SiLC Technologies Secures Finalist Spot at 2025 Automate Innovation Awards
SiLC Technologies is once again making waves in the automation world. The California-based firm, a pioneer in Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) LiDAR-on-chip solutions, has earned a coveted spot as a finalist for the 2025 Automate Innovation Awards. Its groundbreaking Eyeonic Trace™ Class 1 Laser Line Scanner has captured the attention of industry veterans and vision system developers alike.
This prestigious recognition, announced in the lead-up to the Automate 2025 show in Detroit, places SiLC squarely among the elite innovators reshaping the future of industrial automation. The Automate Innovation Awards are known for spotlighting transformative technologies that bring real-world improvements to automation, robotics, and machine vision. Judges consider technological originality, tangible impact, system efficiency, cost reduction, and safety improvements—and SiLC’s Eyeonic Trace ticks every box.
“We’re honoured to be named a finalist for the 2025 Automate Innovation Award”: said Dr. Mehdi Asghari, CEO of SiLC Technologies. “The Eyeonic Trace is designed to meet the evolving demands of high-speed, high-precision automation.”
A Closer Look at Eyeonic Trace
If there’s one word to describe the Eyeonic Trace, it’s versatile. Engineered for demanding industrial applications, this compact, all-in-one tool is built around SiLC’s proprietary FMCW LiDAR chip. The device operates at a wavelength of 1550nm using a Class 1 eye-safe laser, offering sub-millimetre precision at lightning-fast speeds—up to a million points per second.
What really sets Eyeonic Trace apart is its ability to perform in virtually any lighting condition, including on low-reflectivity surfaces at distances up to 10 metres. This makes it a solid choice for:
- Conveyor belt inspections
- Robotic assembly line monitoring
- High-temperature environment measurements
- Parcel dimensioning in distribution hubs
Its compact form factor (200 x 135 x 75 mm) means it fits easily into tight spaces, above conveyor belts or integrated directly onto robotic arms. The scanner’s robust performance across diverse environments underscores its flexibility and wide-ranging applicability.
Empowering Smarter Automation
In a world increasingly driven by data and machine learning, accurate visual input is more critical than ever. The Eyeonic Trace feeds high-resolution 3D data into AI-driven automation systems, delivering the kind of precision that improves productivity, reduces errors, and enhances safety.
“Whether it’s measuring fast-moving packages in distribution centres or detecting foreign objects and monitoring wear on conveyor belts in mining operations, Eyeonic Trace delivers unmatched accuracy and reliability”: Dr. Asghari added. “With the shift toward intelligent, AI-driven automation, our FMCW LiDAR technology empowers the vision systems that make it possible.”
This isn’t just about smarter sensors; it’s about building a more responsive and efficient industrial ecosystem. SiLC’s technology stands out by combining coherent vision capabilities with a compact footprint and low power consumption—a triple win for system integrators.
Live at Automate 2025
SiLC will showcase its innovations at Automate 2025, held at Huntington Place, Detroit, from 12-15 May. Attendees can catch the Eyeonic Trace in live demonstrations at booth #9307.
The climax of the event will be the Automate Innovation Awards ceremony on 12 May, from 4 to 5 p.m., where winners will be announced live on stage by a panel of five esteemed judges. Competition is fierce, but Eyeonic Trace is undoubtedly a frontrunner.
The Vision Behind the Innovation
Founded in 2018 by seasoned veterans of the silicon photonics sector, SiLC has quickly become a go-to name in the LiDAR industry. Their 4D+ Eyeonic Chip—a breakthrough that integrates all photonic functions into a single coherent sensor—has positioned them at the cutting edge of visual intelligence for machines.
Their technology isn’t just theoretical. It’s already making inroads across key industries including:
- Robotics
- Mobility solutions
- Perimeter security
- Industrial automation
By integrating silicon photonics with advanced vision systems, SiLC has cracked the code on balancing size, cost, and performance. Their commitment to enabling machines to see like humans is no small ambition, and each iteration of their tech brings that vision a step closer to reality.
Backed by Industry Giants
SiLC’s success hasn’t gone unnoticed. The firm boasts investment from a roster of heavyweight backers including Dell Technologies Capital, Sony Innovation Fund by IGV, Epson, FLUXUNIT (ams OSRAM Ventures), and Alter Ventures. Analysts agree that the company is well-positioned to disrupt the global LiDAR market.
Frost & Sullivan has already acknowledged SiLC’s 4D LiDAR chip for its market potential, while Gartner named the firm a “Cool Vendor” in Silicon Photonics. These accolades serve as strong endorsements for what appears to be a transformative force in the tech and automation sectors.
A Bright Future Ahead
The Eyeonic Trace isn’t just a clever piece of kit; it’s a symbol of where industrial vision systems are heading. With its blend of accuracy, speed, and versatility, this scanner sets a new benchmark in FMCW LiDAR applications. SiLC Technologies is helping define the next chapter in automation, where smarter, safer, and more efficient operations aren’t just goals—they’re the new normal.
As the world of industrial automation continues to evolve, so too does the technology that drives it. With SiLC pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, it’s only a matter of time before their innovations become industry standards.
