until now, it has provided components to strategic customers that integrate them into their own product lines. SiLC said this expansion in business model is in response to popular demand and provides access to customers that do not have their own product-integration capability.
SiLC plans to demonstrate its Eyeonic Trace Laser Line Scanner at CES in Las Vegas next month. It will provide firsthand looks at its high-resolution FMCW lidar technology observing traffic and pedestrians at distances of more than 400 m (15,748 ft.).
To schedule a meeting at the Westgate Hotel, Country Club Hospitality Suite 2989, e-mail [email protected]. Samples of the Eyeonic Trace will be available in Q2 2025, with production scheduled for the second half of 2025.
Autonomous transportation relies on advanced vision systems that can detect hazards, predict movements, and enable real-time reactions in any condition. Conventional advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS) struggle with long-range detection and diverse environments, according to SiLC.
The company said its sensors deliver accuracy, scalability, and resilience, enabling the next generation of AI-driven automation and mobility. In September, Honda Xcelerator Ventures invested in SiLC.
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