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SiLC Technologies Announces Eyeonic Trace Laser Line Scanner

SiLC Technologies Announces Eyeonic Trace Laser Line Scanner

Human-like Vision with Sub-Millimeter Depth Precision Enables Next-Generation Warehouse Automation, Robotics, Farming, Construction and Manufacturing Applications

MONROVIA, Calif., December 17, 2024SiLC Technologies, Inc. (SiLC), the leading developer of integrated single-chip FMCW LiDAR solutions, today announced the launch of Eyeonic® Trace, its revolutionary Class 1 Laser Line Scanner capable of dimensioning objects with extreme accuracy, even from distances up to 10 meters. Targeted to industrial automation applications, the new Eyeonic Trace is an all-in-one inspection and measurement tool for objects moving on conveyor belts, bucket elevators and assembly lines or being scanned by a robotic arm.

The market for industrial and robotics solutions that are autonomous and capable of sub-millimeter precision is on the rise. Warehouse automation is a pressing need as the persistent drop in working age population in the past two decades has left many organizations short staffed and challenged to meet operational efficiency levels. Autonomous solutions with human-like vision can enable the next wave in industrial automation for applications that require high levels of dexterity, precision and hand-eye coordination.

“What we’re seeing in mobility related to machine vision that is human-like and predictive is following suit in industrial automation, warehouse operations, robotics and manufacturing,” said Dr. Mehdi Asghari, CEO of SiLC Technologies. “The new Eyeonic Trace Laser Line Scanner provides better depth precision than the human eye. Not only does our Eyeonic Trace measure objects with great precision, but the laser is also Class 1 eye safe, which means that factory workers can use it without the constraints of a ‘Keep Out’ area or ‘Special Eye Protection Required’ mandate.

The Eyeonic Trace marks SiLC’s first entry into offering a turnkey, fully integrated product. Until now, SiLC has provided technology solutions as key components to strategic customers that integrate it into their own product lines. This expansion in SiLC’s business model is by popular demand and enables the company to access a broader range of customers who do not have their own product integration capability.

At the core of the Eyeonic Trace design is the company’s Eyeonic Vision Sensor with a highly integrated silicon photonics chip containing low-loss waveguides, coherent detection, semiconductor optical amplifiers and other photonic functions. In addition, the laser in the Eyeonic Trace is very low power and meets the Class 1 laser specifications, meaning that it is eye safe when deployed in any automation application. The scanner has a wide 72⁰ field of view to allow for measurement of large objects. Measuring only 200 x 135 x 75 millimeters, the Eyeonic Trace easily mounts above a conveyor belt, assembly line, or on the side of a robotic arm.

Higher Resolution and Wider Field of View

“FMCW LiDAR offers more resolution, which is a huge advantage in automation,” remarked Harvey Weinberg, Director of Sensor Technologies at Microtech Ventures, a global firm focused on M&A, investments, and business development for sensors, MEMS, and microtechnology companies. “Scanning packages passing at a high speed on a conveyor belt, requires a scanner with quick response time, millimeter accuracy, wide field of view, and a long operating range. The Eyeonic Trace is the industry’s first scanner to meet this challenge.”

The long operating range means that the Eyeonic Trace scanner can be placed two or three meters above a conveyor belt to measure large boxes and still accurately measure items as small as a few centimeters tall. In fact, the scanner can provide millimeter measurement precision from as far as 10 meters away.


​Key Features of the Eyeonic Trace

  • Unparalleled Measurement Accuracy: Measures depth of objects with millimeter precision (1/32 inch) from 10 cm to 10 m distances.
  • Exceptional Flexibility: Operates effectively across a wide dynamic range, accommodating objects with diverse reflective properties.
  • Ambient Light Immunity: Measures depth of objects with millimeter precision (1/32 inch) from 10 cm to 10 m distances.
  • Unmatched Performance: Setting a new standard, the Eyeonic Trace surpasses existing line scanner products, standing alone in its class.

SiLC will be featuring its new Eyeonic Trace Laser Line Scanner at the most powerful tech event in the world, the CES 2025 show in Las Vegas from January 7-10th. Please email contact@silc.com to schedule a meeting

Eyeonic Trace Availability

Samples of the Eyeonic Trace will be available in Q2 2025, with production scheduled for the second half of 2025.

About SiLC Technologies

On a mission to enable machines to see like humans, SiLC Technologies is enabling advanced AI-based machine vision. Bringing forth its deep expertise in silicon photonics, the company deploys FMCW LiDAR-based vision solutions. Notably, their breakthrough 4D+ Eyeonic Chip integrates all photonics functions needed to enable a coherent vision sensor, offering a tiny footprint while addressing the need for low cost and low power. SiLC’s innovations are targeted to robotics, mobility, perimeter security, industrial automation and other leading markets.

SiLC was founded in 2018 by silicon photonics industry veterans with decades of commercial product development and manufacturing experience. SiLC’s 4D LiDAR chip has been recognized by Frost & Sullivan as ideally positioned to disrupt the global LiDAR market and the company has been named a Cool Vendor in Silicon Photonics by Gartner. Investors in SiLC include Dell Technology Capital, Sony Innovation Fund by IGV, FLUXUNIT – ams OSRAM Ventures, Alter Ventures and Epson.

For more information, visit www.silc.com or connect with the company on LinkedIn.

SiLC Technologies Announces Eyeonic Trace Laser Line Scanner

SiLC Technologies Announces Eyeonic Trace Laser Line Scanner

Human-like Vision with Sub-Millimeter Depth Precision Enables Next-Generation Warehouse Automation, Robotics, Farming, Construction and Manufacturing Applications

MONROVIA, Calif., December 17, 2024SiLC Technologies, Inc. (SiLC), the leading developer of integrated single-chip FMCW LiDAR solutions, today announced the launch of Eyeonic® Trace, its revolutionary Class 1 Laser Line Scanner capable of dimensioning objects with extreme accuracy, even from distances up to 10 meters. Targeted to industrial automation applications, the new Eyeonic Trace is an all-in-one inspection and measurement tool for objects moving on conveyor belts, bucket elevators and assembly lines or being scanned by a robotic arm.

    The market for industrial and robotics solutions that are autonomous and capable of sub-millimeter precision is on the rise. Warehouse automation is a pressing need as the persistent drop in working age population in the past two decades has left many organizations short staffed and challenged to meet operational efficiency levels. Autonomous solutions with human-like vision can enable the next wave in industrial automation for applications that require high levels of dexterity, precision and hand-eye coordination.

    “What we’re seeing in mobility related to machine vision that is human-like and predictive is following suit in industrial automation, warehouse operations, robotics and manufacturing,” said Dr. Mehdi Asghari, CEO of SiLC Technologies. “The new Eyeonic Trace Laser Line Scanner provides better depth precision than the human eye. Not only does our Eyeonic Trace measure objects with great precision, but the laser is also Class 1 eye safe, which means that factory workers can use it without the constraints of a ‘Keep Out’ area or ‘Special Eye Protection Required’ mandate.”

    The Eyeonic Trace marks SiLC’s first entry into offering a turnkey, fully integrated product. Until now, SiLC has provided technology solutions as key components to strategic customers that integrate it into their own product lines. This expansion in SiLC’s business model is by popular demand and enables the company to access a broader range of customers who do not have their own product integration capability

    At the core of the Eyeonic Trace design is the company’s Eyeonic Vision Sensor with a highly integrated silicon photonics chip containing low-loss waveguides, coherent detection, semiconductor optical amplifiers and other photonic functions. In addition, the laser in the Eyeonic Trace is very low power and meets the Class 1 laser specifications, meaning that it is eye safe when deployed in any automation application. The scanner has a wide 72⁰ field of view to allow for measurement of large objects. Measuring only 200 x 135 x 75 millimeters, the Eyeonic Trace easily mounts above a conveyor belt, assembly line, or on the side of a robotic arm.

Higher Resolution and Wider Field of View

    “FMCW LiDAR offers more resolution, which is a huge advantage in automation,” remarked Harvey Weinberg, Director of Sensor Technologies at Microtech Ventures, a global firm focused on M&A, investments, and business development for sensors, MEMS, and microtechnology companies. “Scanning packages passing at a high speed on a conveyor belt, requires a scanner with quick response time, millimeter accuracy, wide field of view, and a long operating range. The Eyeonic Trace is the industry’s first scanner to meet this challenge.”

    The long operating range means that the Eyeonic Trace scanner can be placed two or three meters above a conveyor belt to measure large boxes and still accurately measure items as small as a few centimeters tall. In fact, the scanner can provide millimeter measurement precision from as far as 10 meters away.


​Key Features of the Eyeonic Trace

  • Unparalleled Measurement Accuracy: Measures depth of objects with millimeter precision (1/32 inch) from 10 cm to 10 m distances.
  • Exceptional Flexibility: Operates effectively across a wide dynamic range, accommodating objects with diverse reflective properties.
  • Ambient Light Immunity: Measures depth of objects with millimeter precision (1/32 inch) from 10 cm to 10 m distances.
  • Unmatched Performance: Setting a new standard, the Eyeonic Trace surpasses existing line scanner products, standing alone in its class.

    SiLC will be featuring its new Eyeonic Trace Laser Line Scanner at the most powerful tech event in the world, the CES 2025 show in Las Vegas from January 7-10th. Please email contact@silc.com to schedule a meeting.

Eyeonic Trace Availability

    Samples of the Eyeonic Trace will be available in Q2 2025, with production scheduled for the second half of 2025.

About SiLC Technologies

    On a mission to enable machines to see like humans, SiLC Technologies is enabling advanced AI-based machine vision. Bringing forth its deep expertise in silicon photonics, the company deploys FMCW LiDAR-based vision solutions. Notably, their breakthrough 4D+ Eyeonic Chip integrates all photonics functions needed to enable a coherent vision sensor, offering a tiny footprint while addressing the need for low cost and low power. SiLC’s innovations are targeted to robotics, mobility, perimeter security, industrial automation and other leading markets.

    SiLC was founded in 2018 by silicon photonics industry veterans with decades of commercial product development and manufacturing experience. SiLC’s 4D LiDAR chip has been recognized by Frost & Sullivan as ideally positioned to disrupt the global LiDAR market and the company has been named a Cool Vendor in Silicon Photonics by Gartner. Investors in SiLC include Dell Technology Capital, Sony Innovation Fund by IGV, FLUXUNIT – ams OSRAM Ventures, Alter Ventures and Epson.

For more information, visit www.silc.com or connect with the company on LinkedIn.

SiLC Technologies Receives Investment from Honda to Advance AI Vision Capabilities

SiLC Technologies Receives Investment from Honda to Advance AI Vision Capabilities

MONROVIA, Calif., September 10, 2024SiLC Technologies, Inc. (SiLC), today announced it has received an investment from Honda to develop next-generation FMCW LiDAR solutions for all types of mobility. SiLC is the leading developer of integrated, single-chip FMCW (Coherent) LiDAR solutions and focuses on enabling advanced AI-based machine vision. Honda invests in innovative startups through its global open innovation program, Honda Xcelerator Ventures. This program is led by Honda Innovations, a subsidiary of Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

“SiLC is the industry leader in the research and development of FMCW LiDAR, which is capable of detecting vehicles and various obstacles from long distances – and Honda has high expectations for its potential,” said Manabu Ozawa, Managing Executive Officer, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. “Honda is striving for zero traffic collision fatalities involving our motorcycles and automobiles globally by 2050. We believe that SiLC’s advanced LiDAR technology will become an important technology for us. Honda continues to discover, collaborate with and invest in innovative startups like SiLC through our global open innovation program, Honda Xcelerator Ventures.”

Paving the Way to Safer Roads and Communities

Equipping vehicles with advanced AI vision capabilities that autonomously detect hazards, predict movements and prevent accidents can significantly enhance safety, efficiency, and reliability. This paves the way for a future where autonomous transportation becomes the norm, reducing traffic congestion and minimizing human error on the roads. Current technologies do not support these critical capabilities. For example, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) can fail to detect objects at longer distances in diverse environments. Rapid detection of moving objects and early determination of intent can lead to fast reaction times that could make the critical split-second difference between life and death.

To ensure safety and autonomy in all situations, the deployed vision systems must be powerful, efficient in computation, compact, scalable, and resilient to complex, unpredictable conditions, including interference from other systems. These requirements exclude existing time-of-flight-based solutions and highlight FMCW LiDAR as the ideal platform.
The FMCW LiDAR Advantage
SiLC is tackling several critical challenges in vehicle vision technology using high-performance FMCW LiDAR. Current radar and 2D/3D vision systems struggle with detecting dark objects, such as tires, at distances of a couple of hundred meters. They also have difficulty distinguishing between slow-moving and stationary vehicles for effective evasive actions. Most time-of-flight LiDARs suffer from interference caused by sunlight, retro reflectors, and other LiDAR systems. SiLC’s FMCW LiDAR overcomes these obstacles by detecting objects at distances of a kilometer or more with precise distance measurements and can measure the velocity of objects, allowing the system to predict their movements accurately.

As the global machine vision and robotics market continues to expand, SiLC’s innovations are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of autonomous technology. The company’s Eyeonic Sensor and Vision System represent significant advancements in machine vision, providing machines with the information necessary to navigate and interact with the physical world effectively. These systems leverage FMCW LiDAR technology to equip machines with super-human vision capabilities, addressing the critical need for accurate, real-time perception in various sectors to enable the level of dexterity and hand-eye coordination needed for all tasks. SiLC is a performance leader in the market and offers the industry’s longest-range LiDAR and highest level of precision, setting a new benchmark in the field.

Dr. Mehdi Asghari, SiLC Technologies CEO, added, “This investment from Honda, the world’s largest mobility vehicle manufacturer, will accelerate our progress toward a society with fully autonomous solutions that enhance our safety and address our widely spread labor shortages across many critical markets. Our silicon photonics platform offers a powerful, low-cost, efficient and scalable FMCW LiDAR engine, which is essential for the high volumes required by the automotive industry. SiLC’s FMCW LiDAR solutions bring superior vision to machines to truly enable the next generation of AI-based automation and move us closer to a more intelligent, interconnected future.”

About SiLC Technologies

On a mission to enable machines to see like humans, SiLC Technologies is enabling advanced AI-based machine vision. Bringing forth its deep expertise in silicon photonics, the company deploys FMCW LiDAR-based vision solutions. Notably, their breakthrough 4D+ Eyeonic Chip integrates all photonics functions needed to enable a coherent vision sensor, offering a tiny footprint while addressing the need for low cost and low power. SiLC’s innovations are targeted to robotics, mobility, perimeter security, industrial automation and other leading markets.

SiLC was founded in 2018 by silicon photonics industry veterans with decades of commercial product development and manufacturing experience. SiLC’s 4D LiDAR chip has been recognized by Frost & Sullivan as ideally positioned to disrupt the global LiDAR market and the company has been named a Cool Vendor in Silicon Photonics by Gartner. Investors in SiLC include Dell Technologies Capital, Sony Innovation Fund by IGV, FLUXUNIT – ams OSRAM Ventures, Alter Venture Partners and Epson.

For more information, visit www.silc.com or connect with the company on LinkedIn.

 

SiLC’s Eyeonic Vision Sensor Achieves Over 2km Detection Range, Empowering Advanced Perimeter Security Applications

SiLC’s Eyeonic Vision Sensor Achieves Over 2km Detection Range, Empowering Advanced Perimeter Security Applications

In Collaboration with High Point Aerotechnologies, SiLC’s Sensor to Enhance Counter-Uncrewed Autonomous Systems (C-UAS)

MONROVIA, Calif., December 7, 2023 – SiLC Technologies, Inc. (SiLC), a leader in the development of integrated single-chip FMCW LiDAR solutions, today announced a significant breakthrough in machine vision technology. The company’s Eyeonic Vision Sensor now boasts a detection range exceeding 2 kilometers, setting a new industry standard. This advancement not only doubles SiLC’s previous record but also surpasses the capabilities of any existing LiDAR system in the market. The extended range and precision of the Eyeonic Vision Sensor are pivotal in applications such as uncrewed autonomous system (UAS) detection and discrimination, a field where SiLC collaborates closely with High Point Aerotechnologies (HPA).
Dr. Jeff Maas, CTO of High Point Aerotechnologies, commented, “SiLC has made tremendous strides in advancing LiDAR technology for perimeter security and drone detection. Their investments in extending range, polarimetry, waveform control, and optical signal processing for the Eyeonic Vision Sensor endeavors to enhance target differentiation of ambiguous targets in clutter-limited environments. This LiDAR technology is a crucial complement to radar and visible/infrared camera sensors.”
Dr. Mehdi Asghari, CEO of SiLC Technologies, added, “Our latest achievement with the Eyeonic Vision Sensor is not just about setting new records; it’s about enabling practical, real-world applications that require the highest levels of precision and reliability. Our collaboration with HPA to incorporate LiDAR into their Counter-UAS systems is a testament to the versatility and impact of our technology.”
SiLC’s Eyeonic Vision Sensor, featuring an advanced FMCW LiDAR System-on-Chip (SoC), is a cornerstone of the company’s innovative approach to machine vision. Its capabilities are crucial for applications requiring advanced warning and detailed environmental understanding, such as in perimeter security and drone detection.

CES 2024 – Las Vegas

Next month at CES 2024, SiLC will demonstrate the Eyeonic Vision Sensor’s industry-leading range and precision capabilities from January 9-12 in Las Vegas. Please contact SiLC at contact@SiLC.com for more information or to schedule an appointment.

To learn more please visit www.silc.com.

SiLC’s mission to enable machines to see like humans is the driving force for the company, where the goal is to equip machines with vision that far surpasses human capabilities. “We’ve logged in milestone achievements in chip integration, precision and resolution performance, range detection, and customer engagement,” added Asghari. “Moving forward, this new funding will help to further fuel our march to bring advanced machine vision to a broader range of applications.”

 

For more information, please visit www.silc.com.

About High Point Aerotechnologies High Point Aerotechnologies is a global leader in counter-uncrewed autonomous systems (CUxS / CUAS) solution development across air, land, and maritime domains. Its innovative physical solutions and DefenseOS open architecture software environment enable operations at machine speed to detect, identify, track, and defeat UAS and other conventional and autonomous threats. High Point offers an array of integrated, interoperable solutions to provide fixed, mobile, and distributed C-UAS capabilities for civilian, military, and critical infrastructure clients. Formed through the merger of Black Sage Technologies and Liteye Systems, High Point has active C-UAS solution deployments in more than 15 countries worldwide. Learn more at www.highpointaerotech.com.

About SiLC Technologies 

On a mission to enable machines to see like humans, SiLC Technologies is bringing forth its deep expertise in silicon photonics to advance market deployment of FMCW LiDAR solutions. The company’s breakthrough 4D+ Eyeonic Chip integrates all photonics functions needed to enable a coherent vision sensor, offering a tiny footprint while addressing the need for low cost and low power. SiLC’s innovations are targeted to robotics, autonomous vehicles, biometrics, security, industrial automation and other leading markets.

SiLC was founded in 2018 by silicon photonics industry veterans with decades of commercial product development and manufacturing experience. SiLC’s 4D LiDAR chip has been recognized by Frost & Sullivan as ideally positioned to disrupt the global LiDAR market and the company has been named a Cool Vendor in Silicon Photonics by Gartner. Investors in SiLC include Dell Technology Capital, Sony Innovation Fund by IGV, FLUXUNIT – ams OSRAM Ventures, UMC Capital, Alter Ventures and Epson.

For more information, visit www.silc.com or connect with the company on LinkedIn
greater 2km detection range graphic for Eyeonic Vision Sensor from SiLC

SiLC Secures $25 Million in Additional Funding to Advance Machine Vision for AI Applications

SiLC Secures $25 Million in Additional Funding to Advance Machine Vision for AI Applications

SiLC Secures $25 Million in Additional Funding to Advance Machine Vision for AI Applications

MONROVIA, Calif., November 15, 2023 SiLC Technologies, Inc. (SiLC), a leader in silicon photonics, today announced $25 million in additional funding to bring the total funding proceeds to date, from its Seed and Series A, to $56 million. New strategic participants in the round include Hokuyo Automatic, Hankook & Company, and ROHM Semiconductor, all industry leaders with a strategic focus on industrial, robotics, and mobility vision. They join SiLC’s roster of existing high-caliber investors including Epson, Yamato, UMC, Sony, Dell Technologies Capital and Alter Venture Partners.

The new funding announcement comes on the heels of SiLC’s most recent introduction of four versions of its FMCW LiDAR-based EyeonicTM Vision System. Bridging the artificial intelligence (AI) gap for machine vision, SiLC has engineered the Eyeonic Vision System for vision detection capabilities that span from short distances to over 1 km. The company points to AI as a driving factor for machines requiring the ability to perceive and understand their surroundings in the same way as humans.

“We have significant momentum and support from our customer base, which is recognized by our world-class syndicate of investors. This shows that a genuinely differentiated technology that is proven to work and adds real value will get support from its investor and customer base,” said Dr. Mehdi Asghari, SiLC’s CEO and founder. “Even in today’s economic climate we have nearly doubled our total fund raise. We are excited to have such notable industry leaders join us on our journey.”

The new funds will be used to expand production to support design wins for its Eyeonic Vision solutions as well as continued product development to further application deployments in mobility, robotics, smart cameras, security, and other leading markets.

“SiLC’s on-chip FMCW LiDAR is very competitive in terms of sensor performance, chip integration and manufacturing know-how. We expect this technology to be applied in various industries in the future, such as industrial robots, autonomous vehicles, ADAS, and AR/VR wearable consumer devices,” said Sumio Utsunomiya, COO, Epson X Investment Corp.

“Silicon photonics is key for the miniaturization of 3D sensors, while FMCW LiDAR enables the use of eye-safe wavelengths, provides instantaneous velocity, and removes the need for high-power lasers to reach long distances. The combination of these two techniques, as SiLC is demonstrating, will soon enable every electronic device, including drones, robots, and wearable devices, to be aware of its surroundings,” commented Dr. Jose Pozo, CTO of Optica, the society advancing optics and photonics worldwide.

SiLC’s mission to enable machines to see like humans is the driving force for the company, where the goal is to equip machines with vision that far surpasses human capabilities. “We’ve logged in milestone achievements in chip integration, precision and resolution performance, range detection, and customer engagement,” added Asghari. “Moving forward, this new funding will help to further fuel our march to bring advanced machine vision to a broader range of applications.”

 

For more information, please visit www.silc.com.

About SiLC Technologies 

On a mission to enable machines to see like humans, SiLC Technologies is bringing forth its deep expertise in silicon photonics to advance market deployment of FMCW LiDAR solutions. The company’s breakthrough 4D+ EyeonicTM Chip integrates all photonics functions needed to enable a coherent vision sensor, offering a tiny footprint while addressing the need for low cost and low power. SiLC’s innovations are targeted to robotics, autonomous vehicles, biometrics, security, industrial automation and other leading markets.

SiLC was founded in 2018 by silicon photonics industry veterans with decades of commercial product development and manufacturing experience. SiLC’s 4D LiDAR chip has been recognized by Frost & Sullivan as ideally positioned to disrupt the global LiDAR market and the company has been named a Cool Vendor in Silicon Photonics by Gartner. Investors in SiLC include Dell Technology Capital, Sony Innovation Fund by IGV, FLUXUNIT – ams OSRAM Ventures, UMC Capital, Alter Ventures and Epson.

For more information, visit www.silc.com or connect with the company on LinkedIn.
robotic vision sensor from SiLC receives additional funding

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