2D inspection + code / OCR
Use O2U where one sensor should combine surface/contour inspection with 1D/2D code reading, OCR, measurement and position/orientation detection.
ifm · Vision & Identification
Machine Vision & Industrial Identification
Choose 2D inspection, code/OCR reading, 3D measurement, robotic perception or RFID according to the actual inspection and traceability task. These technologies solve different problems and should not be treated as interchangeable sensors.
2D vision1D / 2D codes + OCR3D Time-of-FlightRFID HF / UHFVision Assistant
O2D5 imager1.2 MP1280 × 960 CMOS image sensor
O2UVision + codesObject inspection, 1D/2D code and OCR in one device
O3D depth23,232 points3D Time-of-Flight distance points
RFIDHF + UHFShort/medium and longer-range identification routes
Start from the task
Vision and identification selection by required machine data
Presence inspection, dimensional geometry, code reading, robotic perception and non-line-of-sight traceability are different engineering problems. Select the sensing principle before selecting the order number.
3D geometry & volume
Use O3D when depth, level, volume, case completeness, box dimensions or depalletising geometry must be measured.
RFID traceability
Use HF/UHF RFID where data must be associated with a tag and optical line-of-sight or code quality would be a limitation.
2D image processing
Inspection, object recognition and code reading
O2D5
2D vision sensor
For error-proofing and inspection using contour recognition and BLOB analysis in a compact sensor with integrated lighting and evaluation.
- 1.2 MP CMOS
- Contour + BLOB tools
- Position, shape, count and quality checks
- Vision Assistant setup
O2U
Universal vision + identification
Combines inspection, measurement, code reading and OCR, with robot-sensor calibration and modern interface options.
- 1D / 2D codes + OCR
- Surface / contour inspection
- TCP/IP, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, IO-Link
- Dynamic object tracking
2D vision application scope
Use 2D imaging when the result depends on a visible surface feature: shape, contour, colour/contrast, printed code, text, orientation or completeness.
Do not use 2D vision by default for depth. If the task depends on height, volume or distance across an object, review a 3D route.
3D vision
Depth, geometry and robotic perception
ifm's 3D portfolio separates fixed industrial measurement tasks from perception platforms for mobile robotics and operator assistance on mobile machines.
Fixed 3D measurement
Time-of-Flight sensor for packaging and material-handling tasks such as case completeness, box dimensioning, level measurement and depalletising.
Robotic perception platform
Multi-camera / multi-modal perception architecture for mobile robots, centralised image/sensor processing and developer-driven applications.
Explore the O3R platform →
Mobile-machine assistance
3D scene and object detection for operator-assistance applications on mobile machinery, including challenging outdoor influences.
Industrial identification
Optical codes when the mark is visible; RFID when the tag carries the identity
Optical identification
Camera-based code readers identify 1D/2D codes and, on suitable devices, text through OCR. They are useful for product tracking, control and serial/type identification when the code is visible.
- Position-independent code reading within field of view
- OCR support on current optical identification routes
- O2U combines code reading with visual inspection
RFID HF / UHF
ifm offers RFID routes from compact IO-Link devices to fieldbus evaluation systems, HF 13.56 MHz products and UHF architectures for longer-range track-and-trace tasks.
- DTE60x HF compact units integrate antenna, evaluation and Ethernet interface
- DTE601 PROFINET; DTE602 EtherNet/IP; DTE604 TCP/IP
- UHF routes support longer-range logistics and production tracking
Application examples
Map the inspection or traceability task before selecting hardware
Assembly quality
Check contour, presence, holes, dimensions, orientation or completeness using O2D5/O2U according to the required algorithm and integration.
Robotics & part handling
Read a code, locate a part and transfer position/orientation information to a robot; for depth/perception tasks, review O3D/O3R.
Packaging
Combine code/expiry-date reading with label inspection in 2D, or use 3D for case completeness, dimensioning and fill/level geometry.
Intralogistics
Use code readers for visible labels, RFID for tag-based identity, or O3R for mobile-robot perception and pallet/obstacle applications.
Production traceability
HF RFID can store/read production or quality information at defined read points; UHF supports longer-range identification where appropriate.
Mobile machinery
O3M provides a dedicated 3D route for operator-assistance use cases rather than reusing a fixed factory vision sensor.
Selection matrix
Selection route
| Task | First route to review | Why | Key selection variables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contour, shape, completeness, count, visual quality | O2D5 | Compact 2D inspection with contour and BLOB tools. | Field of view, working distance, smallest feature, lighting, cycle time. |
| Code/OCR + visual inspection in one device | O2U Universal route | Combines code reading, OCR, measurement and object inspection. | Code type, target size, working distance, interface, lighting. |
| Box dimensions, level, volume, depalletising | O3D | 3D Time-of-Flight depth measurement. | Distance, field of view, target geometry, ambient conditions. |
| AMR / multi-camera robotic perception | O3R | Perception platform designed for multi-modal and multi-camera development. | Coverage, camera count, compute, software/SDK, vehicle architecture. |
| Visible serial / barcode / Data Matrix / QR | Optical identification | No tag is required when the printed/direct-part mark is readable. | Code quality, contrast, size, motion, reading distance. |
| Non-line-of-sight identity / data on tag | RFID | Tag-based identification works without optical code visibility. | HF vs UHF, range, tag, metal/liquid environment, interface. |
System integration
Inspection results must reach the machine at the right speed and in the right format
Vision selection is not complete when the image looks good. Triggering, PLC/robot interface, result data, lighting, part presentation, field of view and replacement/parameter strategy all need to be defined.
TargetPart / code / pallet / tag
→
SensorO2 / O3 / RFID
→
InterfaceIO-Link / Ethernet / fieldbus
→
MachinePLC / robot / IPC / IT
Requirement capture
Inputs required to select the vision or identification route
Inspection taskPresence, contour, dimension, code, OCR, level, volume, position or traceability.
Target & featureObject size, smallest feature/code, material, colour, gloss and movement.
Working geometrySensor-to-object distance, field of view and available mounting space.
Cycle timeStatic or moving target, line speed, trigger method and required response time.
EnvironmentAmbient light, reflections, dust/mist, washdown, vibration and temperature.
IntegrationPLC/robot type, IO-Link, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, TCP/IP or IT/traceability system.