Steinbeis Qualitätssicherung und Bildverarbeitung GmbH

What Steinbeis Qualitätssicherung und Bildverarbeitung GmbH does

Steinbeis Qualitätssicherung und Bildverarbeitung GmbH (SQB GmbH) is a German engineering firm headquartered in Ilmenau, Thuringia, founded in 2011 as part of the Steinbeis-Verbund under the Steinbeis-Stiftung für Wirtschaftsförderung. The company designs, develops, and manufactures custom measuring and inspection systems for industrial image processing — covering optical lens testing (LensTest series), visual and surface inspection (Qualileo, SurFaceTest, RoScanTest, 3D InLineScan, Multispectral LineScan), pipe and spring inspection (PipeScan, PipeTest, SpringTest), optical component measurement (OpKoTest, ViScan for Zeiss coordinate measuring machines), and bio-imaging readers (FluoreszenzReader, PoroChecker). Underlying technology combines classical computer vision (sub-pixel contour tracking, Shape from Shading, laser triangulation, digital-twin-based defect comparison) with proprietary lighting hardware (BackLight, FlashControl, RingLight, MultiLight 16-segment controllable LED system) and proprietary software, including the QuickImage C++/C#/Python library and the SQB IMS/SQB AMS management and audit system validated for IATF 16949 and ISO 13485. The firm achieves micrometre- and nanometre-range measurement uncertainties across its product portfolio.

SQB generates revenue through three coordinated streams: hardware sales of custom inspection systems produced in small-to-medium series at the Ilmenau facility; licensing of proprietary software (SQB IMS, SQB AMS, QuickImage, QualityTool); and professional services including management system consulting and certification preparation across ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 27001, IATF 16949, ISO 13485, TISAX, and ISO/IEC 17025, alongside industrial image processing consulting and R&D funding advisory. Go-to-market combines direct enterprise field sales supported by laboratory feasibility studies, self-service online demo versions of SQB IMS/AMS, and accredited-advisor referral channels via RKW Thuringia and RKW Saxony. The customer base includes BMW, Volkswagen, Bosch, multiple Carl Zeiss entities, MTU Aero Engines, John Deere AMS-Europe, Boehringer Ingelheim, Philips Medical Systems, Mahr, Jenoptik, Stemmer Imaging, Fraunhofer, and other enterprise and research organizations in Germany, broader Europe, and Japan (via DITECT partnership). The company holds DIN EN ISO 9001 and DIN EN ISO 14001 certifications and maintains a close research collaboration with TU Ilmenau through a co-founded endowed professorship in Quality Assurance and Industrial Image Processing.

Name

Steinbeis Qualitätssicherung und Bildverarbeitung GmbH

Legal name

Steinbeis Qualitätssicherung und Bildverarbeitung GmbH

Website

https://sqb-ilmenau.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

SQB GmbH is a German engineering firm that designs and manufactures custom industrial image processing inspection systems and licenses proprietary management-system software, serving enterprise customers in automotive, optics, medical devices, and precision manufacturing with consulting and certification services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Inspection and Machine Vision Equipment

NAICS

Instruments and Related Products Manufacturing for Measuring, Displaying, and Controlling Industrial Process Variables (334513)

SIC

Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)

akta.pro primary industry

Dimensional Inspection Software (GD&T, SPC, Reporting) (IMAAAHAD)

akta.pro secondary industry

Compliance Technology, GRC Platforms & Controls Automation Advisory (BPAHAFAO)

Keywords

• Industrial image processing
• Machine vision systems
• Automated optical inspection
• Quality management consulting
• Precision measurement equipment

Headquarters

HQ city

Ilmenau

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Custom Measuring and Inspection Systems: Design, development, and manufacture of customer-specific measuring and inspection systems for industrial image processing and metrology. Produced in small and medium series. Includes products like Qualileo, LensTest, PipeScan, OpKoTest, SpringTest, and RoScanTest.
2. Software Products (SQB IMS and SQB AMS): Licensing of proprietary software products including the SQB IMS integrated management system and SQB AMS audit management system. The company provides free online demo versions for testing. QuickImage software library is also licensed.
3. Management System Consulting and Training: Consulting services for establishment, optimization and integration of management systems (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 27001, IATF 16949, ISO 13485, ISO 50001, TISAX, ISO/IEC 17025). Includes internal audits, certification preparation, employee training, and consulting on extended requirements of special standards. Conducted by certified advisors with credentials from TÜV, DGQ, and employer's liability insurance associations.
4. Image Processing Consulting: Consulting on industrial image processing, lighting technology, software for measuring and recognition, and automation of measuring and inspection processes. Includes feasibility studies, testability analysis, system integration consulting, and inspection software programming.
5. Research and Development Funding Consulting: Advisory services for companies seeking funding for R&D projects through BMBF, BMWi, AIF, DLR, BAFA, Thuringian and Saxon Aufbaubank programs. Includes application support, project concept development, and accounting advice for funded projects.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Steinbeis Qualitätssicherung und Bildverarbeitung GmbH (SQB GmbH) designs, develops, and manufactures custom measuring and inspection systems for industrial image processing and metrology, producing them in small and medium series at its Ilmenau facility. The company licenses proprietary software including the SQB IMS integrated management system, SQB AMS audit management system, QuickImage image processing library, and QualityTool SPC software. It also delivers consulting, training, and certification preparation services for management systems (ISO 9001, IATF 16949, ISO 13485, etc.) and industrial image processing.

Product overview

SQB GmbH offers a comprehensive portfolio of custom-developed and manufactured measuring and inspection systems for automated industrial image processing, ranging from random-sample and series-production testing devices to inline inspection systems and management software. The hardware portfolio spans optical lens testing (LensTest series), visual inspection (Qualileo), pipe inspection (PipeScan, PipeTest), optical component testing (OpKoTest), spring testing (SpringTest), surface inspection (SurFaceTest, RoScanTest, 3D InLineScan, Multispectral LineScan), bio-imaging (FluoreszenzReader, PoroChecker), and high-speed cameras (DITECT HAS series). The portfolio is supported by a complementary software suite including the QuickImage C++ software library for precision measurement, QualityTool for SPC quality control charts, SQB IMS for integrated management system document control, and SQB AMS for audit management, complemented by modular LED lighting systems (BackLight, FlashControl, RingLight, MultiLight). The company also provides consulting services for quality management, management system certification (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 27001, TISAX, IATF 16949, ISO 13485), industrial image processing, and AI consulting, as well as funding advisory services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Qualileo: Visual inspection system that compares sample objects with test objects, automatically detecting deviations and defects.
• LensTest
• PipeScan
• PipeTest
• ViScan
• OpKoTest
• SpringTest
• QuickImage
• QualityTool
• SQB IMS
• SQB AMS
• 3D InLineScan
• Multispectral LineScan
• SurFaceTest
• RoScanTest
• FluoreszenzReader
• PoroChecker
• BackLight
• FlashControl
• RingLights
• MultiLights

Products and services

• Qualileo Visual inspection system that automatically compares taught-in good parts (digital twin) with test objects, detects deviations and defects, highlights them in the image, and outputs inspection decisions with defect classification. Uses MultiLight 16-direction controllable lighting for adaptive illumination optimization.
• ViScan Video-optical sensor for Zeiss coordinate measuring machines enabling optical probing alongside tactile measurements via a freely movable measuring arm with latching rotary-swivel joint (Zeiss RDS). Developed for Carl Zeiss Industrielle Messtechnik.
• PipeScan Inline surface inspection device for plastic pipes using three line scan cameras for all-round inspection of extruded pipes. Detects surface defects (dents, bubbles, cracks, scratches, colour defects) and provides continuous pipe diameter measurement, available for diameter ranges 9–32 mm and 40–110 mm.
• PipeTest Fully automatic tactile pipe inspection device measuring outer diameter, wall thickness, ovality, and local wall thickness variations during pipe rotation. Achieves measurement uncertainty of ±0.005 mm with approximately 20–22 second inspection time per sample, with ERP interface preparation and database connectivity.
• OpKoTest Robot-interlinked inspection system for non-contact measurement of geometric and form features in series production of optical components with automatic in-feed and out-feed and quality-based sorting. Achieves nanometre-range measurement uncertainty and integrates measurement data transfer to ERP systems.

Quantifiable outcome

• SQB IMS reduces management system effort by more than 50%
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers24 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

AI capability6 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• DITECT JapancoreTechnology or IntegrationSQB GmbH partners with DITECT Japan for high-speed cameras. DITECT provides high-speed camera models (HAS-DX and HAS-D73) which SQB integrates with their image processing analysis software. The combination enables innovative solutions for high-speed process analysis with frame rates up to 100,000 FPS.
• RKW ThuringiacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSQB consultants are accredited advisors of RKW Thuringia. RKW refers companies seeking quality management and image processing consulting to SQB and provides funding consultation support. RKW Thuringia's new consulting guideline enables subsidies for SQB's consulting services.
• RKW SaxonycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSQB consultants are accredited advisors of RKW Saxony. RKW refers companies seeking quality management and image processing consulting to SQB and provides funding consultation support. RKW Saxony enables subsidies for SQB's consulting services.
• TU IlmenaucoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSQB GmbH maintains a close collaborative relationship with TU Ilmenau, co-founding the endowed professorship 'Quality Assurance and Industrial Image Processing'. The proximity enables transfer of latest research into industrial practice, access to student talent, and joint doctoral supervision. Three doctoral students have successfully completed their PhDs through this collaboration. Dr. Philipp Greiner and Dr. Konstantin Trambitckii have defended dissertations in cooperation with TU Ilmenau.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• Zygo Corporation: Ametek-owned precision optics metrology specialist delivering interferometers and surface-form measurement to ISO 10110 standards; comparable to SQB's LensTest-Form and other ISO 10110-5-compliant optics measurement products.

Direct peers

• Basler AG: German-headquartered supplier of industrial cameras, frame grabbers and embedded vision components used in image-processing inspection systems — directly comparable supplier ecosystem to SQB's hardware stack.
• Mahr GmbH: German precision metrology and dimensional measurement company (also an SQB customer) offering tactile and optical instruments for industrial quality assurance — directly comparable in geometry/form measurement.
• Wenglor Sensoric: German manufacturer of smart 2D/3D sensors, vision systems and code readers for industrial inspection and quality control, with overlapping OEM and system-integrator customer base in the German Mittelstand.
• Micro-Epsilon: German manufacturer of precision sensors and measurement systems for displacement, dimension, thickness and surface inspection — directly comparable to SQB's PipeTest, LensTest and 3D InLineScan metrology offerings.
• Stemmer Imaging: European machine-vision systems integrator and component distributor serving industrial inspection customers; an existing SQB customer and partner, with overlapping product portfolio in vision-based quality assurance.
• ISRA VISION (Atlas Copco Machine Vision): German-headquartered machine-vision specialist offering 2D/3D inspection and quality assurance systems for automotive, packaging, electronics and metals — directly comparable to SQB's industrial image processing and inline inspection portfolio.

Broad incumbents

• Keyence Corporation: Global incumbent in sensors, measurement systems and machine vision with broad industrial coverage; analogous to SQB at the high-end measurement/inspection category but at significantly larger scale. Also an SQB integration partner.
• Jenoptik AG: German photonics and metrology group offering optical measurement, laser-based inspection and automation solutions — comparable to SQB's optics-focused measurement work and an existing SQB customer via Jenoptik Automatisierungstechnik.
• Cognex Corporation: Global leader in machine vision and industrial barcode reading, with broad 2D/3D inspection platforms; comparable in capability though not in niche (optics/photonics) focus. Also an SQB integration partner, illustrating both collaboration and competitive overlap.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/steinbeis-qualit%C3%A4tssicherung-und-bildverarbeitung-gmbh

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Steinbeis Qualitätssicherung und Bildverarbeitung GmbH