Raspberry Pi has rolled out two new AI HAT+ boards for its Raspberry Pi 5, pushing the envelope in affordable AI processing at the edge. These HAT+ add-ons, featuring the Hailo-8 accelerator, offer developers a choice between 13 and 26 tera-operations per second (TOPS) models, priced at $70 and $110, respectively. The HAT+ boards bring new AI power to Raspberry Pi’s platform, enabling more advanced applications such as object detection and real-time video analytics.
Unlike previous AI products that required an M.2 interface, the new HAT+ boards integrate the Hailo AI accelerator directly onto the board, streamlining setup and improving performance. With direct PCIe 3.0 support, Raspberry Pi 5 users can expect faster data transfers and smoother AI performance, even in demanding edge environments.
AI at the Edge: Real-Time Processing Without the Cloud
The 26 TOPS variant of the AI HAT+ is designed to handle complex neural networks simultaneously, making it ideal for scenarios like robotics, autonomous vehicles, and facial recognition systems. Its onboard processing capabilities reduce the need for constant cloud connectivity, a significant advantage for applications that demand low latency and immediate results.
The 13 TOPS variant provides a more affordable option for users with less intensive needs, while still offering solid AI performance. Both versions integrate smoothly with Raspberry Pi OS, which automatically recognizes the Hailo-8 chip and enables it for AI tasks such as video processing and machine learning applications.
Building on Raspberry Pi 5’s Platform
The launch of these AI HAT+ boards follows the release of Raspberry Pi 5 in September 2023, which introduced a range of performance upgrades including PCIe 3.0 connectivity, dual HDMI ports, USB-C, and Wi-Fi 6. These enhancements made Raspberry Pi 5 an attractive option for developers working on more resource-intensive projects, from advanced robotics to home automation.
With its faster processor and support for up to 8GB of RAM, Raspberry Pi 5 laid the groundwork for this expansion into AI. By offering seamless compatibility with PCIe 3.0, the AI HAT+ boards take full advantage of these hardware improvements, allowing users to run more sophisticated AI models than ever before.
Raspberry Pi’s AI Journey: From Kit to Camera
The introduction of the AI HAT+ continues Raspberry Pi’s push into AI development, which began earlier this year with the release of the AI Kit in June 2024. This kit, also powered by Hailo’s AI accelerator, provided 13 TOPS of AI processing via an M.2 interface. It marked Raspberry Pi’s first step toward integrating machine learning into its hardware lineup, although the need for separate components, like a camera module, added some complexity.
Earlier in October, Raspberry Pi further expanded its AI offerings with the release of a $70 AI Camera featuring a Sony IMX500 sensor. Unlike the AI Kit, the AI Camera integrates AI processing directly into the sensor, allowing tasks like object detection to be handled without additional load on the Raspberry Pi’s main processor. This camera can capture high-resolution images while running neural network models, all with reduced latency and power consumption.
Energy Efficiency and Modular Design
Both the AI HAT+ boards and the AI Camera reflect Raspberry Pi’s focus on energy-efficient solutions. The Hailo accelerators, known for their low power usage, consume just 1-2 watts, making them well-suited for battery-powered devices and remote AI applications. By using passive cooling, these AI boards can operate continuously without the need for extra fans or cooling mechanisms.
The decision to separate the AI accelerator from the main processor, rather than integrate it into Raspberry Pi 5’s CPU, follows Raspberry Pi’s modular design philosophy. This approach not only keeps the base cost of the Raspberry Pi 5 affordable but also gives users the flexibility to add AI capabilities as needed.
Unlocking AI for All: From Developers to Hobbyists
By launching these new HAT+ boards, Raspberry Pi continues to democratize AI technology. Competing solutions from Nvidia or Intel are more powerful but come at a much higher price point. With the AI HAT+ and AI Camera, Raspberry Pi offers a budget-friendly alternative for developers and hobbyists alike, enabling them to explore AI at the edge without the barriers of high cost or complexity.
The new tools empower users to create more efficient AI-powered devices that can operate independently of cloud-based systems, making Raspberry Pi a viable platform for edge AI projects across a variety of industries. Whether you’re building a surveillance system, developing an autonomous vehicle, or just experimenting with machine learning, Raspberry Pi’s AI product range offers the flexibility to grow with your needs.
Last Updated on November 7, 2024 2:21 pm CET