ToF Cameras vs. Stereo Cameras — a comparison every robotics, autonomy, and computer-vision team asks sooner or later.

In this episode of Vision Vitals by e-con Systems, we break down the real differences between these two popular depth-sensing technologies — beyond the usual textbook definitions.

Whether you're building AMRs, AGVs, cobots, warehouse automation systems, industrial inspection tools, or navigation pipelines, choosing the right 3D sensing technology can make or break your deployment.

🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn:

How They Work

• How Stereo derives depth through disparity & texture
• How ToF measures distance using NIR reflection

Where Each Technology Shines

• Low-light & featureless environments
• Texture-rich outdoor scenes
• Smooth vs dark vs reflective surfaces
• Indoor vs outdoor performance

Accuracy & Range

• Millimeter vs centimeter accuracy
• How range scales in ToF vs Stereo systems
• Why ToF excels in short-to-mid range robotics

Compute & Integration

• Processing load differences
• Stereo’s dependency on GPU resources
• Why ToF offers predictable compute paths

Cost, Reliability & Real-World Deployment

• Hardware vs software cost trade-offs
• Challenges in shadows, bright sunlight, and mixed environments
• Practical selection guidance for robotics teams
  
  

🔗 Explore e-con Systems Depth Cameras