Thoro launches CoreFlex with Orbbec 3D cameras

Thoro has launched CoreFlex, a modular autonomy stack for industrial vehicles that uses 3D cameras from Orbbec.

The product targets original equipment manufacturers seeking to use a single autonomy system across multiple vehicle types rather than building separate stacks for each machine. CoreFlex is designed as an infrastructure-free system for large-scale industrial use, supporting functions such as autonomous navigation, pallet handling, and obstacle detection.

It combines sensors, onboard compute, plug-and-play interfaces, autonomy software, fleet management tools, and a cloud platform in a single package. Thoro says this setup is intended to help manufacturers bring products to market faster and reduce development costs when deploying autonomous functions across multiple robot formats.

A key part of the system is Orbbec's Gemini 336 stereo 3D camera. According to the companies, its depth engine improves depth perception for navigation and pallet handling, while active infrared imaging supports operation in changing light and reflective environments, as well as in busy warehouse settings.

Its compact design and standardised interface also fit Thoro's cross-platform architecture. The companies say consistency across deployments is intended to reduce failures caused by edge cases in live industrial environments.

OEM Focus

The launch reflects a broader push in industrial automation towards modular systems that can be adapted for multiple machine types. Instead of designing autonomy from the ground up for each vehicle, suppliers are increasingly offering reusable software and sensor stacks for forklifts, pallet movers, cleaning machines and other mobile equipment.

Thoro positions itself as a software-led company working with OEMs that want to introduce autonomous systems without building all the underlying technology in-house. It says its stack already supports more than 1,300 deployed systems across material handling, cleaning and logistics.

That installed base provides context for the CoreFlex launch. Rather than presenting a single-purpose robot, Thoro is offering a common platform that it says can work across multiple industrial applications and vehicle categories.

For Orbbec, the agreement places its 3D vision hardware inside a product aimed at warehouse and logistics operators, where reliable depth sensing remains central to navigation, load movement and safety. Robotics suppliers increasingly rely on combinations of cameras, software and onboard processing to handle tasks in environments where lighting conditions and moving obstacles can affect machine performance.

Executive Views

"When sensor performance is exceptional, the software fully delivers on its design intent. We commit to providing OEMs worldwide with safe, scalable, and easy-to-use industrial autonomy solutions. Orbbec's superior hardware and software capabilities give us the confidence to scale applications, and we are excited to expand into new vehicle types and deployment scenarios," said Patrick Mondi, Chief Executive Officer, Thoro.

"CoreFlex demonstrates the tremendous potential of modular autonomous systems. The chip-level depth-sensing capability of Orbbec enables CoreFlex to achieve stable, efficient autonomous operation even in complex warehouse environments. We look forward to accelerating the industry's shift toward intelligent, automated operations together," said Brad Suessmith, Robotics Sales Manager at Orbbec.

Market Context

Industrial groups have been looking for ways to automate warehouses and other facilities without adding fixed infrastructure such as floor markers or dedicated guidance systems. Systems that rely on onboard perception and software are often presented as easier to deploy across existing sites, especially where layouts change or fleets include different vehicle designs.

At the same time, OEMs face pressure to shorten development cycles while meeting customer expectations for autonomy, safety and interoperability. A modular stack can help by allowing manufacturers to integrate standard components and adapt them across product lines.

Thoro says CoreFlex was built to meet that need by offering a unified system for autonomy, fleet management and cloud-based oversight. Its emphasis on a common platform also suggests an effort to move beyond one-off deployments towards repeatable designs that can be rolled out at scale.

Orbbec brings a broad installed base of its own, serving more than 3,000 clients and developers across nearly 100 countries and regions with 3D vision sensors and related systems for robotics, scanning and biometrics.

The companies also say that four new autonomous mobile robots, equipped with Gemini 336 cameras, are planned for cleaning and material-handling applications across several industries.