Stereo vision cameras have become indispensable in modern robotics 🤖, automation ⚙️, and industrial applications 🏭. Among the leading products in this field are the Orbbec Gemini 335 and Orbbec Gemini 335L, both part of the Gemini 330 series. While they share a common design philosophy and core technology, they are tailored for different use cases. Understanding their differences is crucial for engineers, researchers, and businesses that want to deploy depth-sensing technology effectively.
This article explores their differences in depth, covering design, technology, performance, applications, and practical considerations, and concludes with guidance on how to choose between them.
📚 1. Overview of the Gemini 330 Series
The Gemini 330 series represents Orbbec’s effort to deliver high-precision stereo vision cameras that can operate in diverse environments. These cameras combine active and passive stereo vision technologies, powered by Orbbec’s custom MX6800 depth engine ⚡.
✨ Key characteristics of the series include:
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Ability to function in pitch-black indoor spaces 🌑 using active infrared projection.
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Capability to handle bright outdoor conditions 🌞 with passive stereo vision.
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Support for long-range depth sensing 📏 beyond 20 meters.
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Compatibility with Orbbec’s SDK for easy integration into robotics and automation systems.
The series includes multiple models (335, 335L, 336, 336L, etc.), each optimized for specific scenarios. The 335 and 335L are two of the most widely discussed models because they represent the balance between indoor precision 🏠 and outdoor adaptability 🌍.
📊 2. Core Differences Between Gemini 335 and Gemini 335L
| Feature | Orbbec Gemini 335 | Orbbec Gemini 335L |
| Baseline | 50mm 📏 | 100mm 📏 |
| Technology | Active Stereo IR 🌑 | Active + Passive Stereo 🌞 |
| Use Environment | Indoor only 🏠 | Indoor + Outdoor 🌍 |
| Depth Range | 0.10m – 20m+ | 0.17m – 20m+ |
| Interface | USB 3 🔌 | USB 3 🔌 |
| SDK Support | Orbbec SDK 💻 | Orbbec SDK 💻 |
| Applications | Service robots 🤖, warehouse automation 📦 | AMRs 🚚, industrial robots 🏭, 3D scanning 🖼️ |
📏 3. Baseline and Optical Design
The baseline (distance between stereo cameras) directly affects depth accuracy and range.
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Gemini 335 (50mm):
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Compact design 🧩.
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Optimized for short-range indoor sensing 🏠.
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Best for tight spaces.
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Gemini 335L (100mm):
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Longer baseline ➡️ better depth accuracy at distance 📐.
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Ideal for outdoor robotics 🌍 where sunlight and reflections interfere.
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👉 Takeaway: Baseline difference = precision indoors vs. versatility outdoors.
🌞 4. Technology and Light Handling
Light handling is critical for stereo vision cameras.
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Gemini 335 → Active IR projection. Works well in dark indoor spaces 🌑, but struggles in sunlight.
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Gemini 335L → Combines active + passive stereo. Stable in bright outdoor conditions 🌞, resistant to sunlight interference.
This makes the 335L a more robust choice for outdoor robotics 🚚.
📐 5. Depth Range and Accuracy
Depth range determines how close or far the camera can sense objects.
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Gemini 335:
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Range: 0.10m – 20m+.
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Excellent for short to medium-range tasks 🏠.
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Gemini 335L:
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Range: 0.17m – 20m+.
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Slightly higher minimum, but better accuracy at long distances 📏.
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Ideal for inspection robots 🔍, outdoor mapping 🌍, and 3D reconstruction 🖼️.
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🌍 6. Environmental Adaptability
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Gemini 335:
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Best in controlled indoor environments 🏠.
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Sensitive to sunlight ☀️.
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Gemini 335L:
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Designed for all-scene adaptability 🌍.
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Reliable in bright sunlight 🌞, reflective surfaces 🪞, and dynamic environments ⚡.
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Enables outdoor robotics 🚚 and industrial automation 🏭.
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🤖 7. Application Scenarios
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Gemini 335 Applications:
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Indoor service robots 🤖.
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Warehouse automation 📦.
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Indoor navigation 🏠.
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Educational robotics 🎓.
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Gemini 335L Applications:
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Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) 🚚.
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Industrial robotic arms 🏗️.
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Outdoor inspection robots 🌍.
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3D scanning & reconstruction 🖼️.
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Smart retail & logistics robots 🛒.
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💶 8. Practical Considerations
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Cost 💰:
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Gemini 335 → budget-friendly.
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Gemini 335L → higher cost, but more versatile.
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Deployment ⚙️:
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Gemini 335 → quick indoor setup 🏠.
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Gemini 335L → requires robust integration 🏭, but offers scalability.
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✅ 9. Choosing Between Gemini 335 and Gemini 335L
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Pick Gemini 335 if:
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Indoor-only projects 🏠.
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Close-range accuracy 📏.
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Budget is limited 💰.
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Pick Gemini 335L if:
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Outdoor or mixed environments 🌍.
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Long-range precision 📐.
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Industrial-grade reliability 🏭.
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📝 10. Conclusion
The Orbbec Gemini 335 and Gemini 335L are both powerful stereo vision cameras, but they serve different niches.
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335 → Compact, cost-effective, perfect for indoor robotics 🤖.
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335L → Longer baseline, dual stereo system, ideal for outdoor, industrial, and scanning applications 🌍🖼️.
👉 In essence:
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For indoor labs and service robots 🏠, choose Gemini 335.
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For outdoor AMRs 🚚, industrial robots 🏭, and scanning 🖼️, choose Gemini 335L.
By carefully considering baseline 📏, technology ⚡, depth range 📐, and adaptability 🌞, engineers and businesses can make the right decision for their specific needs.
