Abstract: The theory and principle of binocular vision is studied, as well as its crucial technology-stereo matching. Also, the applications of binocular vision on Stanley and Spirit and Opportunity, the Mars Exploration Rover developed by NASA as well as the research platform-MR-3, developed by NO805 Institute, Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, are presented. Finally, the application and future development of stereo vision is proposed according to the current level and technical bottleneck of stereo vision.

Key words: computer application, binocular vision technology, stereo matching, disparity