Accelerating real-world deployment of humanoid robots with trusted 3D vision
The challenge
As PAL Robotics scaled toward real-world deployment, it needed a depth-sensing solution that could ensure long-term availability, robust performance, and seamless integration across its Robot Operating System (ROS)-based architecture. Moving robots into dynamic human environments required a trusted depth foundation so engineering teams could stop spending time on low-level sensor integration and focus on core capabilities like navigation, interaction, manipulation, and deployment at scale.
The solution
RealSense provided a reliable, standardized perception layer embedded across PAL Robotics’ platforms, including TIAGo, TIAGo Pro, and StockBot. Standardizing on the RealSense camera family provided rich 3D perception while allowing teams to reuse calibration processes, integration workflows, and testing methodologies across platforms.
The results
Standardizing on RealSense shortened development cycles, reduced integration complexity, and expanded safety beyond 2D lasers with real-time point cloud processing. Stereo vision enhanced human-robot interaction (HRI) features like face and emotion detection.
3D Perception Built for Portfolio-Wide Scalability
Using the same RealSense camera family across multiple robot platforms allows PAL Robotics to reuse expertise, calibration processes, integration workflows, and testing methodologies. This common perception foundation reduces complexity and accelerates development as new robots and applications are introduced.
Safe, Autonomous Operation in Dynamic Environments
RealSense cameras provide rich 3D perception, visual SLAM, and real-time scene understanding to help robots navigate dynamic human environments safely. Applications span from healthcare to retail automation.
Elevating Human-Robot Interaction and Dynamic Manipulation
In unstructured settings, TIAGo uses RealSense point clouds to adapt dynamically to its environment for precise motion planning and object handling, such as autonomously identifying and stacking cubes. Beyond navigation and manipulation, stereo vision enables face and emotion detection, allowing platforms like TIAGo Pro to react to people in real time and trigger alerts when assistance is required.
“If robots are going to truly work alongside people, perception must be trusted. RealSense provides the stability and depth understanding that helps make that possible.”
— Francesco Ferro,
CEO, PAL Robotics