What is the Orbbec Gemini 305? It is a compact stereo vision camera specifically engineered for close-range depth sensing and robotic wrist mounting applications. Weighing only 68 grams with dimensions of 42 × 42 × 23 mm, this precision vision system delivers sub-millimeter depth accuracy at 15 cm and operates effectively across a range of 4 cm to over 100 cm. Equipped with dual global-shutter sensors, the Gemini 305 provides sharp depth and color imaging even in dynamic scenes, making it an ideal solution for cobots, humanoid robots, and precision pick-and-place operations in industrial automation environments.
Technical Specifications
The Orbbec Gemini 305 combines advanced stereo vision technology with a compact form factor optimized for robotic applications.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Use Environment | Indoor & Outdoor |
| Depth Technology | Stereo Vision |
| Baseline | 18 mm |
| Ideal Range | 7 – 50 cm |
| Operating Range | 4 – 100 cm+ |
| Depth Resolution @ Frame Rate | Up to 1280 × 800 @ 30 fps |
| Depth FOV | H 88° × V 65° × D 98° |
| Color Resolution @ Frame Rate | Up to 1280 × 800 @ 60 fps |
| Color FOV | H 94° × V 68° × D 104° |
| Sensor Type | Stereo Color, Global Shutter |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 42 mm × 42 mm × 23 mm |
| Weight | 68 g |
| Data Connection | USB 3.0 (recommended) & USB 2.0 |
| Interface | USB Type-C |
| Power Supply | DC 5V, 700 mA |
| Power Consumption | Average < 2.0 W |
| Ambient Temperature | -10°C to 45°C |
| Ingress Protection Rating | IP54 |
| Multi-camera Sync | Supported |
| External Trigger | Software & Hardware |
The Gemini 305 achieves its compact size without compromising performance. The 18 mm baseline is specifically optimized for close-range depth sensing, enabling precise measurements in the 4-100 cm operating range.
Key Features
Ultra-Close Depth Sensing
The Orbbec Gemini 305 excels in ultra-close depth sensing scenarios, operating effectively from 4 cm to over 100 cm. At 15 cm distance, it achieves sub-millimeter depth accuracy, while maintaining precision of ≤1% at 50 cm.
High-Resolution Imaging
With depth resolution up to 1280 × 800 at 30 frames per second and color resolution up to 1280 × 800 at 60 fps, the Gemini 305 delivers detailed visual data for demanding applications.
Global Shutter Sensors
The Orbbec Gemini 305 employs global shutter sensors for both depth and color imaging, eliminating motion artifacts and distortion when imaging fast-moving objects.
Low Latency
With depth streaming latency as low as 60 milliseconds, the Gemini 305 provides near real-time depth data essential for responsive robotic control.
Multi-Camera Synchronization
The Orbbec Gemini 305 supports both hardware and software synchronization, plus external trigger input for multi-camera setups.
Compact Design
Weighing only 68 grams with a cubic form factor of 42 × 42 × 23 mm, the Gemini 305 is specifically designed for robotic wrist and end-effector mounting.
Durability
The Orbbec Gemini 305 features IP54 dust and splash protection with an operating temperature range of -10°C to +45°C.
Energy Efficiency
With average power consumption under 2.0 watts, the Gemini 305 is highly energy-efficient for mobile and battery-powered applications.
Applications
Collaborative Robots (Cobots)
The Orbbec Gemini 305 is ideally suited for wrist-mounted vision on collaborative robots. Cobots require precise close-range sensing to safely interact with human workers and accurately manipulate objects.
Humanoid Robots
For humanoid robots, hand-eye coordination and dexterous manipulation are essential capabilities. The Gemini 305 can be mounted on robot hands or wrists to provide the visual feedback necessary for grasping objects.
Pick-and-Place Automation
In pick-and-place applications, the Orbbec Gemini 305 provides the depth and color information necessary for bin picking, assembly operations, and grasping tasks.
Industrial Robotics
For industrial robotic end-of-arm tooling, the Gemini 305 provides reliable depth and color imaging for guidance, inspection, and quality control.
Related Orbbec Products
The Orbbec product line includes several stereo vision cameras for different applications:
- Orbbec Gemini 2L - Active stereo IR with 100mm baseline, 0.2-10m range
- Orbbec Gemini 335 - Indoor/outdoor with IP5X rating, 0.1-20m+ range
- Orbbec Gemini 335L - IP65 rated with 95mm baseline
- Orbbec Gemini 335Le - Industrial PoE camera with IP67 rating
- Orbbec Gemini 335Lg - GMSL2/FAKRA interface for long-distance transmission
- Orbbec Gemini 336 - IR-pass filter for challenging lighting
- Orbbec Gemini 336L - Enhanced outdoor performance
- Orbbec Gemini 345Lg - Rugged outdoor camera with IP67
- Orbbec Gemini 435Le - Industrial camera with configurable depth presets
Integration and SDK
The Orbbec Gemini 305 is supported by the comprehensive Orbbec SDK with APIs for C, C++, and Python on Windows, Linux, and Android. The camera is compatible with ROS, ROS2, and NVIDIA Isaac ROS for robotics applications.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Ultra-compact and lightweight at only 68g
- Exceptional close-range accuracy with sub-millimeter precision
- Global shutter sensors eliminate motion artifacts
- Low latency of 60ms for real-time control
- High-resolution 1280×800 depth and color output
- Wide field of view for comprehensive coverage
- Multi-camera synchronization support
- Energy efficient with <2W power consumption
- IP54 rated for industrial environments
- Flexible USB Type-C interface
Cons
- Limited depth range (4-100cm) compared to longer-range alternatives
- No built-in IMU for motion sensing
- IP54 rating less protective than IP65/IP67 alternatives
- USB-only interface (no GMSL2 option)
Conclusion
The Orbbec Gemini 305 represents a specialized solution in the stereo vision camera market, specifically engineered for close-range depth sensing in robotic wrist and end-effector mounting applications. Its ultra-compact 68g form factor, sub-millimeter accuracy at close range, and global shutter sensors make it an excellent choice for cobots, humanoid robots, and precision pick-and-place operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum operating distance of the Orbbec Gemini 305?
The Orbbec Gemini 305 can operate at distances as close as 4 cm, making it ideal for applications requiring ultra-close depth sensing.
Can the Gemini 305 be used outdoors?
Yes, the Gemini 305 is rated for both indoor and outdoor use with an IP54 dust and splash protection rating.
What interfaces does the Gemini 305 support?
The Gemini 305 uses a USB Type-C interface and is compatible with both USB 3.0 and USB 2.0.
Does the Gemini 305 support multiple camera setups?
Yes, the Gemini 305 supports both hardware and software multi-camera synchronization.
What SDK and platforms are supported?
The Gemini 305 is supported by the Orbbec SDK with APIs for C, C++, and Python on Windows, Linux, and Android.
How does the Gemini 305 compare to the Gemini 335?
The Gemini 305 is optimized for close-range (4-100cm) wrist-mounted applications with a compact 68g form factor, while the Gemini 335 offers a longer depth range (0.1-20m+).
What mounting options are available?
The Gemini 305 features a 1/4-20 UNC thread on the bottom and M3 threads on the bottom and back for flexible mounting.
What is the latency of depth streaming?
The Gemini 305 achieves depth streaming latency as low as 60 milliseconds.
