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Orbbec Unveils the Robust FAKRA-Connectable Gemini 335Lg Depth Camera for Autonomous Robots and More

With a 1280×800 depth resolution and a robust vibration-proof FAKRA connector, the new Gemini shines.

Gareth Halfacree
2 months agoRobotics / HW101

3D vision specialist Orbbec has launched its latest stereo vision 3D camera, the Gemini 335Lg — specifically designed for the needs of robots, including autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), with the inclusion of Gigabit Multimedia Serial Link 2 (GMSL2) over a robust vibration-resistant FAKRA connector.

"We are excited to introduce the Gemini 335Lg at ROSCon 2024," says Orbbec's Michael McSweeney of the company's newest camera, which is being demoed at the event this week. "This new addition reflects our commitment to enhancing robotics solutions with advanced technology, offering greater stability and reliability for AMRs and robotic arms."

If you need a robust depth camera for robots on the move, Orbbec's new Gemini 335Lg has put its hat in the ring. (📹: Orbbec)

The compact camera is built around Orbbec's latest MX6800 depth engine, which does the necessary processing to turn the visible-light and near-infrared (NIR) camera feeds into a depth map on-device in order to free up the host's processors for other tasks. The camera can deliver a 1280×800 resolution depth map at 30 frames per second, jumping to 60 frames per second if you drop the resolution to 848×480. The visible-light video feed, meanwhile, runs at a full 60 frames per second at 1280×800.

A key feature of the Gemini 335Lg is its robustness: in addition to an IP65-rated water- and dust-resistant housing, the camera features a vibration-resistant FAKRA connector carrying a Gigabit Multimedia Serial Link 2 (GMSL2) signal over distances up to 15m (around 50 feet) — though a lower-cost version, the Gemini 335L, is available with a standard USB connector good to 3m (around ten feet) for those who would prefer it.

The company promises out-of-the-box support on NVIDIA's Jetson platform, with Robot Operating System (ROS) and ROS 2 compatibility, through a suitable GMSL2 camera board, with the ability to handle up to 16 cameras per host — with support for additional platforms "coming soon."

More information is available on the Orbbec website, where the Gemini 335Lg is available to pre-order at $429 — or $359 for the USB-only Gemini 335L.

Gareth Halfacree
Freelance journalist, technical author, hacker, tinkerer, erstwhile sysadmin. For hire: freelance@halfacree.co.uk.
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