Industrial Cameras For Uses Such as AI, Monitoring, & Robotics

Daniel Burke, Marketing Manager at RDS discusses the current state of industrial cameras for uses such as AI, monitoring, and robotics.

As someone deeply involved with Review Display Systems (RDS), I’ve witnessed how Edge AI is revolutionising the industrial world. The rise of embedded vision has fuelled a massive demand for high-performance, reliable, and adaptable cameras. Whether it’s driving machine vision in factory robots, monitoring vehicles, or enabling AI inference at the edge, choosing the right camera interface is crucial for balancing image quality, latency, and integration complexity. At RDS, I’m passionate about guiding our customers through this landscape, and I’m excited to share my perspective on the key camera interfaces we offer—USB, GMSL, and MIPI—along with our collaboration with various suppliers.

USB Cameras: My Go-To for Simplicity and Versatility

I often suggest USB cameras to customers seeking a straightforward, widely compatible solution. Their plug-and-play design, with UVC compliance, eliminates driver hassles on Windows or Linux systems. I’ve seen them excel in projects using single-board computers, supporting resolutions up to 1080p or even 4K. They’re cost-effective, making them ideal for prototyping or large-scale deployments. Personally, I’ve watched these cameras shine in Edge AI devices running computer vision models, smart retail systems with face detection, logistics for object scanning, and interactive kiosks. Their ease of use and broad compatibility make them a dependable choice for countless applications.

GMSL Cameras: My Pick for Compact, Long-Distance Needs

When space, power, or signal integrity is a priority, I turn to GMSL cameras. These are a game-changer for embedded applications, with slim connectors and the ability to transmit signals over long distances—up to 15 meters with IP67-rated cables. I love their low power consumption, perfect for battery-powered or thermally constrained systems, and their support for resolutions up to 8MP with high frame rates. I’ve seen GMSL cameras thrive in medical devices where size and cable flexibility are critical, as well as in surveillance drones, robotics, and compact industrial control systems. Their durability and layout flexibility make them ideal for tough environments.

 MIPI Cameras: My Choice for Speed and Efficiency

For projects requiring high-speed, low-latency imaging, MIPI cameras (especially MIPI CSI-2) are my top pick. Their direct connection to ARM-based processors and SoCs, paired with high data throughput, makes them perfect for 4K at 60fps or beyond. I value their compact footprint and low power consumption, which are essential for board-level integration. I’ve seen MIPI cameras power AI vision tasks like object recognition and anomaly detection, autonomous robots and drones needing real-time imaging, medical diagnostics requiring sharp detail, and smart city systems for traffic monitoring. Their efficiency and performance are unmatched for cutting-edge applications.

At RDS, we take pride in offering a range of industrial-grade USB, GMSL, and MIPI camera modules designed for harsh environments, 24/7 operation, and seamless system integration. These solutions are perfect for smart factories, portable medical devices, or Edge AI deployments. I’ve worked closely with customers to select the ideal interface and module to bring their vision projects to life, and the reliability of our offerings always delivers.

I’m also thrilled about our partnerships with our various suppliers,  providing stereo depth cameras for applications requiring advanced depth perception, spatial awareness, and 3D mapping. I’ve seen these cameras make a significant impact in robotics, drones, and autonomous vehicles, where precise navigation is essential. Pairing our robust 2D camera modules with 3D capabilities gives me confidence that RDS can provide a complete toolkit for even the most complex vision challenges.

If you’re exploring next-generation vision applications, I’d love to connect and discuss how RDS can support your project. Let’s talk about our camera solutions and Intel RealSense offerings to find the perfect fit for your systems. 01959 563 345, info@review-displays.co.uk