Indro case study : How Stereolabs ZED X empowered InDro Robotics to revolutionize autonomous navigation

For four years, InDro has leveraged Stereolabs camera technology across their diverse robot fleet, from indoor delivery systems to outdoor security platforms. Their deployment of the ZED X camera system has delivered measurable improvements in performance, cost efficiency, and operational capabilities.

Challenges in autonomous navigation: balancing performance, cost, and versatility

Before partnering with Stereolabs, InDro faced a critical challenge: finding a vision-based perception system that could deliver high-performance 3D mapping and localization across diverse environments without breaking the budget. As Director of Engineering Arron Griffiths explains, "Prior to this, achieving consistent and accurate visual SLAM across both indoor and outdoor robotics applications, while maintaining a reasonable budget, was a significant challenge."

These barriers slowed development cycles and limited advanced autonomous capabilities in their robotic platforms.

InDro evaluated several alternative stereo camera solutions but found that competing products presented problematic trade-offs. Many fell short in providing the comprehensive balance of high resolution, adequate frame rates, robust SDK support (especially for ROS 2), and specialized features like polarized lenses, all at a competitive price point.

Their requirements were particularly demanding because their robots operate in vastly different environments, from high-speed autonomous driving applications to heavy payload navigation and indoor AGVs. Each application demanded reliable visual perception that could adapt to changing lighting conditions and complex layouts.

The solution: leveraging the Stereolabs ZED X camera system for smart robotics

InDro standardized on Stereolabs cameras, with the ZED X system becoming a cornerstone of their advanced robotic platforms. The ZED X provided exactly what they needed: comprehensive vision capabilities with practical integration benefits.

Key advantages that directly addressed InDro's challenges:

Advanced SLAM integration: Compatibility with the latest Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) algorithms within ROS 2 enabled InDro to push the boundaries of autonomous navigation and environmental perception.

Outdoor-optimized design: The integrated polarized lens proved essential for outdoor applications, particularly benefiting their Sentinel Security Robot by significantly improving visual clarity in challenging lighting conditions.

Simplified integration: All-in-one camera cable design reduced potential failure points and simplified integration across development teams.

Quantitative results : measuring the impact of Stereolabs ZED X on InDro Robotics

Over their four-year partnership with Stereolabs, InDro Robotics has documented significant quantitative improvements in their robotic operations:

Enhanced mapping performance and speed : The ZED X system delivered measurable improvements in both the performance and speed of robotic mapping operations. These enhancements directly translated to more efficient environmental understanding and faster deployment capabilities across their robot fleet.

Exceptional performance-to-cost ratio : At ~$600, the ZED X delivers an exceptional performance-to-cost ratio compared to competitors.

Reduced deployment times : The improvements in mapping speed and accuracy have directly reduced deployment times for their robotic systems, enabling faster project turnaround and increased operational efficiency.

Qualitative insight : How ZED X enhanced real-world performance and reliability

The partnership has delivered numerous benefits that have fundamentally improved InDro's development processes:

Accelerated development cycles : Reliable performance and robust SDK support have accelerated development cycles for new robotic platforms, allowing engineering teams to focus on innovation rather than troubleshooting vision system integration.

Enhanced operational capabilities : The ZED X system has enabled more sophisticated autonomous behaviors across their diverse applications. This has been particularly valuable for their Sentinel inspection robot, where enhanced visual perception directly translates to more accurate asset monitoring and security surveillance.

New application possibilities : The outdoor performance of the ZED X has unlocked new possibilities for the Sentinel robot, enhancing inspection and security applications.

Business impact : key outcomes and ROI from the ZED X integration

Adopting the ZED X system had a significant impact on InDro Robotics:

• Reduced deployment time for new robotic platforms
• Enhanced performance and reliability across the existing fleet
• Expanded market opportunities through improved outdoor capabilities, especially for Sentinel inspection and security robots

Customer testimonial : A true success for our engineering initiatives

Director of engineering Arron Griffiths summarizes the impact: "We are very impressed with the newest ZED X camera system. Its continuous improvements in mapping performance and speed, combined with its ability to support cutting-edge ROS 2 SLAM algorithms, have been invaluable. The all-in-one cable and polarized lens further reinforce its position as a critical component for our outdoor security robots, marking this as a true success for our engineering initiatives."

Long-term partnership : InDro Robotics and Stereolabs’ ongoing collaboration

The relationship between InDro Robotics and Stereolabs exemplifies the value of strategic technology partnerships in the robotics industry. As Griffiths reflects, "Our four-year partnership with Stereolabs has been marked by continuous success. Their cameras have consistently delivered reliable performance, enabling us to advance our robotic capabilities in areas like advanced mapping, localization, and environmental perception."

The ZED X system represents what Griffiths calls "a significant leap forward in performance and integration, directly contributing to the enhanced functionality and reliability of our robots."

Innovation in robotics : setting new benchmarks in autonomous navigation

The success of this partnership underscores the critical importance of innovation in the rapidly evolving robotics industry. As Griffiths explains, "Innovation is the cornerstone of our field at InDro Robotics. The robotics industry is rapidly evolving, and continuous innovation in sensor technology, algorithms, and hardware design is crucial for developing robots that are more autonomous, efficient, safe, and capable."

He continues, "Partnerships with innovative suppliers like Stereolabs are essential for us to integrate cutting-edge technologies that keep our products at the forefront of the market and allow us to solve increasingly complex real-world problems."

Future outlook : What’s next for InDro robotics and AI powered navigation

The success of their Stereolabs partnership has positioned InDro Robotics for continued growth and innovation. When asked about future applications, Griffiths is enthusiastic: "Absolutely. Given the consistent performance, ongoing innovation, and excellent support we've received, InDro Robotics will certainly consider Stereolabs for future projects requiring advanced vision-based perception. Its versatility for both indoor and outdoor applications makes it a strong candidate for upcoming R&D and product development initiatives."

Key takeaways & conclusion : lessons from the InDro Robotics case study

InDro Robotics' success with Stereolabs demonstrates several critical factors for successful robotics deployments:

1. Comprehensive evaluation: The importance of evaluating solutions holistically rather than focusing on individual features in isolation.
2. Performance-cost balance: How the right technology partner can deliver exceptional performance without compromising budget constraints.
3. Integration simplicity: The value of solutions that reduce complexity and potential failure points in robotic systems.
4. Versatility across applications: The benefit of standardizing on technology platforms that can adapt to diverse operational requirements.
5. Long-term partnership value: How sustained relationships with innovative technology partners can drive continuous improvement and open new possibilities.

InDro Robotics' four-year journey with Stereolabs showcases how the right vision technology and partnership can transform robotic capabilities—delivering faster deployments, stronger operational reliability, and future-ready innovation.

About InDro Robotics: InDro Robotics is Canada's leading UAV, ground and sea robotics research and development company, specializing in autonomous robots and drones for complex operations, data collection, surveillance, and delivery services. Their flagship sentinel inspection robot represents a pinnacle in industrial robotics, engineered to autonomously navigate, collect data, and surveil critical infrastructure.