In the advanced laboratories of Pollen Robotics in France, Reachy 2, the second-generation humanoid robot released in April 2025, is precisely executing a complex task: sorting fruits and vegetables according to a recipe. Reachy 2's remarkable capability lies not in pre-programmed instructions, but in its real-time spatial perception and deep learning abilities, powered by Orbbec's Gemini 336 stereo 3D camera, enabling it to accurately distinguish between fresh apples and wilted lettuce.
Looking back to April 2025, Hugging Face, a leader in the open-source machine learning field, announced its successful acquisition of Pollen Robotics and officially launched the open-source humanoid robot Reachy 2. This move is widely regarded by the industry as a significant milestone in the deep integration of humanoid robotics and generative AI.
Focusing on Open-Source Ecosystems and Humanoid Intelligence: Reachy 2's Global Footprint
Reachy 2 is already in use in at least 8 world-class labs globally.
Unlike traditional industrial robots, Reachy 2 is an open platform specifically designed for AI and robotics research. This high-end humanoid robot, priced at approximately $70,000, is already making an impact in the labs of top global research institutions, including Cornell University, Carnegie Mellon University, and the French National Centre for Scientific Research.
Reachy 2 features a modular design and an open-source architecture. It is equipped with dual seven-degree-of-freedom robotic arms and high-precision grippers, with each arm capable of lifting 3 kilograms.
Furthermore, Reachy 2 integrates advanced sensors such as stereo vision, microphones, speakers, and LiDAR, and supports VR teleoperation. Users can control the robot "from the robot's perspective" through virtual reality devices, significantly lowering the barrier for developing complex applications and enabling engineers and researchers to more efficiently develop and test sophisticated robotic functionalities.
Orbbec Gemini 336 Stereo 3D Camera: Empowering Robotic Depth Perception and Complex Environment Adaptation
As a core perception module for Reachy 2, the Orbbec Gemini 336 provides the robot with precise depth vision and spatial understanding capabilities.
The Gemini 336 is a member of Orbbec's Gemini 330 series of all-scenario stereo 3D cameras. This series incorporates Orbbec's self-developed MX6800 depth engine chip, which combines active structured light and passive binocular imaging technologies. This enables it to output precise and reliable 3D depth data even in challenging conditions, from complete darkness to direct sunlight. This advanced imaging technology ensures Reachy 2 maintains stable perception performance when faced with dynamic lighting changes in real-world scenarios.
Key Technical Features:
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High-Precision Depth Sensing: Powered by the Orbbec MX6800 chip, it achieves sub-millimeter depth accuracy, providing robots with fine spatial information.
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All-Scenario Adaptability: Combining active structured light and passive binocular technology, it delivers high-quality depth maps in strong light, low light, or no light environments.
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High Resolution and Frame Rate: Offers high-resolution depth images and supports high frame rate output, ensuring the robot can capture rapidly changing environmental information.
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Industrial-Grade Reliability: Designed specifically for industrial and robotic applications, it boasts excellent stability and durability.
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Open SDK and Cross-Platform Support: Provides a comprehensive SDK that supports various operating systems and development environments, facilitating rapid integration for developers.
Technical Specifications Overview:
| Parameter Name | Gemini 336 (General Configuration) |
| Depth Technology | Active Structured Light + Passive Binocular |
| Depth Resolution | Up to 1280x800 |
| Depth Frame Rate | Up to 30fps |
| RGB Resolution | Up to 1920x1080 |
| RGB Frame Rate | Up to 30fps |
| Measurement Range | 0.2m - 10m (depending on environment and configuration) |
| Field of View (FoV) | Depth: H69° V56° D81° / RGB: H69° V56° D81° (approx.) |
| Interface | USB 3.0 Type-C |
| SDK Support | Orbbec SDK (OpenNI compatible), ROS, Linux, Windows, Android |
| Power | USB-powered |
| Dimensions | Compact design, refer to product page for specific size |
With the powerful assistance of the Gemini 336, Reachy 2 can more accurately perform object recognition, hand-eye coordination, navigation and obstacle avoidance, and human-robot interaction. This capability, combined with Reachy 2's open-source architecture and Orbbec's hardware and software ecosystem, provides an unparalleled platform for engineers and researchers worldwide to accelerate innovation and develop next-generation robotic applications.
The Orbbec Gemini 336 stereo 3D camera is prominently mounted on Reachy 2's chest, furnishing it with precise stereo vision and spatial understanding capabilities, allowing it to perceive and process the complex external world with ease.
Broad Application Scenarios: The Synergy of Reachy 2 and Orbbec Vision Technology
Reachy 2, equipped with the Orbbec Gemini 336, extends its application scenarios far beyond laboratory research. With its high-precision depth perception and robust computational capabilities, this combination demonstrates immense potential across various cutting-edge fields:
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General Service Robotics: Performing tasks such as greeting, guiding, and item delivery in service industries like hotels, restaurants, and retail, thereby enhancing customer experience.
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Education and Research: Serving as an advanced teaching tool, assisting students and researchers in understanding and developing complex robotic control, perception, and AI algorithms.
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Medical Assistance: Supporting nurses in medical environments with basic care, medication distribution, or acting as an interactive partner for rehabilitation training.
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Industrial Inspection and Maintenance: Conducting equipment inspection and fault diagnosis in hazardous or repetitive environments, improving workplace safety and efficiency.
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Smart Manufacturing and Warehousing: Executing complex assembly, sorting, and quality inspection tasks, particularly suitable for scenarios requiring fine manipulation and vision guidance.
References
https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/QVqOtdS4y8H8b73Iyd5v3A
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