3D Vision Expanded, but Fragmentation Persisted

Summary

Evidence through early May strengthens the view that 3D vision is expanding, but without a dominant architecture. Recent signals include SPAD depth sensing, multispectral 3D imaging, ToF/REAL3 development, 3D sensing collaborations and 3D-vision-guided robots. The industry appears to be converging on the need for depth, not on a single depth technology.

Supporting Evidence

Image Sensors World showed early research and commercialization activity across SPAD, multispectral 3D, ToF and 3D sensing collaborations. Vision Systems Design added an applied robotics example using 3D vision. This combination suggests breadth but not consolidation.

Representative Evidence

• 1 Jan 2020 — Image Sensors World, EPFL & Canon Create 1MP SPAD Sensor
  https://image-sensors-world.blogspot.com/2020/01/epfl-canon-create-1mp-spad-sensor.html

• 1 Jan 2020 — Image Sensors World, Multispectral Cameras in 3D Imaging
  https://image-sensors-world.blogspot.com/2020/01/multispectral-cameras-in-3d-imaging.html

• 6 Jan 2020 — Image Sensors World, Ambarella, Lumentum, and ON Semi Collaborate on 3D Sensing
  https://image-sensors-world.blogspot.com/2020/01/ambarella-lumentum-and-on-semi.html

• 7 Jan 2020 — Image Sensors World, Infineon and PMD Present 5th Generation REAL3 Sensor
  https://image-sensors-world.blogspot.com/2020/01/infineon-and-pmd-present-5th-generation.html

• 7 May 2020 — Vision Systems Design, 3D-vision-guided robots assist in COVID-19 measures in China
  https://www.vision-systems.com/cameras-accessories/article/14173947/covid-19-novel-coronavirus-3d-imaging-robot-hospital-workers-in-china

Why It Matters

This supports a measured view of 3D vision. Depth is becoming more important, but industrial users are likely to face application-specific technology choices rather than a single standard architecture.

Technology Themes

3D Vision, ToF, SPAD, LiDAR, Robotics Vision

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