Sherlock
No-Code Machine Vision Development for
Industrial Automation
Engineered for fast deployment, stable runtime performance, and long-term scalability
Sherlock is a powerful no-code environment for building machine vision applications, trusted across thousands of deployments for its flexibility and production-ready design. Its point-and-click development interface accelerates solution creation while providing a broad collection of inspection, measurement, identification, and guidance tools.
Sherlock 8 extends these capabilities even further with integrated AI inference, 3D measurement support, infrared imaging compatibility, and highly adaptable region-of-interest and debugging features.
The platform supports area scan, line scan, monochrome, color, IR, and X-ray devices and includes built-in Sapera LT functionality for seamless operation with Teledyne DALSA cameras and frame grabbers.
AI-Enabled Vision Without Coding
Sherlock 8 introduces an efficient path to deploying AI inside real-world inspection systems. Teams can train deep learning models in Astrocyte and load them directly into Sherlock, combining AI inference with rule-based tools to handle both predictable features and complex variation within the same workflow.
AI capabilities include:
- Classification, anomaly detection, object detection, segmentation
- Automatic preprocessing and result handling
- CPU or GPU inference
- AI output layering with 1D/2D tools for advanced logic
Streamlined Development Environment
Sherlock's visual programming interface is designed for rapid iteration and clear process visualization. Developers assemble inspection sequences using point-and-click logic, define ROIs with precision, and evaluate results in real time.
Development features include:
- Configurable window layouts and docking
- Versatile ROI controls
- Real-time monitoring panels
- Step-through debugging tools
- Convenient access to inspection and control functions
Hardware Flexibility for Demanding Imaging Tasks
Sherlock supports a wide range of industrial imaging hardware, giving integrators freedom to tailor systems to their performance and connectivity requirements.
Supported device types:
- Area scan and line scan cameras
- Monochrome, color, IR, and X-ray sensors
- Mixed sensor configurations within one application
- Third-party GigE cameras via GenICam
With embedded Sapera LT functionality, Teledyne DALSA cameras and frame grabbers integrate seamlessly into inspection workflows.
Industrial Connectivity and Communication
Sherlock is designed for continuous industrial operation and offers built-in communication tools that integrate directly with factory automation systems. Users can exchange data, manage triggers, and synchronize events using widely adopted industrial protocols. Supported options include Modbus, Ethernet/IP, Profinet, OPC UA, MQTT, Serial communication, and digital I/O. These interfaces ensure seamless interoperability with PLCs, robotics platforms, and higher-level automation architectures.
Customizable Operator Interfaces
Sherlock includes multiple ways to create operator-facing dashboards and runtime interfaces.
Interface development options:
- Drag-and-drop GUIBuilder for no-code UI creation
- .NET API for custom application development
- Compatibility with C++, C#, and Visual Basic in Visual Studio
Expanded 3D and Thermal Capabilities
Sherlock 8 supports a broader range of imaging modalities beyond traditional 2D inspection.
Additional capabilities include:
- 3D measurement for height, shape, and profile analysis
- Integration with Z-Trak 3D Apps Studio
- Thermal imaging for temperature-based inspection and monitoring
Comprehensive Vision Tool Library
Sherlock provides an organized suite of vision tools engineered for precision and consistency across industrial inspection tasks. Its core categories include preprocessing for image conditioning, positioning tools for locating and aligning parts, high-accuracy measurement functions, feature analysis for detecting edges and surface variations, calibration utilities for real-world coordinate mapping, and dedicated modules for color inspection, barcode decoding, and OCR. These tools are easy to configure yet robust enough to support high-throughput, production-grade applications.
Deployment Options and Hardware Compatibility
Sherlock supports diverse deployment architectures, from dedicated vision controllers to custom PC-based systems.
Supported platforms include:
- VICORE and GEVA vision systems
- Xtium2, Xtium, and Xcelera frame grabbers
- Teledyne DALSA area and line scan cameras
- Third-party GigE cameras via GenICam
- Windows x64 industrial PCs
Ideal Application Areas
Sherlock is used across a wide range of inspection and automation tasks, including electronics assembly verification, medical device packaging, robotic guidance, thermal or IR-based inspection, surface and defect detection, and all forms of part identification. Its blend of no-code tools and AI inference makes it highly effective for both structured manufacturing environments and high-mix operations requiring flexible inspection logic.
Ready to Build a More Configurable Vision System?
STEMMER IMAGING USA provides the software expertise, hardware options, and engineering support needed to deploy high-performance inspection and automation solutions. Contact our team to discuss your application or to evaluate whether Sherlock is the right fit for your vision project.
