“We see a growing number of opportunities for 3D vision in industries such as automotive, consumer electronics and logistics, to name just a few,” says Joerg Kuechen, Cognex’s vice-president of vision products. “We believe that our acquisition of these two companies, especially the addition of two highly experienced new engineering teams, will accelerate our ability to bring innovative new 3D products to market.”

EnShape’s 3D sensors use a patented area-scan technology to capture high-resolution images rapidly. The technology, based on sequential statistical pattern projection, eliminates the need to move objects in front of the device as is needed for laser line scanners. EnShape’s 3D vision engineers will become part of a new Cognex engineering centre based in Jena in Germany.