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Last Updated: March 2026
What is the Orbbec Gemini 305? The Orbbec Gemini 305 is a revolutionary compact stereo vision camera designed specifically for collaborative robot wrist mounting. Weighing only 68 grams and measuring just 42×42×23mm, it delivers exceptional sub-millimeter depth accuracy at 15cm with an operating range of 4cm to 100cm. Using passive stereo vision technology rather than active illumination, it offers zero interference with other sensors and consumes less than 2W of power—perfect for cobot applications where precision and efficiency matter.
Why Choose Passive Stereo Vision?
The Gemini 305 leverages passive stereo vision with its 18mm baseline to compute depth through triangulation—no IR projectors, no lasers, no structured light. This approach delivers several key advantages for robotic applications:
- Zero sensor interference - Won't conflict with other optical sensors on your robot
- Ultra-low power - Less than 2W consumption vs 3-5W for active systems
- Silent operation - No visible or IR light emission
- Consistent performance - Works reliably in any ambient lighting
The Orbbec team optimized this camera for ultra-close precision work where larger cameras fail.
Technical Specifications at a Glance
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Technology | Passive Stereo Vision |
| Baseline | 18 mm |
| Depth Range | 4 cm – 100+ cm |
| Accuracy | ≤1% at 50cm, sub-mm at 15cm |
| Depth Resolution | 1280×800 @ 30fps |
| Color Resolution | 1280×800 @ 60fps |
| Depth FOV | H 88° × V 65° |
| Shutter Type | Global Shutter |
| Latency | ~60 ms |
| Dimensions | 42 × 42 × 23 mm |
| Weight | 68 g |
| Interface | USB Type-C (USB 3.0/2.0) |
| Power | < 2.0 W |
| Protection | IP54 |
| Temp Range | -10°C to +45°C |
| Mounting | 1/4-20 UNC, M3 threads |
| Multi-Camera Sync | Hardware & Software |
Top 7 Features for Robotics
1. Featherweight Design (68g)
The Gemini 305 is the lightest depth camera in its class. Mount it on Universal Robots, Franka Emika, or custom end-effectors without compromising payload capacity or arm dynamics.
2. Sub-Millimeter Precision
Achieve sub-millimeter accuracy at 15cm with ≤1% precision at 50cm. Perfect for precision assembly, small part manipulation, and quality inspection.
3. Global Shutter Clarity
Global shutter sensors capture entire frames simultaneously—no motion distortion, no rolling shutter artifacts. Essential for dynamic robotic applications.
4. Ultra-Low Latency (60ms)
Real-time depth streaming enables closed-loop control, allowing robots to react instantly to changing conditions.
5. IP54 Protection
Dust and splash resistant for reliable indoor industrial operation. For harsher environments, consider the Gemini 335L (IP65).
6. Flexible Mounting
1/4-20 UNC tripod mount plus M3 threads on bottom and back enable easy integration with standard brackets and robot tooling.
7. Multi-Camera Sync
Hardware and software synchronization support for multi-viewpoint setups, 3D reconstruction, and redundant sensing.
Orbbec Product Comparison
| Model | Weight | Tech | Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gemini 305 | 68g | Passive | 4-100cm | Wrist Mount |
| Gemini 335 | 97g | Active | 0.1-20m | General Use |
| Gemini 335L | 133g | Active | 0.17-20m | Outdoor/AMR |
| Gemini 2L | 152g | Active IR | 0.2-10m | Navigation |
| Gemini 335Le | 220g | Active | 0.25-20m | Industrial |
| Gemini 435Le | >1kg | Active | Up to 20m+ | Heavy Industry |
Ideal Applications
Cobot Wrist Mounting
The Gemini 305 excels on collaborative robots from Universal Robots, Franka, KUKA, FANUC, and Omron. USB-C and standard threads simplify integration.
Precision Pick & Place
Bin picking, small part handling, and precision placement benefit from close-range depth data and wide 88°×65° FOV.
Assembly & Insertion
Peg-in-hole, screw driving, and component mating require the sub-millimeter accuracy and low latency the 305 delivers.
Quality Inspection
1280×800 depth + 1280×800 color @ 60fps enables inline defect detection and dimensional verification.
Humanoid Hand-Eye Coordination
Minimal weight is crucial for humanoid balance and power consumption.
Development & Integration
SDK Support
The Orbbec SDK v2 supports Windows, Linux, and Android with C, C++, and Python APIs. Features include point cloud generation, D2C alignment, multi-camera sync, and ROS1/ROS2 wrappers.
Single-Cable Solution
USB Type-C carries data and power (5V, 700mA). USB 3.0 for full performance, USB 2.0 for legacy compatibility.
FAQ
What's the minimum distance?
4cm—unique among depth cameras. Ideal working range: 7-50cm.
Passive vs Active vs ToF?
Passive stereo uses ambient light, no active illumination (<2W power). Active stereo (Gemini 335) uses IR for low-light. ToF offers longer range but higher minimum distance.
Outdoor capable?
IP54 suits indoor use. For outdoor, choose 335L (IP65) or 345Lg (IP67).
305 vs 335 differences?
305: 18mm baseline, passive, 68g, 4-100cm. 335: 50mm baseline, active IR, 97g, 0.1-20m. Choose 305 for wrist mount; 335 for general use.
ROS compatible?
Yes—full ROS1/ROS2 support with standard message types.
Mounting options?
1/4-20 UNC (tripod) + M3 threads on bottom and back.
Multi-camera sync?
Yes—hardware trigger and software timestamp sync supported.
Power draw?
<2W average—among the lowest in the industry.
Final Verdict
The Orbbec Gemini 305 is unmatched for cobot wrist mounting. At 68g with sub-millimeter precision and <2W power, it's the optimal choice when weight and close-range accuracy matter. For longer range or harsh environments, explore the full Orbbec lineup.
Get the Gemini 305: Shop at OpenELAB
