Orbbec Femto Bolt is a 3D depth and RGB USB-C camera developed in collaboration with Microsoft and integrating the same ToF (Time-of-Flight) technology as found in the Microsoft Azure Kinect camera module and HoloLens 2 mixed reality head-mounted display.
The new model follows the launch of the fully integrated Femto Mega featuring an NVIDIA Jetson Nano module introduced in January with the same ToF technology, so the new USB-C camera simply allows a wider selection of hosts. Orbbec has also launched the Femto Mega I variant with an IP65 metal enclosure.
Orbbec Femto Bolt specifications:
- Cameras
- Depth camera
- 1 Mega Pixel ToF sensor
- 850nm wavelength
- 0.25 to 5.45m range depending on the depth mode
- Up to 1024×1024 @ 15 fps (WFoV) or 640×579 @ 30 fps (NFoV)
- FoV
- Wide – H: 120°; V: 120°
- Narrow – H: 75°; V: 65°
- RGB camera
- 4K resolution up to 3840×2160 @ 25 fps
- FoV – H: 80°; V: 51°
- Depth camera
- Sensor – 6 DoF IMU
- Misc – Trigger/Sync control for multiple cameras
- Host interface – USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1
- Data output – Point cloud, depth maps, IR & RGB
- Power Supply – Up to 12V/2A via USB-C port
- Power Consumption – 5.9 Watts on average; up to 11 Watts
- Dimensions – 115 x 40 x 65mm
- Weight – 335 grams
- Temperature Range – 10°C to 25°C
Like other models from the company, the Orbbec Femto Bolt 3D depth and RGB USB-C camera can be controlled with the Orbbec SDK for Windows or Linux. The SDK also includes an Azure Kinect Sensor SDK Wrapper that enables software applications developed for the Azure Kinect development kit to work with Orbbec cameras.
The camera is expected to be found in applications leveraging 3D vision in logistics, robotics, manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and fitness industries. The Femto Bolt is sampling now, but mass production is only scheduled for October. Pricing information has not been released, but you can join a waiting list on the product page if you are interested.
As mentioned in the introduction, Orbbec also launched the Jetson Nano powered Femto Mega I ruggedized PoE smart camera with an IP65 rating for warehouses, manufacturing, and other harsh environments, and featuring the same electronics and software support as the Femto Mega.
The Femto Mega I can be pre-ordered now for $2,099.99 on the Orbbec store. You’ll find more details on the product page and our earlier article about the Femto Mega.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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I would be curious to know what ToF module they use. The 1024×1024 resolution points to the Analog Devices ADTF3175 module, but that uses a different wavelength and has different FOV. Or maybe they use just the raw ADSD3100 sensor and have their own illuminator, lenses, etc.
It’s the same as the one in the Azure Kinect with the ToF module designed by Microsoft as mentioned at https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/kinect-dk/hardware-specification
This paper provides more technical details.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/mixed-reality/out-of-scope/isscc-2018
That gives the impression Microsoft actually built their own sensor. While they certainly have the money to do so, that seems unusual for them. But that would mean there’s little chance of getting one’s hands on just the ToF part of the device (without the RGB part).