Advantech and Innodisk collaborate to unlock AMR vision capabilities with AFE-R360 MIPI camera module

Advantech, a global AIoT and edge computing company, announced a partnership with Innodisk, a global advanced AI solution provider. The partnership will help Advantech's Intel x86-based AFE-R360 solution and Innodisk's customizable MIPI camera modules to enhance AI-based object sensing and recognition capabilities and expand the visual applications of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) in smart factories, warehouses, and retail environments.

Empowering AMR vision with cutting-edge MIPI cameras

AMR products rely heavily on sensor accuracy and computing performance for real-time object detection and full robot autonomy. The AFE-R360 uses a 3.5-inch SBC that supports up to 8 MIPI-CSI channels for low-latency visible light camera input, 3 LAN and 3 USB-C for depth and LiDAR sensors . With Advantech's custom-designed camera I/O card (MIOe-MIPI and driver collaboration with Innodisk), the AFE-R360 can support 4 MIPI-CSI cameras simultaneously, enabling 360° panoramic view streaming.

In addition, the AFE-R360 is built on the Intel® Core™ Ultra (codename: Meteor Lake-H/U) platform. It uses a 16-core processor, Arc™ graphics card, and is the first processor with an integrated NPU, providing up to 32TOPs of computing power. With Intel® Core™ Ultra and the OpenVINO™ toolkit, the AFE-R360 is ideal for running object detection AI models, processing immersive graphics, and achieving an ideal balance between power consumption and performance. These features make it an ideal choice for AMR development.

"Innodisk values ​​the potential of visual recognition for edge applications in smart manufacturing and retail. This collaboration with Advantech provides an unparalleled worry-free experience, lowers the barrier to entry for using computer vision in AMR systems, and drives enterprises to adopt AI technology efficiently. " - Johnny Wu, Director of Intelligent Peripherals at Innodisk.

The main models supported by Innodisk on AFE-R360 include EV2M-GOM1 (fisheye camera), which provides an adjustable ultra-wide field of view with dewarping technology, and EV2M-OOM1 (global shutter camera), which is designed for high-speed dynamic scenes to capture fast-moving objects or production lines in smart factories. Both models can be highly customized for driver development, image quality optimization, FOV customization, and size design. In addition, the built-in image signal processor (ISP) ensures detailed visual effects and meets the high resolution and frame rate requirements of various edge AI applications.

“Advantech is honored to work with Innodisk to optimize Advantech’s existing AFE-R360 solution with its advanced MIPI camera modules. This partnership enhances AI object recognition for AMRs, improving efficiency in smart factories, warehouses, and retail environments. Together, we are paving the way for the next generation of intelligent edge applications.” - James Wang, Director of Embedded Applications at Advantech.

Advantech has a clear AMR development roadmap in dedicated product design, software packages, and partner alliance strategies. These solutions provide a seamless integrated experience for precise robotic automation control. Advantech AFE-R360 products will be available by August 2024.