When off-the-shelf imaging systems fall short, custom imaging solutions become essential. Whether it's an industrial inspection in a hazardous environment, high-speed footage at a racetrack, or UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle), specific tasks demand more than standard OEM (original equipment manufacturer) camera equipment. That’s where the XBlock® Solutions product line from InterTest stands out.
Built around high-performance cameras such as Sony’s FCB block cameras, XBlock® systems represent a powerful fusion of powerful custom engineering and imaging performance. Sony FBC modules offer high optical zoom, compact design, exceptional image quality and proven reliability—making them ideal building blocks for custom-engineered systems across industries.
Image: InterTest Engineer Designing a Custom XBlock® Solution
InterTest integrates these camera blocks into rugged, purpose-driven platforms designed to meet the specific needs of each application. From development tools, to fully integrated field systems, these solutions are engineered with precision and built for real-world use.
Custom Camera Systems Built with Sony FCB Modules
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XBlock® IP67-Rated Full HD Camera with Built-in Heaters: This purpose-built solution incorporated a Sony FCB-9520L block camera and Z3 Technology Q603-15 Video Encoder Interface Board enclosed in an weatherproof housing. Built-in heaters allowed this XBlock® to operate in temperatures as low as -26°C while providing low-latency, high-quality video transmission, ideal for extreme outdoor surveillance applications.
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Rugged Tilt and Zoom Camera for UGCVs: Built for integration with unmanned ground combat vehicles, this solution combined pan/tilt actuation with high-definition optical zoom from the Legacy Sony FCB-IX11A. Its robust design supported reliable performance in mobile, outdoor, and tactical environments.
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Car Racing Track Cam: The Legacy Sony HD FCB-H11 camera was integrated into a rugged, waterproof housing built to withstand the harsh conditions of a professional racetrack, including the impact of over 40 vehicles across 500 laps, high asphalt temperatures, and constant debris. The system included audio capture to record engine sounds as cars passed overhead, and a built-in lens cleaning system ensured sharp, unobstructed visuals in varying light and weather conditions.
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Commercial UAV System with Sony ILX-LR1: InterTest collaborated with WISPR Systems to integrate the powerful Sony ILX-LR1 camera into their SkyScout drone. The 61MP full-frame camera delivers high-resolution imaging with low noise and wide dynamic range, making it ideal for mapping, surveying, and inspection. Its lightweight, compact design minimizes impact on drone performance and direct time of flight (DTOF).
Sony Authorized System Integrator with over 40 years of Experience
Video: InterTest's XBlock Solutions using Sony's FCB Zoom Camera Blocks
As a Sony Authorized System Integrator, InterTest is uniquely positioned to access Sony’s latest imaging technologies and development resources. This partnership enables the development of advanced vision systems that go beyond the capabilities of OEM cameras. This allows InterTest to support clients requiring specialized performance in their visual systems—whether the need is for low-light sensitivity, high-zoom functionality, or durable environmental housing.
Springing to the Future with Sony
Sony recently introduced the AS-DT1 LiDAR Depth Sensor, a significant advancement in 3D sensing, which is expected to hit the market in Spring 2026. This compact Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor offers precise depth data in real time, making it ideal for applications in robotics, autonomous navigation for obstacle avoidance, AR/VR, and industrial automation.
Coming Soon: The World's Smallest and Lightest Miniature Precision LiDAR Depth Sensor
Key features to expect:
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Compact and Lightweight: The AS-DT1 is designed to be the smallest and lightest LiDAR depth sensor, with dimensions of just 29 mm x 29 mm x 31 mm and a weight of 34 g, making it perfect for applications where space and weight are a concern, such as drones and robotics.
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Advanced Measurement Technology: The sensor incorporates Sony's Direct Time of Flight (dToF) technology, offering fast and accurate 3D measurements, enabling precise distance calculations for a wide range of applications.
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High-Precision Performance: With an expected accuracy of 0.4 cm / 2 cm (Indoor/Outdoor) at 10 meters, the AS-DT1 is capable of measuring low-contrast and low-reflectivity objects, ensuring reliable performance in complex environments.
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Long Measurement Range: The AS-DT1 is expected to support measurement ranges up to 40 meters indoors and 20 meters outdoors, making it suitable for a variety of demanding tasks like infrastructure inspections.
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Robust and Versatile: Built with a durable aluminum housing, the AS-DT1 is designed to integrate seamlessly into various devices, from autonomous robots to drones, offering both strength and flexibility in a compact package.
This sensor positions Sony as a major player in the LiDAR sensor market, offering developers powerful tools for spatial awareness and object detection. This sensor will revolutionize industries that utilize Autonomous Mobile Robots- AMR and UAV's to track, analyze, and inspect.
Image: InterTest Xblock® Prototype with Sony FCB-EV9520L 30x LVDS Block Camera
InterTest’s partnership with Sony empowers us to design custom solutions that push the boundaries of imaging and sensor performance, delivering high-impact, innovative systems that will redefine what's possible in the industry.
Contact us to speak to a qualified representative about your custom remote visual inspection solution today.