Allied Vision - Alecs
One housing. Full AI vision capability.
No external PC.
Allied Vision Alecs places an NVIDIA® Jetson Orin™ compute module directly inside an industrial camera housing, giving engineers a fully open, Linux-based platform to develop and deploy AI vision applications on the device, in the field, from day one.
AI-based machine vision has a well-known infrastructure cost
A capable camera on one side, a separate industrial PC on the other, and a web of cabling, mounting hardware, and integration work in between. Every additional component is a potential failure point, a maintenance task, and a reason why deployment takes weeks rather than days.
The Allied Vision Alecs removes the external PC from the equation.
By combining Allied Vision's proven Alvium camera platform with an NVIDIA® Jetson Orin™ System on Module in a single IP67-rated housing, Alecs provides everything needed to develop, run, and scale AI vision applications directly on the device, whether for surface inspection, robot guidance, barcode reading, or any other on-camera processing task.
The platform is fully open.
Engineers can write their own algorithms in C++, C#, or Python, deploy third-party machine vision software, or use the included Open eVision libraries to get inspection applications running without starting from scratch. The result is a hardware foundation that adapts to the application — and not the other way around.
Key Benefits
- Fewer components, less risk. Camera and processing in one IP67 unit cuts cabling, reduces cabinet space, and eliminates the external PC - simplifying both the architecture and ongoing maintenance.
- Compute matched to the application. Available with NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX 16GB (up to 100 TOPS) or Orin Nano 8GB (up to 40 TOPS) – allowing scaling of AI performance to workload requirements without changing platforms.
- Imaging flexibility from the Alvium platform. 5 MP (Sony IMX548, 81 fps) and 12 MP (Sony IMX545, 40 fps) variants in mono and colour - covering a wide range of inspection resolutions and cycle time requirements.
- Open development environment. Full Linux compatibility with support for C++, C#, and Python – enabling engineers to use their own algorithms, preferred frameworks, or third-party machine vision software without vendor lock-in.
- Accelerated application development. Open eVision libraries are pre-installed and included with a 30-day trial licence - shortening the path from concept to running application.
- Reliable safe-state recovery. The Vimba X-based Board Support Package includes an integrated recovery mode that returns the camera to a defined safe state - reducing the risk associated with field maintenance and software updates.
- Built for the factory floor. IP67 housing, M12 industrial connectors, GigE networking, RS-485, programmable LED indicators, and an operating range of -20°C to +65°C - ensuring the Alecs is ready for direct deployment in demanding production environments.
Software - Three Paths to Deployment
The Alecs runs a Linux-based Board Support Package built on Vimba X, giving engineers complete control over the software stack. Three approaches cover the main development strategies:
- Custom code. Develop image processing and decision logic directly using C++, C#, or Python for full algorithmic freedom.
- Compatible machine vision software. The open platform supports deployment of popular third-party machine vision software for engineers who prefer to work within an existing software environment.
- Open eVision libraries. Use pre-installed image processing and deep learning libraries to build inspection applications faster, with access to tools for defect detection, OCR, barcode reading, object detection, classification, and tracking. A 30-day trial licence is included with every Alecs unit.
Application Areas
In-Line Quality Control & Surface Inspection
Detect scratches, dents, coating defects, missing parts, and dimensional deviations directly on the production line. The Alecs processes inspection results on-device, with no data transfer to an external system required — keeping cycle times short and infrastructure lean.
STEMMER IMAGING reference application:
Embedded aluminium surface inspection using the Alecs with CCS Europe dark-field ring light illumination and Open eVision EasySpotDetector. The setup detects scratches, dents, and subtle micro-structure differences — configurable quickly for evaluation and proof-of-value with customer samples.
Robot Vision & Pick-and-Place
Locate, classify, and guide robot movements without external processing hardware. On-device vision algorithms reduce latency and simplify the overall system architecture for pick-and-place, bin picking, and collaborative robot applications.
Logistics, Packaging & Traceability
Read barcodes, QR codes, Data Matrix codes, and OCV/OCR labels at line speed. On-camera processing reduces delays in sorting, tracking, and real-time package identification for logistics and pharma packaging lines.
OEM Embedded Vision Systems
Machine builders who need to embed a vision and AI capability into their equipment can use the Alecs as a self-contained subsystem - reducing footprint, wiring complexity, and the number of components to qualify and support through the product lifecycle.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
Compute options |
NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX 16GB (up to 100 TOPS) | Orin Nano 8GB (up to 40 TOPS) |
Sensor options |
5 MP Sony IMX548, 81 fps | 12 MP Sony IMX545, 40 fps — mono and colour |
Camera platform |
Allied Vision Alvium |
Housing / Protection |
IP67 |
Operating temperature |
-20°C to +65°C |
Connectivity |
GigE (M12 X-coded), RS-485, M12 industrial connectors for power/IO |
I/O |
2× Opto-In, 2× Opto-Out, 1× Strobe-Out, RS-485 Out |
Status indicators |
Programmable LED (both sides) |
Software platform |
Linux BSP based on Vimba X, integrated recovery mode |
Image access |
GenICam for CSI-2, Video4Linux2 |
Included software |
Euresys Open eVision libraries — 30-day trial licence |
Development languages |
C++, C#, Python |
External lighting |
Ring light driven directly by Alecs (M12 connector) |
STEMMER IMAGING - From Components to Ready-to-Run
As a value-added distributor, STEMMER IMAGING supports Alecs deployments across the full project lifecycle - from selecting the right configuration and illumination concept through to validated, ready-to-run subsystems for series production.
Operational Services
Camera commissioning, pre-configuration, calibration, and documentation reduce set-up effort and ensure consistent, reproducible results from day one.
Engineering Services
Feasibility checks with customer samples, lighting concept development, and expert coaching on parameterisation and system architecture. If you want to know whether the Alecs fits your application before committing to a design, a structured feasibility check is the right starting point.
Special Solutions & Applications
For projects requiring a qualified, series-ready subsystem — including traceability documentation and validated detection pipelines - STEMMER IMAGING's Technical Competence Centre works with you to develop and deliver the complete solution.
FAQ
What is the Allied Vision Alecs?
The Allied Vision Alecs is an open smart camera that combines Allied Vision's Alvium camera module with an NVIDIA® Jetson Orin™ System on Module in a single IP67-rated industrial housing. It is designed for AI-based machine vision applications that run directly on the device without an external PC.
What makes the Alecs an 'open' smart camera?
The Alecs runs a Linux-based Board Support Package and gives engineers full freedom to develop their own algorithms using C++, C#, or Python, deploy third-party machine vision software, or use the included Open eVision libraries. There is no proprietary software lock-in — the platform can be adapted to any vision or AI task.
What compute modules are available in the Alecs?
The Alecs is available with NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX 16GB (up to 100 TOPS) or Orin Nano 8GB (up to 40 TOPS), allowing engineers to select the processing performance that matches their application without changing the hardware platform.
What image sensors does the Alecs support?
The Alecs is available with a 5 MP Sony IMX548 sensor (81 fps) or a 12 MP Sony IMX545 sensor (40 fps), in mono and colour variants, covering a wide range of inspection resolutions and throughput requirements.
Does the Alecs require an external PC or cloud connection?
No. The Alecs captures, processes, and analyses images entirely on-device using the integrated NVIDIA Jetson Orin compute module. No external PC or cloud connection is required for operation.
What is the Alecs Board Support Package (BSP)?
The Board Support Package is a Linux-based software environment built on Allied Vision's Vimba X platform. It includes an integrated recovery mode that ensures the camera always returns to a defined safe state, reducing the risk associated with software updates and field maintenance.
What software libraries are included with the Alecs?
Every Alecs unit includes a 30-day trial licence for Open eVision libraries, covering image processing, deep learning, defect detection, OCR, barcode reading, and object detection. After the trial, a commercial licence is required for continued use.
What are typical applications for the Alecs?
The Alecs is used for in-line quality control and surface inspection, robot vision and pick-and-place, barcode and OCR reading in logistics and packaging, and OEM embedded vision systems where reducing hardware footprint and system complexity is a priority.
Can the Alecs be used for aluminium surface inspection?
Yes. STEMMER IMAGING has validated an embedded setup for aluminium surface inspection using the Alecs with a CCS Europe dark-field ring light and Open eVision EasySpotDetector software. The setup detects scratches, dents, and subtle micro-structure differences and can be configured quickly for evaluation with customer samples.
What industrial interfaces does the Alecs support?
The Alecs includes GigE Ethernet (M12 X-coded connector), RS-485, 2× Opto-In, 2× Opto-Out, 1× Strobe-Out, and M12 connectors for power and I/O. It can also drive an external ring light directly without additional power hardware.
What is the operating temperature range of the Alecs?
The Alecs is designed to operate from -20°C to +65°C, with an IP67-rated housing that is suitable for demanding factory floor and outdoor environments.
What services does STEMMER IMAGING provide for Alecs deployments?
STEMMER IMAGING supports Alecs deployments through Operational Services (commissioning, calibration, documentation), Engineering Services (feasibility checks with customer samples, lighting concept support, coaching), and Special Solutions & Applications (development of qualified subsystems for series-ready projects).