Nikon highlighted the Z Series mirrorless cameras at the event. Nikon/Interesting Engineering
Nikon Corporation exhibited its cutting-edge technologies at CES 2025, one of the world’s largest digital technology trade shows.
The company’s booth featured interactive content, showcasing its state-of-the-art technologies, from its Z Series mirrorless cameras to its robot vision system.
Nikon Z Series and Lunar mission collaboration with NASA
At the event, Nikon highlighted the Z Series mirrorless cameras, offering attendees the opportunity to have their portraits taken by a professional photographer using the Nikon Z50II.
In addition to this, Nikon revealed a groundbreaking partnership with NASA. Nikon Inc., a subsidiary of Nikon Corporation, entered into a Space Act Agreement with NASA to develop the Handheld Universal Lunar Camera (HULC) for NASA’s Artemis campaign. This collaboration aims to support NASA’s goal of returning humans to the Moon and preparing for missions to Mars.
NASA will utilize the Nikon Z9, which was launched to the International Space Station (ISS) in December 2021, for the Artemis III mission. This mission will send astronauts to the Moon’s South Pole region, with the Nikon Z9 camera modified for space. It will be used for lunar exploration, capturing images and video on the Moon’s surface. To ensure the camera can survive the harsh lunar environment, a thermal insulation blanket will protect the camera and its lens from dust and extreme temperature changes.
Geoffrey Coalter, Communications Manager at Nikon, explained, “So what we’re looking at here today is the Nikon Z9 along with the thermal blanket… This is the camera that’s being used by NASA for multiple reasons… The Artemis mission is mankind’s return to the Moon, and Nikon took part in the Space Act agreement to provide NASA with and work with them to alter the Z9 in order to survive the lunar environment.”
The camera will also be adapted to handle the extreme conditions of space, such as cosmic radiation and temperature fluctuations. Specialized firmware will be developed to optimize performance, and various controls will be customized for astronauts’ use, including a grip and controls that can be easily operated while wearing space suits. The camera’s circuits will be reinforced to withstand radiation, and modifications will be made to ensure efficient power usage during the mission.
Revolutionary robot vision system for the future
Another highlight of Nikon’s CES 2025 exhibit was its advanced robot vision system. This system enables robots to operate with flexibility, speed, and precision, surpassing human capabilities in image processing and vision.
Demonstrated in a futuristic kitchen setting, the robot vision system can pick up objects with incredible accuracy and speed. It incorporates Nikon’s C3 eMotion, an intelligent actuator unit for robotic joints, allowing for human-collaborative robots without the need for specialized knowledge.
The robot vision system, equipped with high-speed sensing and 2D/3D cameras mounted on the robot’s fingertips, allows for exceptionally fast and flexible movements. This technology enables the robot to pick up randomly piled objects and perform assembly tasks on moving workpieces. Nikon’s system drastically reduces the time needed for teaching robots new tasks, boosting efficiency and flexibility in industries such as automotive and manufacturing.
Robot vision system
Speaking to Interesting Engineering, Coalter explained, “Nikon is creating a robot that seamlessly works with humans. We’re showing here how the robot vision system uses advanced optical technology for precise movements. This can be applied to industries like automotive or factory work. The robot demonstrated here in the kitchen is a great example of how Nikon’s imaging and innovations can help with future tasks.”
