Ultra-wide machine vision lenses without distortion

Theia's ultra-wide machine vision lenses for wide angle imaging

Theia ultra-wide machine vision lens

Wide angle lenses are essential for many machine vision systems, enabling a single camera to capture a broad scene. From autonomous mobile robots and industrial inspection to logistics and automotive testing, selecting the right machine vision lens can improve image quality, simplify system design and reduce the number of cameras required. 

Traditional wide angle and fisheye lenses provide broad coverage but introduce barrel distortion, compressing image detail towards the edges of the frame. While software can correct the distorted image, it cannot recover detail that has already been lost through the lens and adds processing overhead that may not be suitable for real-time applications. 

Theia Technologies addresses this challenge with its family of ultra-wide machine vision lenses featuring patented Linear Optical Technology®. Rather than relying on software de-warping, these lenses correct barrel distortion optically, producing rectilinear images that keep straight lines straight while preserving image detail across the field of view. 

This optical approach not only removes distortion, it also increases usable resolution at the image edges, improving object detection, identification and positioning. The result is a machine vision lens that delivers ultra-wide coverage without sacrificing the accuracy required for demanding automation and imaging tasks.

 

Lens features & benefits

  • Optical barrel distortion correction without software de-warping
  • Up to 135° horizontal field of view
  • Up to 5+ MP resolution
  • High optical performance up to 200 lp/mm
  • Visible and NIR corrected models (435–940 nm)
  • Close focus down to 100 mm
  • Improved edge resolution for more accurate object detection
  • Available in fixed focal length and varifocal models

Applications

Theia's ultra-wide machine vision lenses are designed for applications where wide coverage, accurate geometry and fast image processing are essential. Typical applications include:

  • Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and autonomous vehicles
  • Robotic pick-and-place systems
  • Industrial inspection and precision measurement
  • Logistics and warehouse automation
  • Agricultural monitoring
  • Human motion analysis
  • Pipeline and remote infrastructure monitoring
  • Scientific and machine vision imaging systems

By eliminating the need for software distortion correction, these lenses also help reduce system complexity and processing latency, making them well suited to real-time vision applications.

Proven in automotive crash testing

The performance of Theia's ultra-wide machine vision lenses has also been demonstrated in one of the industry's most demanding environments—automotive crash testing.

In a recent case study, Theia's ML183M lens was used in thousands of crash tests to capture high-speed footage from confined spaces inside vehicle cabins, where achieving a wide field of view is particularly challenging. Its low distortion and high resolution enabled engineers to capture detailed imagery without relying on software correction.

Building on this success, Theia introduced the ruggedised MY23F lens, engineered specifically for harsh industrial environments. With a 116° horizontal field of view, 5+ MP resolution, integrated metal construction and 50G shock resistance, the MY23F delivers reliable performance while maintaining the same ultra-wide, low-distortion imaging capabilities.

The case study highlights how selecting the right machine vision lens can improve image quality, simplify workflows and provide dependable performance in applications where accuracy and durability are critical.

Theia's family of ultra-wide machine vision lenses combines patented Linear Optical Technology®, high-resolution optics and rugged construction to deliver accurate, low-distortion imaging across a wide range of industrial, automation and scientific imaging applications.

Need help choosing an ultra-wide machine vision lens?

Speak with Adept Turnkey about the right Theia lens for your imaging application.

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