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Zebra Machine Vision

Zebra Machine Vision

Zebra machine vision covers everything from all-in-one smart cameras to multi-camera systems and 3D sensors, and all of it runs on one software platform, Zebra Aurora. That means a controls team can start with a single smart camera and scale to a full vision-guided cell without changing tools. Automation Distribution is an authorized Zebra Technologies distributor supplying the complete lineup of Zebra machine vision hardware, software licenses, and accessories.

There are three ways to build a Zebra vision application: an all-in-one smart camera that does the whole job on the device, a set of area scan cameras processed by a vision controller for multi-camera work, or a 3D sensor when height and shape matter. The navigator below points you to the right line.

Find the right Zebra vision device

Line What it is Choose it when
Iris GTX All-in-one smart camera, 2 to 16 MP, with Aurora Design Assistant onboard and deep-learning inference. You want high resolution and full control to build the vision application on the camera itself.
NS4 Series AI smart sensor with deep-learning OCR and anomaly detection standard, out of the box. The job is challenging OCR or defect detection and you want AI tools ready without building a model.
VS Series Configurable smart cameras, including the C-mount VS70, with toolsets upgradeable by license. You need optical flexibility and a clear upgrade path from simple to advanced inspection.
CV60 Area Scan Cameras Area scan cameras from 2.3 to 12.3 MP, color or mono, over USB3 or GigE Vision, for multi-camera systems. You are building a multi-camera or vision-guided system processed by a separate controller.
4Sight Vision Controllers Industrial vision controllers that process multiple cameras and talk to robots over EtherNet/IP and PROFINET. You need the processing behind CV60 cameras for multi-camera or robotic-guidance applications.
3S Series 3D Sensors High-resolution 3D sensors, including the 3S40 for static scenes and the 3S80 for items in motion. The inspection depends on height, volume, or surface shape rather than a 2D image.

Smart camera or camera plus controller?

All-in-one smart cameras The Iris GTX, NS4 Series, and VS Series each combine the sensor, processing, and software in one device. There is no separate controller, so a single unit captures the image, runs the inspection, and drives I/O. This is the simplest path for single-view inspection at a station. Cameras plus a controller CV60 area scan cameras feed a 4Sight vision controller that handles several cameras at once and communicates with robots and PLCs. This is the path for multi-camera coverage, vision-guided robotics, and applications that need more processing than a single smart camera provides.

One software platform: Zebra Aurora

Every Zebra machine vision device is set up, deployed, and operated through Zebra Aurora, so one platform manages the whole fleet. Aurora spans no-code flowchart development in Design Assistant, full programming SDKs in the Imaging Library, and simple operator setup in Aurora Focus. See the full suite on the Zebra Aurora Software page.

Lenses, lighting, and accessories

Complete any Zebra vision system with the lenses, lighting, cabling, mounts, and protective covers it needs. Browse compatible parts and selection guidance on the Zebra Lensing, Lighting and Accessories page.

Frequently asked questions

What is Zebra machine vision?

It is Zebra's portfolio of industrial imaging hardware and software for automated inspection, measurement, code reading, and guidance. It ranges from all-in-one smart cameras to area scan cameras with vision controllers and 3D sensors, all managed through the Zebra Aurora software platform.

What is the difference between a smart camera and a camera with a controller?

A smart camera does everything on the device, so no separate controller is required. A camera-plus-controller system uses area scan cameras feeding a vision controller, which suits multi-camera coverage, higher processing loads, and vision-guided robotics.

Which smart camera line should I choose?

Choose the Iris GTX for high resolution and full application control, the NS4 Series when deep-learning OCR and anomaly detection should work out of the box, and the VS Series for optical flexibility and a license-based upgrade path.

Do all Zebra vision devices use the same software?

Yes. The entire portfolio is configured and operated through Zebra Aurora, which reduces training and lets one team manage smart cameras, controllers, and sensors from a single platform.

Does Zebra offer 3D machine vision?

Yes. The 3S Series high-resolution 3D sensors capture height and surface shape, with the 3S40 aimed at static scenes and the 3S80 built for items in motion.

Build the right Zebra vision system

Automation Distribution is an authorized Zebra Technologies distributor supplying the complete Zebra machine vision lineup, from smart cameras and controllers to 3D sensors, along with Aurora software and accessories. Tell us your inspection, and we will spec the camera, processing, and software to match. Call 1-888-600-3080 or add a product to your cart to view pricing.