What is pose estimation?

Pose estimation is the capability of a robot or robotic vehicle to determine the precise position and orientation (pose) of an object in three-dimensional space. For example, it can accurately locate and orient a pallet in a warehouse environment. This information is essential for autonomous systems to perform complex operations such as gripping, manipulation, or trailer unloading safely and efficiently.

Pose estimation relies heavily on camera inputs combined with advanced computer vision algorithms and sometimes sensor fusion to interpret spatial relationships and angles of objects relative to the robot. Accurate pose data enables robots to plan and execute precise movements, improving their ability to handle irregular or varied-shaped objects in dynamic and unstructured environments.