Raspberry Pi and Sony Unveil $70 AI Camera Module with On-Board Processing

BigGo Editorial Team
Raspberry Pi and Sony Unveil $70 AI Camera Module with On-Board Processing

In a significant leap forward for edge AI development, Raspberry Pi has partnered with Sony to introduce a groundbreaking AI camera module. This new offering promises to simplify the creation of visual AI solutions for makers and developers worldwide.

The Raspberry Pi AI Camera, priced at $70, integrates Sony's IMX500 intelligent vision sensor with Raspberry Pi's RP2040 microcontroller. This powerful combination enables on-board AI processing, eliminating the need for additional components like GPUs or accelerators typically required for handling complex visual data.

Key features of the new AI camera module include:

  • 12.3-megapixel resolution
  • Capture rates of 10 fps at 4056 x 3040 or 40 fps at 2028 x 1520
  • Manually adjustable focus
  • 76-degree field of view
  • Compact dimensions: 25 x 24 x 11.9mm

Raspberry Pi CEO Eben Upton highlighted the growing importance of AI-based image processing, expressing excitement about the potential applications the community will develop using this new tool.

The AI camera module is compatible with all Raspberry Pi single-board computers, making it accessible to a wide range of users. Its ability to process AI tasks on-device opens up new possibilities for edge computing applications, from smart home devices to industrial automation.

While the $70 price point is higher than previous Raspberry Pi camera modules, the integrated AI capabilities offer significant value for developers looking to implement machine vision projects without the need for additional hardware.

The Raspberry Pi AI Camera is available now through authorized resellers, marking another milestone in Raspberry Pi's mission to provide affordable, powerful tools for technology enthusiasts and professionals alike.

The Raspberry Pi AI Camera Kit showcasing its compact design and powerful components
The Raspberry Pi AI Camera Kit showcasing its compact design and powerful components