Nikon Adds 3D Vision Tracking to Its Robot Vision System

Nikon Corporation (Nikon) is introducing a software update and adding a new 3D vision tracking feature to its robot vision system, which enables high-speed, flexible movement of robotic arms.


The new feature uses 3D cameras as sensors to measure workpieces moving on a conveyor or other transport equipment in three dimensions. The system detects not only workpiece positions but also their inclination, attitude, and orientation, enabling flexible tracking based on these metrics. No additional equipment such as an encoder is required, broadening the robot vision system’s applicability across various production sites and contributing to automation and reducing manpower.

Overview

Available Formats           Software for robot vision system

                                          *Customers who already own the robot vision system can access this feature via

                                           a paid software update.

Release Date                   October 2026

Background of development

The automotive and other similar industries are increasingly required to respond to multi-product, variable-volume production. As society faces serious labor shortages, the demand for robotic automation that performs tasks quickly, accurately, and flexibly has grown. To meet this demand, Nikon has been developing and introducing the robot vision system since October 2024.


Production lines that use transport equipment such as conveyors, AGVs, and AMRs are especially likely to require robots capable of increasingly complex tasks, including picking and assembling a diverse range of workpieces.


To address this need, Nikon has added 3D vision tracking feature to the vision tracking system lineup, which recognizes workpieces moving on a conveyor and rapidly and flexibly tracks irregular movements such as changes in position and speed, to enable detection of workpiece inclination, attitude, and orientation, and move the robot to the optimal position and angle.

Main features Detects random changes in orientation of workpieces

Conventional vision tracking (using 2D camera sensors) can detect changes in a workpiece’s position and velocity within a plane surface, enabling high-speed, flexible tracking.


The new 3D vision tracking uses 3D camera sensors to take three-dimensional measurements, enabling detection of the inclination, attitude, and orientation of workpieces, and correspondingly move the robot to the optimal position and angle. Furthermore, because the system can register multiple workpiece process positions, it enables highly precise operations, and can pick workpieces in random orientations and assemble workpieces under significant vibration.

Expanding applicability in a wider range of production sites

At many production sites, because workpiece positions and orientations on conveyor systems are random, robotic automation is still not possible in many situations, making manual labor unavoidable. This robot vision system uses 3D camera sensors and high-speed image processing to enable advanced 3D vision tracking, making it suitable for a wide range of production sites where implementation was previously unfeasible.

Intended applications

1. Picking processes: Picking cast metal objects, parts, and other items as they move on a conveyor belt in random orientations
2. Insertion processes: Inserting grommets into automobile bodies and applying plug-hole seals
3. Tightening processes: Tightening bolts while tracking a moving workpiece

About the robot vision system

The robot vision system consists of a sensor (camera) and an engine (control PC). It performs dynamic vision and brain functions of a robot arm, enabling fast, flexible movement. Thanks to Nikon’s high-speed image-processing cultivated through the development of our camera products, the system can instantly determine a workpiece’s status and respond accordingly, eliminating the need for synchronization with conveyors, other transport equipment, or encoders. It provides applications such as vision tracking and bin picking for production sites.

Our lineup also includes lightweight, compact models designed specifically for 2D vision tracking, so you can choose the best fit for any application.

Related press release: Nikon releases new lightweight and compact model of robot vision system (November 26, 2025)

Exhibition Information 3D vision tracking will be exhibited at Factory Innovation Week 2026 SMART FACTORY Expo (at Aichi Sky Expo) exhibition that will be held from November 25 to 27.

The information is current as of the date of publication. It is subject to change without notice.