Zebra’s AI-powered 3D Sensors Save Money and Cut Waste for EBI Electric

Key Terms

machine vision technical

Machine vision is technology that allows computers and machines to see, interpret, and analyze visual information from the world, much like how human eyes and brains work together. It enables automated systems to recognize objects, read signs, or inspect products without human help. For investors, machine vision is important because it drives advancements in automation and artificial intelligence, influencing industries and business efficiency.

3d sensors technical

3D sensors are devices that let machines perceive depth and the shape of objects the way human eyes judge distance, producing a three-dimensional “map” instead of a flat picture. For investors, they matter because adding this kind of machine vision can unlock new products and efficiencies—such as safer cars, smarter robots, or immersive consumer devices—which can create revenue growth, differentiate suppliers, and reshape supply chains and margins.

3d profile sensors technical

3D profile sensors are devices that measure the shape, depth and contours of an object or scene by collecting three-dimensional points or lines, much like a digital ruler or camera that maps every bump and curve. Investors care because these sensors enable automation, quality control, augmented reality, robotics and medical imaging; their presence can drive new product features, reduce manufacturing defects and open recurring revenue streams from hardware, software and data services.

ai models technical

AI models are computer programs that learn patterns from large amounts of data to make predictions, sort information, or carry out tasks without explicit step-by-step instructions. For investors, they matter because these models can boost productivity, improve forecasting, automate decisions and cut costs — like hiring a highly skilled analyst who works nonstop — but they also introduce risks such as errors, hidden biases and regulatory or competitive impacts.

transversal scanning technical

Transversal scanning is an imaging method that captures a series of thin, cross‑sectional “slices” through a body or object by moving the scanner across a plane, producing layered images that reveal internal structure. For investors, it matters because clearer cross‑sectional images can improve diagnosis, speed device validation and regulatory review, and drive clinical adoption—like slicing a loaf to find a hidden problem that affects demand and reimbursement.

New machine vision solution gives manufacturers unprecedented view of wood characteristics, optimizing cuts, improving yields, and boosting usable wood by up to 5%.

LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: ZBRA), a global leader in digitizing and automating workflows to deliver intelligent operations, today announced that EBI Electric, an innovative wood scanning solutions provider, is using Zebra’s AltiZ 3D sensors to power its new AI-enriched lumber scanning solution, Inspector T. The new solution provides an eightfold improvement in measurement precision, enabling lumber manufacturers to reduce costly errors and waste by optimizing the yield from every plank of wood.

In the wood manufacturing industry, precision determines profitability. For 20 years, EBI Electric’s machinery relied on linear scanners that could miss defects, leading to the unnecessary rejection of usable wood or flaws in the final product. To develop a more advanced solution, the company needed vision technology with high resolution and the ability to deliver consistent, reliable results under challenging mill conditions. By integrating Zebra’s AltiZ sensors into its proprietary transversal scanning solution, EBI Electric helps its customers gain up to 5% more usable wood which results in a near USD$750,000 cost savings annually.

“With Zebra’s AltiZ Series high-fidelity 3D profile sensors, we were able to make our vision come to life through our new Inspector T solution,” said Gabriel Mathieu, Vision Project Manager, EBI Electric. “This day-to-day reliability was a key reason we chose Zebra technology, given the challenging installation environment.”

EBI Electric’s Inspector T solution moves across the entire plank, using dual AltiZ sensors to capture the complete cross-section in one pass, ensuring there are no blind spots. This provides manufacturers with clear, precise visibility into each supplier's yield and quality. The system identifies wood characteristics with high precision, using AI models to detect knots, cracks, color variations, and even subtle signs of wood rot far more accurately than conventional systems. This granular understanding allows manufacturers to optimize cuts, reduce waste, and improve inventory management.

The rugged AltiZ sensors deliver reliable performance even in the dust-filled, challenging environments of lumber mills. Zebra’s Aurora™ Imaging Library software aligns images and manages device performance for consistent scan quality. This comprehensive solution equips lumber mills with the right tools to drive efficiency and optimize workflows.

“We are passionate about collaborating with organizations such as EBI Electric to solve tough industry challenges through innovation,” said Charlie Long, Vice President and General Manager, Machine Vision and Fixed Industrial Scanning, Zebra Technologies. “Their Inspector T solution is a powerful example of how our high-fidelity 3D sensors can unlock new levels of precision and efficiency, delivering significant value to their customers and advancing intelligent operations in the manufacturing sector.”

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• EBI Electric’s new Inspector T scanning solution, powered by Zebra’s AltiZ 3D sensors, delivers an eightfold boost in accuracy and reducing measurement errors.
• By integrating Zebra's machine vision technology, EBI Electric provides its customers with an innovative solution that improves defect detection, optimizes yield, and enhances inventory management.
• Learn more by reading this case study.

WHO IS ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES?

Zebra (NASDAQ: ZBRA) provides the foundation for intelligent operations with an award-winning portfolio of connected frontline, asset visibility and automation solutions powered by AI. Organizations globally across retail, manufacturing, transportation, logistics, healthcare, and other industries rely on us to deliver outcomes today while driving innovation for what’s next. Together with our partners, we create new ways of working that improve productivity and empower organizations to be better every day. Learn more at www.zebra.com.

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View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260224783458/en/

Media Contact:

Denis Klimentov

Zebra Technologies

+1-905-812-6391

denis.klimentov@zebra.com

Industry Analyst Contact:

Kasia Fahmy

Zebra Technologies

+1-224-306-8654

k.fahmy@zebra.com

Source: Zebra Technologies Corporation