TLDR:
- Raspberry Pi launches $70 AI Camera with on-board AI processing
- Uses Sony IMX500 image sensor paired with RP2040 microcontroller
- Compatible with all Raspberry Pi computers, frees up host Pi for other tasks
- Pre-loaded with MobileNet-SSD object detection model
- Aimed at industrial/embedded use cases like smart sensors and quality control
The Raspberry Pi Foundation has unveiled its latest product offering – the Raspberry Pi AI Camera. Priced at $70, this new camera module combines image capture capabilities with on-board artificial intelligence processing, opening up new possibilities for edge computing and machine vision applications.
At the heart of the AI Camera is Sony’s IMX500 image sensor, which is paired with Raspberry Pi’s own RP2040 microcontroller chip. This combination allows the module to not only capture 12.3-megapixel images but also perform AI inference tasks directly on the device. The camera comes pre-loaded with the MobileNet-SSD object detection model, enabling real-time object recognition out of the box.
One of the key advantages of this new module is its ability to offload AI processing from the host Raspberry Pi computer. By handling visual data processing on-board, the AI Camera leaves the main Raspberry Pi free to perform other operations without requiring additional accelerator hardware. This makes it an efficient solution for applications that need both image capture and AI capabilities.
The AI Camera is compatible with all existing Raspberry Pi computers and connects via a standard ribbon cable. It maintains the same compact form factor as previous Raspberry Pi camera modules, measuring just 25mm x 24mm, though it is slightly thicker due to the additional hardware.
While hobbyists and education markets have traditionally been a focus for Raspberry Pi products, the company expects the AI Camera to find significant uptake in industrial and commercial applications.
Potential use cases include smart city sensors for parking management and traffic monitoring, as well as automated quality control in manufacturing settings.
The inclusion of on-board AI processing sets the new module apart from Raspberry Pi’s existing Camera Module 3. While the standard camera will remain available at a lower price point, the AI Camera offers enhanced capabilities for projects requiring computer vision and machine learning at the edge.
Software support for the AI Camera includes integration with popular machine learning frameworks. Users can leverage tools to convert PyTorch and TensorFlow models for use on the device. This flexibility allows developers to deploy custom AI models tailored to their specific application needs.
In testing, the AI Camera has demonstrated impressive performance, maintaining 30 frames per second for tasks like human pose estimation and object detection at 640×480 resolution. This real-time processing capability makes it suitable for responsive, low-latency applications.
Raspberry Pi has committed to keeping the AI Camera in production until at least January 2028, providing assurance for companies looking to incorporate the module into their products or industrial processes. This long-term availability is crucial for businesses that require a stable supply chain for their hardware components.
As with other Raspberry Pi products, the AI Camera is expected to spur innovation among makers, researchers, and businesses exploring the intersection of computer vision and artificial intelligence.
