Photonic 3D

3D cameras are one of the core technologies for any modern automation, logistics or quality control task. The flexibility, robustness and speed of current high-performance 3D cameras enable systems that work reliably, efficiently, and that can easily be configured for the task at hand. However, today's 3D cameras fall into two categories. The high-end cameras that provide excellent 3D data quality, but which are costly and large, and the low-cost cameras which are moderate in size but provide insufficient data quality for many tasks. In Photonic 3D, we seek to address the need for small, low-cost 3D cameras providing high-quality 3D data. Photonic 3D will offer a major leap in size, performance and cost-efficiency made possible through an innovative combination of state-of-the-art solid-state- and micro-optical technologies as well as advanced algorithms. Our technology can be pushed to a size small enough to be embedded in endoscopes with a diameter of only a few millimeters. At the same time, our camera provides 3D data quality which in many use cases will be on par with currently available high-end 3D cameras but utilizes low-cost projection optics and low-power light sources, which reduces system complexity and cost. Our 3D camera prototypes have demonstrated 3D accuracy below 0.1 mm. Their performance and size make them highly suitable for e.g. eye-in-hand applications, in-line inspection, inspection in confined spaces etc.

Within this project, we have started securing IP on our technology, and we have gotten a first overview of our freedom to operate. We have verified that the high-quality 3D camera market is large and growing (700 million USD, CAGR 15 - 20 %), and that there is a willingness to pay for high-quality 3D data. Further, we have identified several promising areas of application for our technology, and we have seen potential in expanding the sensing capabilities beyond 3D imaging. Further technology maturation is required before we can demonstrate a working prototype at relevant TRL level. We have established cooperation with European key technology providers, and we are actively pursuing funding towards a joint development of our technology.