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SiLC Technologies Inc. today at CES launched its Eyeonic Vision System Mini, which integrates a full, multi-channel frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) lidar on a single silicon photonic chip and an integrated FMCW lidar system on chip (SoC). The Eyeonic Mini “sets a new industry benchmark in precision,” said the Monrovia, Calif.-based company.

“Our FMCW lidar platform aims to enable a highly versatile and scalable platform to address the needs of many applications,” said Dr. Mehdi Asghari, CEO of SiLC Technologies, in a release.

“At CES this year, we’re demonstrating our long-range vision capabilities of over 2 km [1.2 mi.],” he added. “With the Eyeonic Mini, we’re showcasing our high precision at shorter distances. Our FMCW lidar solutions, at short or long distances, bring superior vision to machines to truly enable the next generation of AI based automation.”

Founded in 2018, SiLC Technologies said its 4D+ Eyeonic lidar chip integrates all the photonics functions needed to enable a coherent vision sensor. The company added that the system offers a small footprint and addresses the need for low power consumption and cost, making it suitable for robotics, autonomous vehicles, biometrics, security, and industrial automation.

In November 2023, SiLC raised $25 million to expand production of its Eyeonic Vision System.

Eyeonic Mini uses Surya SoC for precision

To be useful, robots need powerful, compact, and scalable vision that won’t be affected by complex or unpredictable environments or conditions, as well as interference from other systems, asserted SiLC Technologies. Sensors must also provide motion, velocity, polarization, and precision, capabilities that the company said make FMCW superior to existing time-of-flight (ToF) systems.

FMCW technology enables newer imaging systems to directly capture images for AI, factory robots, home security, autonomous vehicles, and perimeter security applications, said SiLC.

The Eyeonic Mini uses what it described as “the industry’s first purpose-built” digital lidar processor SoC, the iND83301 or “Surya” developed by indie Semiconductor. As a result, the company said, it can deliver “an order of magnitude greater precision than existing technologies while being one-third the size of last year’s pioneering model.”

“The Eyeonic Mini represents the next evolution of our close collaboration with SiLC. The combination of our two unique technologies has created an industry-leading solution in performance, size, cost, and power,” said Chet Babla, senior vice president for strategic marketing at indie Semiconductor. “This creates a strong foundation for our partnership to grow and address multiple markets, including industrial automation and automotive.”

With Surya, a four-channel FMCW lidar chip provides robots with sub-millimeter depth precision from distances exceeding 10 m (32.8 ft.), said SiLC. This is useful for warehouse automation and machine vision applications, it noted.

Dexterity uses sensors for truck loading, unloading

For instance, said SiLC Technologies, AI-driven palletizing robots equipped with the Eyeonic Mini can view and interact with pallets, optimize package placement, and efficiently and safely load them onto trucks. With more than 13 million commercial trucks in the U.S., this technology promises to significantly boost efficiency in loading and unloading processes, the company said.

Dexterity Inc. said it is working to give robots the intelligence to see, move, touch, think and learn, freeing human workers for other warehouse and logistics tasks. The Redwood City, Calif.-based company is incorporating SiLC’s technology into its autonomy platform.

“At Dexterity, we focus on AI, machine learning, and robotic intelligence to make warehouses more productive, efficient and safe,” said CEO Samir Menon. “We are excited to partner with SiLC to unlock lidar for the robotics and logistics markets.”

“Their technology is a revolution in depth sensing and will enable easier and faster adoption of warehouse automation and robotic truck load and unload,” he said.

At CES this week in Las Vegas, SiLC Technologies is demonstrating the new Eyeonic Mini in private meetings at the Westgate Hotel. For more information or to schedule an appointment, e-mail SiLC at contact@SiLC.com.