Robots commonly perceive their surroundings with cameras, which capture rich colour and detail, or with range sensors that measure distance by timing reflected light. Cameras see texture and read signs but struggle to judge exact distance; range sensors measure distance precisely but see no colour.
Many robots use both, letting each cover the other's weakness. The choice depends on the job: fine distance for safe movement, rich detail for recognising objects. Combining them well is often what separates a reliable robot from a fragile one.