Although mobile robots are increasingly used in factories and warehouses, there remains significant potential to enhance their perception and behavior. This week, Advantech Co. announced a partnership with D3 Embedded to integrate advanced sensing and computing capabilities for industrial robots.
The partnership combines Advantech’s AFE-R60 systems with D3’s DesignCore Discovery ISX031 PRO cameras to enhance AI-driven object detection and recognition.
“At Advantech, we aim to enable robots to operate in more scenarios,” said Sandy Chen, senior director of Advantech North America. “Our collaboration with D3 Embedded equips autonomous robots with advanced vision and performance for true autonomy.”
Advantech is Developing a Machine Vision Platform for AMRs
Advantech said AMRs need precise sensors and strong computing for real-time object detection. Integrated with the AFE-R360/760, D3 Embedded’s DesignCore Discovery PRO cameras use the Sony ISX031 sensor and IP67-rated protection.
The end-to-end vision system includes HDR and LED flicker mitigation to ensure consistent performance in varying lighting. Additionally, the RealSense Depth D457 cameras provide high-bandwidth stereo depth vision.
Advantech’s 3.5-in. AFE-R360 SBC supports 8 MIPI-CSI lanes and includes 3 LAN and 3 USB-C ports for depth and LiDAR sensors. When paired with Advantech’s custom camera I/O card, the AFE-R360 can handle six GMSL cameras simultaneously, enabling 360° panoramic streaming.
Advantech noted that its companion system with a chassis, the AFE-R760, supports four GMSL cameras. The company lets developers capture MIPI and GMSL camera data via custom ROS nodes in its Robotic Suite.
Both the AFE-R360 and AFE-R760 use the Intel Core Ultra “Meteor Lake-H/U” platform with an integrated GPU delivering up to 32 TOPS for AI. The systems can also work with external MXM-type GPUs, including Intel Arc or NVIDIA Quadro series.
Founded in 1983, Advantech is a global leader in Internet of Things (IoT) systems and embedded hardware and software platforms. Based in Taipei, Taiwan, the company’s WISE-IoT platform links supply chains and provides industrial intelligence for robotics developers.
D3 Embedded Focuses on Accelerating Product Time-To-Market
“D3 Embedded provides developers with tools to build next-gen AI sensing and computing solutions for industrial applications,” said CEO Scott Reardon. “Partnering with Advantech on this AMR package helps customers launch products faster and scale edge solutions.”
Founded in 1999, D3 Embedded accelerates advanced perception for autonomous machines by combining camera and radar sensors, connectivity, custom embedded electronics, and AI. Headquartered in West Henrietta, N.Y., the company provides design services, off-the-shelf and customizable products, and AI development capabilities for automotive, industrial, robotics, medical, aerospace, and defense (ITAR) markets.
D3 Embedded’s DesignCore platforms and stage-gate development process help clients reduce costs, timelines, and technical risks in developing performance-critical products.
An Intel Gold Partner, D3 Embedded brings expertise in autonomous machines and robotics, electrification, sensing, imaging and optics, edge computing, and detection algorithms. To support its offerings, the company provides original design manufacturer (ODM) hardware and software customization, validation testing, and in-house manufacturing services.
Read the original article on: The Robot Report
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