On November 20, 2009, Frost & Sullivan recognized the innovative photonic mixer device (PMD) technology of PMDTechnologies for opening up opportunities to develop three-dimensional imaging devices that are low cost, complex and robust. The technology has significant market acceptance potential in diverse application areas, including automotive, automation, medical, security, and gaming.
Future developments by PMDTec will include integration of more functionality on the image sensor itself. Currently, PMD Technologies is working on 0.18-micron CMOS technology integration. Such an approach would lead to the creation of even smaller 3D imaging devices which could be available at lower cost. The company envisions such a camera for below $30 soon. Such performance at this price point has not been achieved using other 3D approaches, e.g. fringe projection based 3D vision systems, so far.
Industrial automation sensing manufacturer IFM Electronics has included in its product offerings the 3D camera developed in cooperation with PMDTechnologies and provides this solution to about eighty thousand customers worldwide. In co-operation with Audi and Volkswagen, PMD is already in the pre-fabrication stage of 3D sensors for automotive applications. Moreover, with other partners, the company is also developing solutions for medical, security and surveillance, and gaming application areas.