Internal documentation reviewed by RoboticLifestyle reveals with a minimum working distance of just 4 cm, Orbbec’s Gemini 305 stereo camera is set to enhance the dexterity of humanoid robots. Unveiled at CES 2026, its innovative features promise to empower collaborative arms and hands for complex tasks across diverse environments. (Orbbec releases two new Gemini stereo cameras for robotics - The Robot Report)

As the robotics landscape evolves, the demand for advanced visual systems in humanoid robotics continues to grow. Orbbec has introduced both the Gemini 305 and its rugged counterpart, the Gemini 345Lg, both designed for a variety of robotic applications, from factories to outdoor settings. These offerings feature cutting-edge vision technology that is essential for enhancing the capabilities of humanoid robots in industrial and consumer contexts, resulting in improved efficiency, safety, and operational versatility.

Revolutionary Specs for Precision and Flexibility

The Gemini 305 camera boasts exceptional specifications for robotic vision. It achieves an impressive minimum working distance of 4 cm, a significant improvement over typical products that begin at 7 cm. This 43% reduction in the perception blind zone enables humanoid robots to perform intricate tasks with greater precision. (Orbbec releases two new Gemini stereo cameras for robotics - The Robot Report)

Enhanced Functionality with Dual-Stream Capabilities

It features a depth field of view of 88° × 65°, crucial for capturing fine details during manipulation tasks. Users can operate the camera at a range of 4 to 100 cm, thanks to its sub-millimeter depth accuracy, which substantially enhances grasping capabilities for collaborative robots. (Orbbec releases two new Gemini stereo cameras for robotics - The Robot Report)

Rugged Solutions for Harsh Operating Conditions

A standout feature of the Gemini 305 is its independent configuration of color and depth resolutions, allowing for more efficient robotic vision pipelines. The camera supports a new 'RGB + RGB' dual-stream mode, enabling a quick switch between 'Depth + Color' and 'Dual RGB' data streams with just one click. This adaptability allows robots to focus on either spatial perception or detailed visual interpretation, crucial for dynamic environments where flexibility is vital.

Real-time streaming at 1280×800 resolution and 60 frames per second ensures the camera can keep pace with fast-moving robotic tasks, such as handling small parts or navigating around obstacles. With minimal latency of 60 ms, it alleviates the computational load on host processors, further optimizing robotic performance. (Orbbec releases two new Gemini stereo cameras for robotics - The Robot Report)

Strategic Partnerships and Future Prospects

Rugged Solutions for Harsh Operating Conditions

For outdoor applications, the Gemini 345Lg is engineered to withstand extreme environments. It features IP67-rated protection, making it operable in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 65°C while maintaining performance in high-vibration conditions. This capability suits commercial outdoor robotics, such as autonomous mowers and inspection drones, which need reliability in varying environmental conditions.

Constraints and tradeoffs

• Requires specific mounting configurations for optimal performance

• May have limited depth sensing in obstacle-rich environments

• Dependency on quality of external lighting conditions

Verdict

Orbbec’s Gemini series addresses key limitations in robotic vision, making it a valuable asset in the ongoing development of humanoid robotics.

The camera’s dual-mode depth field of view enhances outdoor robotics by providing vision coverage for environmental perception, critical for navigating complex terrains. Its ability to operate continuously under intense sunlight or total darkness showcases its versatility in the field.