Zebra Aurora Software & Machine Vision Licenses
Zebra Aurora Machine Vision Software
Zebra Aurora is a suite of machine vision and fixed industrial scanning software for building, deploying, and running inspection, code-reading, measurement, and guidance applications. It spans no-code flowchart development, full programming SDKs, and simple operator setup tools, so a controls team and an OEM vision engineer can work from the same platform. Automation Distribution is an authorized Zebra Technologies distributor and supplies Aurora run-time and development licenses across the full module range.
Every Aurora product solves the same core problem, turning camera images into decisions, but they differ in how you build the application and who builds it. The table below maps each product to the buyer it fits. Below that, the licensing section decodes how the run-time and development part numbers are structured so you can identify the exact key you need.
Which Aurora product do you need?
| Product | Best for | How you build the application |
|---|---|---|
| Aurora Design Assistant formerly Matrox Design Assistant |
Engineers and technicians who want fast results without traditional coding | Flowchart-based IDE. Build the application by configuring steps, then design a web-based operator interface. Runs on standard PCs and on Zebra vision controllers. |
| Aurora Vision Studio | Machine and computer vision engineers, OEM applications | Graphical, drag-and-drop environment with a large filter library and a three-step workflow, from 1D code reading up to 3D object recognition. |
| Aurora Vision Library | Experienced programmers who want Studio's capability in code | The same functionality as Vision Studio delivered as a programming library for direct integration into custom software. |
| Aurora Imaging Library formerly Matrox Imaging Library (MIL) |
Developers who need code-level control and customization | A software development kit (SDK) with tools for image capture, processing, analysis, annotation, display, and archiving. Code-level customization starts here. |
| Aurora Focus | Teams setting up and running Zebra fixed scanners and smart cameras | A single interface with radio buttons, sliders, and drop-down menus to set up, deploy, and run Zebra Fixed Industrial Scanners and Machine Vision Smart Cameras. No traditional programming. |
| Aurora VGR Assistant | High-mix operations adding vision-guided robotics and pick-and-place | A guided workflow for vision-guided robotics, pairing Zebra cameras and vision controllers with robots over industrial protocols. |
How Aurora licensing works
Aurora part numbers look cryptic because a single product is licensed as a base plus the specific analysis modules an application needs. Reading a part number comes down to three questions.
| 1. Run-time or development A development license is for the workstation where you build and configure the application. A run-time license is for each machine that runs the finished application in production. Most teams buy one development license and a run-time key per deployed station. | 2. USB hardware key Many run-time licenses are delivered as a USB hardware key, a physical dongle that authorizes the licensed modules on that machine. The key travels with the station, which makes it straightforward to move a license between PCs. | 3. Which modules The trailing characters in the part number encode which analysis modules are unlocked. You pay for the capabilities the application actually uses, so two keys for the same product can carry very different feature sets. |
Common Aurora modules you will see referenced in part numbers and descriptions include:
- GMF (Geometric Model Finder): locates parts and patterns even when rotated, scaled, or partially hidden.
- SureDotOCR: reads dot-matrix and ink-jet printed characters that standard OCR struggles with.
- Metrology: precise geometric measurement and tolerance checks.
- 3D: 3D acquisition and analysis for height, volume, and profile.
- Classification: deep-learning image classification for defect and object sorting.
- Color Analysis: color matching, segmentation, and inspection.
- Registration: image alignment and stitching across captures.
- Industrial Communication: connects the application to PLCs and line controls over protocols such as EtherNet/IP and PROFINET.
Not sure which key covers your modules? Tell us the application and the camera or controller you are running, and Automation Distribution will map it to the correct Aurora part number. Call 1-888-600-3080 or add a candidate license to your cart to view pricing.
Aurora software and Zebra hardware
Aurora software is designed to run against Zebra vision hardware, and several products ship with Aurora run-times pre-loaded:
- The 4Sight EV7 vision controllers come pre-loaded with Aurora Design Assistant and Aurora Imaging Library run-times, so they are ready to build and run multi-camera applications out of the box.
- Zebra Fixed Industrial Scanners and Machine Vision Smart Cameras are set up and operated through Aurora Focus, with license upgrades that unlock advanced applications such as deep-learning OCR and anomaly detection.
- Aurora runs against GigE Vision cameras and Zebra smart cameras, and supports CoaXPress, GigE Vision, and USB3 Vision interfaces.
Frequently asked questions
What is Zebra Aurora software?
Aurora is Zebra's suite of machine vision and fixed industrial scanning software. It is used to build and run applications for barcode and code reading, optical character recognition, inspection, measurement, and vision-guided robotics, from no-code flowchart tools through full programming SDKs.
What is the difference between Aurora Design Assistant and Aurora Vision Studio?
Both let you build vision applications without writing traditional code. Design Assistant is a flowchart-based IDE aimed at getting an application into production quickly, including a built-in web operator interface. Vision Studio is a graphical environment aimed at machine and computer vision engineers building OEM applications, with an extensive filter library.
Do I need a run-time or a development license?
Use a development license on the workstation where you build and configure the application. Use a run-time license on each production machine that runs the finished application. Many deployments use one development license and one run-time key per deployed station.
What is a run-time USB hardware license key?
It is a physical USB dongle that authorizes the licensed Aurora modules on the machine it is plugged into. Because the license lives on the key, it is easy to move between PCs.
Is Aurora the same as Matrox software?
Yes. Aurora Design Assistant was formerly Matrox Design Assistant, and Aurora Imaging Library was formerly the Matrox Imaging Library (MIL). Zebra rebranded the Matrox Imaging portfolio as Aurora after acquiring Matrox Imaging.
Which Aurora software works with the 4Sight EV7 controller?
The 4Sight EV7 ships pre-loaded with Aurora Design Assistant and Aurora Imaging Library run-times. You add the run-time license key for the modules your application needs.
Get the right Aurora license the first time
Automation Distribution is an authorized Zebra Technologies distributor supplying Aurora Design Assistant, Vision Studio, Vision Library, Imaging Library, and Focus licenses along with the vision controllers, cameras, and scanners that run them. Tell us your application and hardware and we will confirm the correct part number and modules. Call 1-888-600-3080 or add a license to your cart to view pricing.