Cognex has added the SLX-3804L to its Solutions Experience (SLX) logistics portfolio. The new unit reads barcodes from underneath parcels, so it closes the bottom-side gap in induction lines, sorters and six-sided tunnels. In addition, its low profile lets integrators mount it under existing conveyors without structural changes.
Where the SLX-3804L fits in the SLX family
Cognex introduced the SLX logistics portfolio with the SLX-280D, SLX-290 and SLX-3816. Those devices cover zone routing, item classification and top-side reading. The SLX-3804L now completes the range with a dedicated bottom-scan solution. Like the rest of the family, it uses the same guided web interface. As a result, teams that already run SLX devices face a short learning curve.
Key features
- Read rates of up to 99.9% for 1D and 2D codes in demanding logistics applications.
- Reliable reading through conveyor gaps as narrow as 5 mm.
- Compact under-conveyor housing designed for retrofits in tight spaces.
- Angled, wide-angle viewport with a dust cover that operators can remove in seconds for cleaning.
- Multi-Reader Sync for six-sided tunnel integration and image offload.
- Automatic capture and categorization of no-read images to trace upstream label problems.
Technical specifications
| Image sensor | Line-scan 1″ CMOS, 3.45 × 3.45 µm square pixels |
| Resolution | 4.096 MP |
| Acquisition speed | 84 fps |
| Lens mount | C-mount |
| Lighting | External white LED bar light |
| Network | 2 × 10/100/1000 BaseT Ethernet (one port supports TSN), RS-232 |
| Protocols | EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus TCP, SLMP, TCP/IP, SFTP |
| I/O | 1 opto-isolated trigger input; up to 3 general-purpose inputs and 4 high-speed outputs via breakout cable |
| Connectors | M12 |
| Power consumption | 7 W average, 14 W maximum |
| Dimensions (H × L × W) | 98 × 231.5 × 260 mm |
| Weight | 2.15 kg |
| Operating temperature | 0 to 40 °C |
| Housing | Die-cast and extruded aluminum, zinc |
Typical applications
Cognex targets four main use cases. First, induction lines, where the reader captures codes on the underside of parcels as they enter the sorter. Second, high-speed ship sorters, where it adds the bottom face to a five-sided Modular Vision Tunnel. Third, outbound shipping, which benefits from the same six-sided approach. Finally, airports can use it in baggage handling for full 360° luggage tag reading.
Why it matters for engineers
Bottom-side scanning has traditionally relied on line-scan cameras. These deliver high read reliability. However, they usually need specialist knowledge to commission and maintain. Cognex aims to remove that barrier with application-specific guided setup. Commissioning therefore becomes a configuration task rather than a vision-engineering project.
For machine builders and integrators, the communication options matter just as much. Native EtherNet/IP, PROFINET and Modbus TCP support allows a direct link to the sorter PLC. Furthermore, an early user reports a simpler control architecture. Monty McVaugh, Head of Product at OPEX Corporation, said his team retrofitted the reader with minimal effort and no major redesign. He added that “eliminating the need for a dedicated IPC simplified our architecture”.
Availability
Cognex announced the SLX-3804L on September 25, 2026. The datasheet, support plans and application guides are available on the official SLX-3804L product page. You can also read the original Cognex announcement. For more launches from the manufacturer, see our Cognex news section and the intralogistics category.