Intel adds USB interface to new D456 depth camera

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Intel introduced its D456 depth camera at RoboBusiness, which took place last week in Santa Clara, Calif. The D456 is the second IP65-rated camera in Intel’s D400 stereo product line, adding a USB interface option for easier out-of-the-box integration.

Intel said the RealSense D456 is based on its longest-range D455 USB camera with three global shutter sensors and IMU. The camera integrates an IMU to allow robots to refine their depth awareness in any situation where the camera moves. This allows for improved environmental awareness for robots and drones.

The D456 has an IP65-rated enclosure, which is dust-tight and protected from projected water. According to Intel, the D456 is designed to address challenges for robot applications in outdoor and ruggedized environments. It features an ideal range of .6 meters to 6 meters with depth accuracy of <2% at 4 meters.

Other specs of the RealSense D456 depth camera include:

• • Depth Field of View: 87° × 58°
  • Depth Stream Output Resolution: Up to 1280 × 720
  • Depth Stream Output Frame Rate: Up to 90 fps
  • RGB Frame Resolution: 1280 × 800
  • RGB Frame Rate: 30 fps

Intel said its SDK is platform-independent and supports all current Intel RealSense depth cameras and includes wrappers for many common platforms and languages.

The Intel 456 depth sensor is available now for $469 directly from Intel or from authorized distributors.

Intel showcased its RealSense technology at RoboBusiness 2023.

In March 2022, Intel released the RealSense D405 Depth Camera, a short-range stereo camera it said provides sub-millimeter accuracy. The Intel RealSense D405 Depth Camera is designed for robotics applications that require “close range depth sensing.” Some of the ideal applications, according to Intel, include automated inspection and high-precision pick and place for small objects at close range.

In May 2023, Christine Boles, VP of the Network & Edge Group (NEX) and GM of Intel’s Federal and Industrial Solutions, appeared on The Robot Report Podcast. Robotics at Intel falls under Federal and Industrial Solutions, so Boles plays a pivotal role in developing Intel’s solutions roadmap for robotics developers.

We talked to her about the key technologies available today from Intel, including software, hardware and sensors essential for robotics development. We’ll also learn what new technologies will be coming out from Intel in the near future. The interview with Boles starts at 28:52 and can be heard below.