Smart Cameras - Iris GTX

Zebra Iris GTX Smart Cameras

The Zebra Iris GTX is an all-in-one industrial smart camera: a high-resolution sensor, dual-core embedded processing, and Zebra Aurora Design Assistant vision software combined in one rugged, compact housing. Each camera is a self-contained edge device that captures images, runs the inspection, and drives I/O on its own, with no separate PC or vision controller required. Automation Distribution is an authorized Zebra Technologies distributor supplying the full Iris GTX range from 2 to 16 MP in color and monochrome.

Iris GTX cameras handle traditional machine vision workloads, code reading, measurement, alignment, verification, and deep-learning inference such as image classification and defect segmentation, all configured through the flowchart-based Aurora Design Assistant software that ships onboard. The model table below maps resolution and sensor type to the application, and the licensing section explains what "partially" and "fully licensed" mean on the part numbers.

One device, no separate controller

A PC-based vision system splits the work across a camera, a frame grabber, and a host computer. The Iris GTX puts all of it inside the camera. That has three practical consequences on a line:

Edge processing Image acquisition and analytics happen on the camera, with results sent straight to automation devices. Decisions land closest to the process that needs them, which keeps response times consistent. Full I/O built in Real-time digital I/O, GigE and USB ports, and a VGA output integrate the camera directly into a cell or machine. It talks to a PLC or host without an intermediary. Built for the floor Dust-proof and immersion-resistant housings hold up in tight, dirty, and washdown environments where a boxed PC vision system would not survive.

Choosing an Iris GTX model

Every model shares the same dual-core Intel Atom processor, 4 GB of memory, and 32 GB eMMC storage. The choice comes down to resolution and whether the application needs color. Higher resolution captures finer detail or covers a wider field of view at the same detail, at the cost of frame rate and processing headroom.

Resolution Sensor Color / Mono Typical fit
2 MP 1920 x 1200 Both Fast cycle times, code reading, presence and alignment checks where speed matters more than fine detail.
5 MP 2592 x 2048 Both General-purpose inspection and measurement, a balance of detail and speed for most line work.
8 MP 4096 x 2160 Both Wide fields of view or small-feature detail, multi-up part inspection across a single frame.
12.6 MP 4096 x 3072 Both High-detail inspection and fine defect detection where resolution is the priority.
16 MP 4000 x 4000 Both The largest fields of view and the finest detail, for demanding surface and precision applications.

Representative models: the GTX2000+ monochrome for fast entry-level work, the GTX8000 monochrome for wide-frame inspection, and the GTX12000C+ color for high-detail color inspection. Browse the full range in the grid below.

Software and licensing

Every Iris GTX ships pre-loaded with the Aurora Design Assistant run-time environment. Aurora Design Assistant, formerly Matrox Design Assistant, is a flowchart-based IDE: you build the inspection, the operator interface, and the communication and I/O logic by configuring steps rather than writing code. What differs between part numbers is how much of the Aurora capability is unlocked:

  • Fully licensed for Design Assistant and MIL: the camera is licensed for all Aurora Design Assistant packages, giving you the complete toolset on that device out of the box.
  • Partially licensed for Design Assistant and MIL: the camera runs Aurora Design Assistant with a subset of packages. This suits a defined application and can be expanded later with additional Aurora licenses.

For the full breakdown of Aurora Design Assistant, the module packages, and how run-time and development licenses work, see Zebra Aurora Software. If you are not sure which license a camera needs, call 1-888-600-3080 and we will map it to your application.

Lenses, lighting, and accessories

Iris GTX cameras take standard C-mount lenses and support integrated focus and 0 V to 10 V lighting intensity control. Common additions include starter kits (power supply, 16 mm C-mount lens, cabling, and an I/O breakout box), the digital I/O breakout box on its own, C-mount machine vision lenses, and IP67 lens covers for washdown and high-pressure cleaning environments. Browse compatible parts and the selection guidance on the Zebra Lensing, Lighting and Accessories page.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Zebra Iris GTX?

The Iris GTX is a family of compact all-in-one industrial smart cameras from Zebra Technologies, formerly Matrox Imaging. Each camera combines a high-resolution sensor, dual-core embedded processing, and Aurora Design Assistant vision software in one rugged housing, and runs machine vision and deep-learning inspections as a standalone edge device.

Do I need a separate PC or vision controller?

No. The Iris GTX performs image acquisition, analysis, and I/O on the camera itself and sends results directly to your automation devices. A separate host PC or vision controller is not required for the camera to run its inspection.

What software does the Iris GTX run?

Aurora Design Assistant, a flowchart-based IDE for building vision applications without traditional coding. The run-time is pre-loaded on every camera. You can read more on the Zebra Aurora Software page.

What is the difference between partially and fully licensed models?

A fully licensed camera is licensed for all Aurora Design Assistant packages. A partially licensed camera runs Aurora Design Assistant with a subset of packages, which is a fit for a defined application and can be expanded later by adding Aurora licenses.

Should I choose color or monochrome?

Monochrome sensors are more sensitive and typically better for measurement, edge, and defect detection where color is not part of the decision. Choose color when the inspection depends on distinguishing colors, such as verifying color-coded parts or labels. Every Iris GTX resolution is offered in both.

How is the Iris GTX different from the VS series smart cameras?

The VS series smart sensors are streamlined devices for straightforward inspection tasks. The Iris GTX offers higher resolutions, more onboard processing, the full Aurora Design Assistant environment, and deep-learning inference, which makes it the choice for more demanding or higher-detail applications.

Spec the right Iris GTX for your application

Automation Distribution is an authorized Zebra Technologies distributor supplying the full Iris GTX smart camera range along with the Aurora software, lenses, lighting, and accessories that complete the system. Tell us your part, working distance, and inspection and we will confirm the resolution, sensor, and license you need. Call 1-888-600-3080 or add a camera to your cart to view pricing.