TKH Group Acquires 3D Stereoscopic Imaging Company Nerian Vision

TKH Group NV has acquired Nerian Vision GmbH, a manufacturer of high-speed stereo vision cameras. Nerian will join TKH Vision’s group of machine vision companies. The Stuttgart, Germany-based 3D imaging company will continue to sell under the Nerian brand and maintain its existing partnerships.

Nerian stereo vision sensors capture and process stereo vision images into 3D data at over 70 million 3D points per second and frame rates of up to 125 Hz, allowing for real-time capturing of high-resolution 3D data at both near and far ranges. The cameras can be used in harsh environments and with synchronized inertial measurement units embedded in the sensors.

Mark Radford, vice president of TKH Vision, said the acquisition expands TKH’s portfolio of smart vision systems by increasing the group’s 3D capabilities. Radford said that Nerian’s 3D cameras will support the group in developing solutions for mobile robotics, autonomous vehicles, bin-picking, and robot guidance across a variety of markets. These include logistics, factory automation, agriculture, and construction.

Konstantin Schauwecker, CEO of Nerian Vision, echoed Radford and said that the acquisition will help expand TKH’s capabilities in both industrial and nonindustrial applications.

Nerian Vision stereo vision sensors capture and process stereo vision images into 3D data at over 70 million 3D points per second and frame rates of up to 125 Hz, allowing for real-time capturing of high-resolution 3D data at both near and far ranges. Courtesy of TKH Group.

Schauwecker said that with LMI, there is already a 3D image sensor manufacturer under the hood of TKH — though LMI and Nerian have different customer bases.

“The strengths of our cameras are fast measurement rate, robustness against sunlight, and long-range sensing capabilities. This makes them a perfect fit for mobile robotics projects, such as autonomous logistics robots, or in agricultural automation,” Schauwecker said. “Our 3D sensors will open up new markets for TKH.”

Companies under the TKH umbrella include Allied Vision, Chromasens, LMI Technologies, Mikotron, and SVS-Vistek.

*This article has been updated.