THE SHOW | THE MICROTECHNOLOGY INFORMATION PORTAL
16.04.2026
C - Automation
Optical text recognition function (OCR) for the Vision Sensor and stationary IdentSensor
The smart vision products from Balluff offer innovative solutions for presence monitoring and optical identification. The vision sensor sets new standards thanks to integrated lighting, autofocus optics and intelligent analysis functions. This makes optical quality control in automated production easier than ever before.
Its main advantage lies in its ability to perform multiple detections simultaneously and make complex brightness and shape distinctions. This makes them a smart solution, particularly in the automotive and electronic industries, whether for object verification or presence control.
Intelligence meets performance
The Vision Sensor is the easiest way to obtain and evaluate information about object features. Predefined application tools such as Object Finder, Presence Check and Object Verification are available for inspection, as well as generic functions such as Code Reader and Text Recognition (OCR).
Overview of the Vision Sensor's integrated application tools
Additional access to condition monitoring data makes production safe, efficient, and transparent. Simple integration of the sensor into the Profinet, EtherNet/IP, or IO-Link network makes communication with the machine control particularly easy. The independent process and IT interfaces are indispensable when it comes to future-proof and flexible applications. The Vision Sensor features REST API and MQTT communication protocols, is IIoT-ready, making it the epitome of a smart product.
Stationary Ident sensors - Precise barcode & text recognition for efficient production processes
Stationary Ident sensors from Balluff read barcodes, 2D codes, DMC codes and texts (OCR) precisely and reliably. They are permanently installed on the system and, thanks to their simple operation, ensure that codes and texts are read quickly and reliably during ongoing production.
For product identification within production or logistics processes, barcodes or texts are located on the product packaging or directly on the components.
With the IdentSensor from Balluff, optical codes and texts can not only be read, but code contents and types can also be verified and provided or analyzed with regard to their quality, depending on the application. The results themselves can be quickly passed on to the PLC or IT systems via various interface channels. The bottom line is that you ensure efficient workflows in your automated production or packaging processes.
The IdentSensor offers simple and flexible communication interfaces to the process and IT network. Modern, future-oriented programming interfaces (REST API, MQTT) and dedicated industrial interfaces (Profinet or EtherNet/IP or IO-Link and TCP, UDP or REST API) as well as additional condition monitoring information make the sensor unique and ideal for use in fast and difficult processes in automated production. In addition, the L-coded M12 product variant offers optimum connectivity in many automotive applications.