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Technology // Platform
Request a technical assessmentHIKROBOT VisionMaster integration
The inspection software we build stations on: what it provides, what we deliver around it for plants in South Africa, and what must be checked per model.
Technical review: Frank GuoReviewed
// Short answer
HIKROBOT VisionMaster is the machine vision software addaScan builds inspection stations on. It provides the tools for positioning, measurement, code reading, OCR and defect detection, including deep-learning modules, and controls HIKROBOT cameras, lights and I/O. addaScan designs the working station around it: optics and lighting, inspection recipes, PLC and reject integration, commissioning and training. addaScan is an independent integrator; nothing on this page implies an official HIKROBOT partnership.
// What the platform provides
VisionMaster in the vendor’s own terms
Each statement below is taken from HIKROBOT’s published material, checked on 24 September 2026. Counts are vendor-stated.
Software
Self-developed vision software
Algorithm tools to build vision applications for positioning, size measurement, defect detection and information recognition.
SourceVisionMaster product page
Tools
Large operator library
HIKROBOT states that VisionMaster provides more than 1000 self-developed image-processing operators and several interactive development tools.
SourceVisionMaster product page
Development
Three development modes
Graphical drag-and-drop development, SDK-based development for custom applications, and an operator design mode for packaging custom tools.
SourceVisionMaster product page
Recognition
Deep-learning OCR and codes
OCR based on deep learning for low-contrast or deformed characters, plus 1D and 2D code reading. Deep-learning classification, detection and segmentation ship as a separate package.
SourceProduct page; download centre
// Responsibilities
What HIKROBOT provides and what addaScan delivers
A licence and a camera are not an inspection station. This is how the work is split on our projects.
HIKROBOT provides
- VisionMaster software, its tools and deep-learning package
- Cameras, smart cameras, code readers, lenses, lights and vision controllers
- Product documentation, software releases and the vendor’s own support channels
addaScan delivers
- Sample test to prove the defect is visible, before hardware is chosen
- Choice of camera, lens, lighting and processing for your product and line
- Inspection recipes built and tuned in VisionMaster, per SKU
- Mounting, PLC signals, reject and confirmation integration
- FAT, installation, SAT, operator training and handover documentation
// Architecture options
Where VisionMaster runs
VisionMaster runs on HIKROBOT smart cameras and on PC and vision-controller stations. Whether a recipe moves between them depends on the model, software version, modules and licence, and is confirmed per project.
| Option | VisionMaster build | Suits | Consider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart camera | SC_VisionMaster on SC5000X / SC6000 smart cameras | Compact single-view checks | Processing headroom for many tools or deep learning |
| PC station | VisionMaster on an industrial PC with GigE Vision or USB3 Vision cameras | Several cameras, deep learning, image storage and an operator screen | Industrial PC selection and lifecycle |
| Vision controller | VisionMaster on a HIKROBOT vision controller | Multi-camera stations mounted in a cabinet | Camera ports and I/O for later extension |
| Interface | Listed by HIKROBOT for | Our practice |
|---|---|---|
| TCP/IP, Modbus, serial, UDP, EtherNet/IP | VisionMaster software (Smart Product Catalog 2025 Q4) | Confirmed against your PLC model before quoting |
| PROFINET | Specific smart code readers, e.g. the IDH7000 row (same catalogue) | Not assumed for the VisionMaster PC platform; confirmed per model |
| Digital I/O | Cameras, smart cameras and controllers | Used for trigger, pass/fail and reject on most stations |
// Hardware
HIKROBOT cameras and code readers used in addaScan stations
Family names exactly as HIKROBOT lists them on its product menu, checked 25 September 2026. The model is chosen per project after the sample test.
| HIKROBOT family | HIKROBOT’s own category | Typical use in a station |
|---|---|---|
| CS, CE, CA, CH and other area scan series | Area scan camera (GigE, USB3 and others) | HIKROBOT machine vision camera for separate products, run from a PC or vision controller with VisionMaster. |
| CL series | Line scan camera | HIKROBOT line scan camera for web and continuous material. |
| SC1000, SC2000, SC3000 | Vision sensor | One simple check from one view. |
| SC5000X, SC6000 | Smart camera | HIKROBOT smart camera running SC_VisionMaster for one or two checks without a PC. |
| ID2000, ID3000, ID5000 | Smart code reader | HIKROBOT code reader for barcodes, 2D codes and direct part marks on the line. |
| DP series | 3D laser profile sensor | Heights, steps and volume. |
| VC series | Vision controller | Multi-camera stations running VisionMaster in a cabinet-mounted unit. |
HIKROBOT names its SC1000–SC3000 range vision sensors and only the SC5000X and SC6000 smart cameras; we use the same names. This website does not claim any official HIKROBOT partnership or distributor status.
// Camera software
MVS, SDK and camera setup: who supports what
The software around the camera, and where to go with a question.
MVS is HIKROBOT’s software for its machine vision cameras. It includes the camera client, an IP configurator, a firmware updater, driver installation and bandwidth tools, and the camera SDK with demos. It is what an engineer uses to find a HIKROBOT camera on the network, set its IP address, check its image and update its firmware, before VisionMaster uses the camera in an inspection.
Who supports what. In an addaScan station we set up the cameras, the VisionMaster solution, the PLC link and the reject, and we support that station as agreed at handover. HIKROBOT publishes MVS, the SDKs, drivers and manuals on its official download centre and supports its products through its own channels. Typical setup questions, such as a GigE camera that is not detected or the camera’s default IP address, are answered in HIKROBOT’s camera manuals; for a station we built, ask us first.
// About the vendor
Who makes VisionMaster
VisionMaster is developed by Hangzhou Hikrobot Co., Ltd. HIKROBOT describes itself as a product and solution provider specialising in machine vision and mobile robots; its company timeline dates the company to 2016, after a machine-vision department started in 2014. Hikvision’s 2025 annual report calls HikRobot a subsidiary and lists it among the group’s innovative businesses.
Licensing terms, software releases and hardware warranties are HIKROBOT’s. The licence and version needed for your station are stated in our proposal and recorded at handover. How versions and updates are handled after that is covered under support and changes.
// HIKROBOT guides
HIKROBOT selection and application guides
How we choose and configure HIKROBOT tools and devices, based on HIKROBOT’s own catalogue and selection guides.
Software
VisionMaster algorithm tools
Which tool group suits which inspection, typical combinations, and which HIKROBOT devices run which tools.
Read the guide
Hardware
Choosing a HIKROBOT smart camera
SC1000 to SC3000 vision sensors, SC5000X and SC6000 smart cameras, the five selection steps and configuration.
Read the guide
Codes
Choosing a HIKROBOT code reader
ID and IDH series, resolution, lighting, ingress protection and PLC protocols.
Read the guide
Stations
Typical HIKROBOT configurations
Six station configurations, what each suits, and the industry cases HIKROBOT highlights.
Read the guide
// FAQ
VisionMaster questions
What does HIKROBOT VisionMaster do in an inspection system?
It is the software that turns images into decisions. HIKROBOT describes it as its self-developed machine vision software providing algorithm tools for positioning, measurement, defect detection and information recognition such as code reading and OCR. It also controls HIKROBOT cameras, lights and I/O. In a station it runs on a smart camera, a PC or a vision controller and passes its results to the line PLC.
Do we have to use HIKROBOT cameras?
Not necessarily. HIKROBOT states that VisionMaster is compatible with the GigE Vision and USB3 Vision standards, so standard-compliant cameras from other makers can be acquired. Device control is most complete with HIKROBOT hardware, so we normally specify HIKROBOT cameras, and confirm any other combination on the bench first.
Can addaScan supply the VisionMaster software?
The software and any licence needed for your station are specified in our proposal. HIKROBOT publishes its software on its official download centre; we do not redistribute installers from this website.
Does VisionMaster support PROFINET?
It depends on the product. HIKROBOT lists PROFINET on specific smart code readers, while the VisionMaster PC software is listed with TCP/IP, Modbus, serial port, UDP and EtherNet/IP. The sources we checked do not itemise native PROFINET for the 2D VisionMaster PC platform, so we confirm the interface for your exact model and PLC before quoting.
Where is HIKROBOT based?
HIKROBOT’s registered name is Hangzhou Hikrobot Co., Ltd., and its company timeline dates it to 2016. It is based in Hangzhou, China, and Hikvision’s 2025 annual report describes it as a Hikvision subsidiary. Plants that search for HIKROBOT South Africa usually need local engineering: addaScan, in Johannesburg, builds and supports inspection stations on HIKROBOT hardware and VisionMaster for lines in South Africa.
Is addaScan an official HIKROBOT partner?
This website does not claim any official partnership or distributor status with HIKROBOT. We build inspection stations on HIKROBOT VisionMaster and HIKROBOT hardware as an independent integrator, and specify every licence and device in our proposal.
Does VisionMaster need a licence or a dongle?
Each VisionMaster licence comes from HIKROBOT; development and runtime licences exist, and on PC stations the licence is commonly held on a USB dongle. Which licence a station needs depends on the tools it uses, including deep learning, and is specified per project.
Which VisionMaster version do you use?
The version is fixed per project and recorded at handover. On 24 September 2026 HIKROBOT’s download centre listed VisionMaster V4.4.0 as the current release, with a separate deep-learning package and an SC_VisionMaster build for its SC5000X and SC6000 smart cameras.
Sources
- HIKROBOT — VisionMaster product page (vendor page, checked 24 Sep 2026)
- HIKROBOT — download centre (VisionMaster V4.4.0, DL package, SC_VisionMaster) (vendor page, checked 24 Sep 2026)
- HIKROBOT — Machine Vision Smart Product Catalog 2025 Q4 (PDF) (vendor document, checked 24 Sep 2026)
- HIKROBOT — About (vendor page, checked 24 Sep 2026)
- Hikvision — 2025 Annual Report (PDF) (annual report, checked 24 Sep 2026)
// VisionMaster stations
Planning a VisionMaster-based station?
Tell us the product, the defect and your PLC. We will confirm the architecture, the interface and what the sample test needs to show.