Northern Digital Inc. (NDI) is a Canadian company specializing in the development and manufacturing of 3D measurement and motion tracking systems. Founded in 1981 and headquartered in Waterloo, Ontario, NDI is recognized as a global leader in its field, providing highly accurate optical and electromagnetic tracking technology for a wide range of applications.
History
Northern Digital Inc. was established in 1981, focusing from its inception on precision engineering and innovation in motion tracking. The company built a strong reputation for developing reliable and accurate measurement solutions. In 2011, NDI was acquired by Roper Technologies, a diversified technology company, and continues to operate as a subsidiary.Products and Technology
NDI's core expertise lies in two primary types of motion tracking technology, both designed for sub-millimeter precision and high reliability:- Optical Tracking Systems: These systems use cameras to track the 3D position and orientation of passive or active markers attached to objects or instruments. Optical trackers are known for their high accuracy, large working volumes, and speed. Prominent examples include the Polaris line of trackers, widely used in surgical navigation and industrial metrology.
- Electromagnetic Tracking Systems: These systems generate a localized magnetic field to track the 3D position and orientation of small electromagnetic sensors. Electromagnetic trackers are particularly useful in environments where a direct line of sight for optical trackers is not feasible, such as within anatomical structures during medical procedures or inside complex industrial machinery. The Aurora system is a key product in this category.
Both technologies are designed to provide real-time, high-precision data, critical for demanding applications.
Applications
NDI's tracking systems are integral to numerous industries, research fields, and clinical practices:- Medical: A significant portion of NDI's market is in the medical field. Their systems are employed in image-guided surgery, surgical navigation (e.g., neurosurgery, orthopedics, ear, nose, and throat (ENT) procedures), radiation therapy patient positioning, and dental applications. They enable precise instrument tracking, patient registration, and anatomical mapping.
- Industrial: In industrial settings, NDI technology is applied in metrology for quality inspection and measurement, robotic guidance, assembly verification, and rapid prototyping. It supports manufacturers in achieving high levels of precision and quality control.
- Research and Development: Universities and research institutions worldwide utilize NDI systems for a diverse range of studies, including biomechanics, virtual reality, human-computer interaction, motion analysis, and simulation.
NDI's commitment to precision and reliability has established its technology as a standard in demanding applications across the globe.