Analog Devices Inc. (ADI) is teaming with Microsoft to create 3D imaging products with a high degree of depth accuracy and that work in any condition.
ADI will leverage Microsoft’s time-of-flight (ToF) sensor technology and build on Microsoft Azure Kinect technology to bring ToF solutions to a broader audience in areas such as Industry 4.0, automotive, gaming, augmented reality, computational photography and videography.
ADI said the industrial market is seeing demand for 3D imaging systems that can be used in harsh environments such as human-collaboration robots, room mapping and inventory management systems for Industry 4.0. ToF applications are also being used to make vehicles safer for drivers and passengers with occupancy detection and driver monitoring capabilities.
ADI has developed a series of 3D ToF imagers, laser drivers, software and hardware-based depth systems that allow for accuracy down to the millimeter. The company plans to build full systems based on CMOS imagers for greater 3D detail, operating from greater distances and performing regardless of what is in the line of sight.
The CMOS ToF devices feature accurate depth measurement, low noise, robustness to multipath interference and calibration for simplifying manufacturing. The company expects the 3D imaging products to be in production by the end of this year.
