Raspberry Pi Unveils AI HAT+: A Powerful Boost for AI Development on Single-Board Computers

How to Set Up the Raspberry Pi AI HAT+ for AI Projects

The Raspberry Pi AI HAT+ represents a significant advancement in AI technology for single-board computers. This powerful accessory features a 26 TOPS neural processing unit (NPU), doubling the performance of its predecessor while maintaining efficient power consumption. By seamlessly integrating with the Raspberry Pi 5, the AI HAT+ opens up new possibilities for developers and hobbyists in the realm of artificial intelligence. Imagine having the power of advanced AI processing right at your fingertips, without the need for bulky, power-hungry equipment. For many developers and tech enthusiasts, the Raspberry Pi has been a beloved tool for exploring and creating innovative projects. Now, with the introduction of the Raspberry Pi AI HAT+, this compact powerhouse is taking a giant leap forward. Featuring a 26 TOPS neural processing unit, the AI HAT+ doubles the performance of its predecessor. But what does this mean for you and your projects? With the AI HAT+, the possibilities are vast and exciting. From smart home automation to autonomous robotics, this device is designed to handle complex AI tasks with impressive speed and accuracy. The comprehensive package includes everything you need to get started, from high-performance NVMe drives to versatile camera modules. The Raspberry Pi AI HAT+ comes with a range of components designed to enhance your AI development experience: This comprehensive package ensures you have the necessary hardware to dive into complex AI projects right out of the box. Setting up the AI HAT+ involves a straightforward process: 1. Install the HAT+ on a Raspberry Pi 5 for optimal compatibility and performance. 2. Use official Raspberry Pi cables to ensure reliable connectivity and prevent performance issues. 3. Follow the Raspberry Pi documentation to set up the AI software environment. 4. Configure your chosen camera module for image input. By carefully following these steps, you'll create a robust foundation for your AI experiments and applications. Expand your understanding of Neural processing unit (NPU) with additional resources from our extensive library of articles. The AI HAT+ demonstrates exceptional performance in object detection and image processing tasks. When tested with video input, it showcases significantly improved speed and accuracy compared to earlier models. The integration with the AI camera further enhances these capabilities, allowing: These improvements make the AI HAT+ suitable for a wide range of applications, from autonomous systems to advanced computer vision projects. To maximize the potential of the Raspberry Pi AI HAT+, consider the following technical insights: 1. Cable quality matters: Always use official Raspberry Pi cables to maintain optimal performance and avoid potential issues. 2. Seamless camera integration: The AI HAT+ works exceptionally well with Raspberry Pi camera modules, making sure smooth visual data input. 3. Thermal management: While efficient, intensive AI processing can generate heat. Ensure proper ventilation for your Raspberry Pi setup. 4. Storage utilization: Make effective use of the NVMe drive for storing large datasets and models to enhance overall system performance. By adhering to these best practices, you can ensure a stable and high-performing AI development environment. The Raspberry Pi AI HAT+ significantly enhances the platform's capacity to handle complex AI tasks. Its rapid image processing and object detection capabilities make it an ideal choice for a diverse range of applications, including: Whether you're a professional developer working on innovative AI solutions or an enthusiastic hobbyist exploring the world of artificial intelligence, the AI HAT+ provides the necessary performance and efficiency to bring your ideas to life. The introduction of the Raspberry Pi AI HAT+ marks a new chapter in accessible AI development. By combining powerful hardware with the versatility of the Raspberry Pi ecosystem, it enables users to push the boundaries of what's possible in AI and machine learning projects. As AI continues to shape our technological landscape, tools like the AI HAT+ play a crucial role in providing widespread access to access to advanced computing capabilities, fostering innovation across various fields and applications.

Unlock AI Power: Raspberry Pi's New AI HAT+ with Hailo Accelerators

As well as launching its new AI camera and AI starter kit, Raspberry Pi has introduced the AI HAT+, a significant enhancement to its AI product lineup, designed to elevate AI machine learning capabilities. Only compatible with the Pi 5 mini PC the AI HAT+ is available in two distinct models, each powered by Hailo AI accelerator technology, catering to a variety of performance needs. The first model, featuring the Hailo-8L accelerator, offers 13 TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second) and is priced at $70. The second model, equipped with the Hailo-8 accelerator, delivers 26 TOPS and is available for $110. Both models are engineered to support advanced AI applications, including real-time image processing and neural network acceleration, making them suitable for a wide range of uses. The AI HAT+ is specifically designed for high-performance AI tasks, using its robust processing capabilities to handle complex operations such as real-time image processing. A standout feature of this device is its ability to accelerate neural networks, facilitating the efficient execution of AI models. The device connects seamlessly to Raspberry Pi boards via GPIO pins, making sure straightforward integration into existing systems. This connectivity feature allows users to deploy AI solutions without the need for extensive hardware modifications, making it an attractive option for both new and existing projects. To further enhance performance, the AI HAT+ automatically switches to PCIe Gen 3.0 mode, optimizing compute power for demanding tasks. This feature is particularly beneficial for applications requiring high data throughput and low latency, such as real-time video analytics and autonomous systems. The integration of the Hailo accelerator chip directly onto the main PCB simplifies setup and improves thermal dissipation, making sure stable operation even during intensive workloads. This design choice underscores the device's capability to handle demanding AI applications efficiently. The 26 TOPS model of the AI HAT+ offers superior performance, supporting more complex neural networks and allowing the simultaneous execution of multiple networks. This capability is crucial for intricate AI tasks that demand substantial computational resources, such as deep learning inferencing and large-scale data analysis. The model's enhanced performance makes it suitable for both research and commercial applications where speed and accuracy are paramount. Its ability to handle complex tasks efficiently positions it as a valuable tool for developers and researchers alike. Both models of the AI HAT+ offer backward compatibility with the existing AI Kit, providing users with the flexibility to integrate new technology into their current systems. This compatibility ensures that the AI HAT+ can be used across a wide range of applications, from hobbyist projects to industrial AI deployments. The ability to efficiently run inferencing workloads on Raspberry Pi platforms broadens the potential use cases for these devices, making them a versatile tool in the AI ecosystem. This adaptability is a key advantage for users looking to enhance their AI capabilities without overhauling their existing infrastructure. The introduction of the Raspberry Pi AI HAT+ signifies a notable advancement in AI acceleration technology. With its powerful Hailo accelerators, seamless connectivity, and enhanced performance capabilities, the AI HAT+ is poised to become an essential component for developers and researchers aiming to advance AI applications. Its backward compatibility and flexible integration options further establish its role as a valuable asset in the pursuit of high-performance AI solutions. The AI HAT+ not only enhances the capabilities of Raspberry Pi boards but also expands the possibilities for AI development across various sectors. In summary, the AI HAT+ by Raspberry Pi, with its integration of Hailo accelerators, offers a robust solution for enhancing AI capabilities. Its design and features cater to a wide range of applications, making it a versatile and valuable tool in the ever-evolving field of artificial intelligence. Discover other guides from our vast content that could be of interest on AI accelerator technology.

Raspberry Pi Gets a Performance Boost With the AI Hat+

Raspberry Pi now offers an AI HAT+ add-on with up to 26 TOPS of performance. It's an interesting addition to the Pi 5, particularly for developers who are interested in embedded computer vision applications. ✕ Remove Ads As you may know, Raspberry Pi introduced an M.2 HAT+ board for the Pi 5 earlier this year. The M.2 HAT+ can accommodate a range of M.2 PCIe devices -- most people are using it for NVMe SSDs, though some developers have honed in on Raspberry Pi's AI Kit, a product that includes both an M.2 HAT+ and a Halio-8L NPU module. The tiny little Halio module connects to the M.2 HAT+ and provides up to 13 tera-operations per second (TOPS) of compute power, significantly enhancing the Pi 5's AI prowess. The AI HAT+ is basically an M.2 HAT+ with an integrated, soldered-on Halio NPU module in place of the M.2 slot. In other words, it's a single-board version of the Pi AI Kit. This integrated design simplifies setup (particularly for enterprise customers who may need several NPU-equipped Pi SBCs) and provides improved thermal performance for extended AI tasks. ✕ Remove Ads Customers can choose between two versions of the AI HAT+. The standard version features the same Halio-8L accelerator as the Pi AI Kit, meaning that it's limited to 13 TOPS. A more impressive Halio-8 version with 26 TOPS of compute power -- great for running multiple neural networks simultaneously -- is also available. Models designed for the original Pi AI Kit are compatible with the AI HAT+, and any model that works on the Halio-8L will run on the more powerful Halio-8. ✕ Remove Ads There are certainly some limitations to the AI HAT+'s design, the most notable being horsepower. While the Halio-8L and Halio-8 accelerators are capable of running a diverse set of tasks, including some very lightweight LLMs, they're primarily intended for computer vision models. And although Halio's "Model Zoo" is a fantastic starting point for developers or hobbyists who want to test the Pi's AI capabilities, the process of training and compiling a custom model for the Pi requires a fair amount of patience and knowledge. Those who are new to machine learning should start their journey with a conventional PC, rather than a Raspberry Pi. The AI HAT+ also removes your ability to install an M.2 HAT+ on the Pi 5, as the SBC is limited to a single PCIe 3.0 interface. You can have an NPU or an NVME SSD, but not both. (If you want to swap between an NPU and NVME, you're better off with the Pi AI Kit.) As a quick aside, I want to point out how hard it is to keep up with Pi accessories in 2024. The Raspberry Pi Foundation just keeps coming out with cool new toys, like the aforementioned AI kit and M.2 expansion board, an AI camera, first-party SD cards, plus a line of NVMe drives. And those are just accessories -- Raspberry PI has unveiled several exciting software solutions this year, and it introduced its first-ever RISC-V board in August. ✕ Remove Ads The 13 TOPS and 26 TOPS models of Raspberry Pi AI HAT+ are available today for $70 and $110, respectively. If you're willing to sacrifice performance for modularity, the Pi AI Kit (which includes an M.2 HAT+ board and a removable 13 TOPS NPU module) is also available for $70. Regardless of which AI board you buy, you'll probably want to grab a $70 Pi AI Camera, too. Source: Raspberry Pi

Raspberry Pi Boosts Its AI Game with New AI Hat+ Add-On

It uses the same Hailo-8 neural network inference accelerator as the AI Kit but it has been built-in this time around. The AI-fication of Raspberry has been evident as of late, with the microcomputer maker launching AI products left, right, and center. Earlier this month, Raspberry launched its AI camera module in partnership with Sony. Prior to that, we saw them release its AI Kit for the Raspberry Pi 5, bringing neural processing and machine learning to the mighty minion. Expanding its catalog, the Raspberry Pi Foundation has now launched AI Hat+, which is also made in collaboration with Hailo. From the looks of it, the new Raspberry Pi AI Hat+ is almost identical to the AI Kit. However, there are some major differences. For starters, while the AI Hat+ uses the same Hailo-8 neural network inference accelerator as the AI Kit, it's in-built this time around instead of having to connect it via an M.2 interface. Additionally, the Raspberry Pi AI Kit+ comes in two variants. The top-of-the-line 26 TOPS variant is backed by Hailo-8, while the 13 TOPS model uses Hailo-8L. As for pricing, while the former will set you at $110, the latter costs $70. The AI Kit as well as the AI camera using the Sony IMX500 "Intelligent Vision Sensor" cost $70 as well. The official release states, "Raspberry Pi AI HAT+ allows you to build a wide range of AI-powered applications for process control, home automation, research, and more." The 26 TOPS variant understandably exists to tackle larger as well as multiple networks with more ease. As the world of AI dictates, the more the TOPS, always the better. Besides, once you update to the latest Raspberry OS, the system will detect and put the integrated Hailo accelerator to use. Raspberry has been expanding its product categories at an impressive scale lately, making its own SSDs and micro SDs as well. All of this integrates well with the Raspberry Pi 5, allowing users to leave no stone unturned when experimenting with the microcomputer. Whether you're looking to make a wireless Android Auto dongle for your car using Raspberry Pi, or are simply trying to make a Minecraft server, the versatility of this microcomputer is insane. Getting more AI power is only going to pave the way for more such bizarre yet incredible possibilities. With that said, what do you think of the new Raspberry Pi AI Hat+ add-on? Let us know in the comments down below!

Raspberry Pi release higher performance AI HAT+ -- 13 and 26 TOPS variants

Raspberry Pi has another new product to introduce this week, a continuation of its AI-centric products for the Raspberry Pi 5. The Raspberry Pi AI HAT+ comes in two versions, a 13 and 26 tera-operations per second TOPS and continues its partnership with Hailo. Fresh from the news that Raspberry Pi now has its own branded SSDs, micro SD cards and a bumper for the Raspberry Pi 5. Raspberry Pi has also announced its third AI-centric product in the form of the Raspberry Pi AI HAT+. You may be thinking that this looks familiar, and you are partially correct. It looks very similar to the previously released Raspberry Pi AI Kit and it also uses a Hailo-8 neural network inference accelerator. But the AI Kit+ sees the accelerator built into the board, and not via an M.2 interface. However, it still uses the PCIe interface, running at Gen 3 speeds. Much like the Raspberry Pi SSD which also runs at PCIe Gen 3, indicating that Raspberry Pi may shift (if they haven't already) the default PCIe speed from Gen 2 to 3 in a software update. The new Raspberry Pi AI Kit+ comes in two variants. The 26 TOPS variant provided by a Hailo-8, and a 13 TOPS Hailo-8L version, matching the performance of the Raspberry Pi AI Kit. Raspberry Pi also recently released the Raspberry Pi AI Camera kit, which does not use a Hailo accelerator. Instead the Camera kit uses a Sony IMX500 "Intelligent Vision Sensor" which is not directly comparable to Hailo boards. But, we are working on a benchmark test that we can use to compare the performance of all three devices. The 26 TOPS variant is made to handle larger networks, running them quicker than other Raspberry Pi accelerators. The 26 TOPs variant can also run multiple networks simultaneously, something that we will be testing with our 26 TOPs review model. If you are running the latest version of Raspberry Pi OS, then it will automatically detect the on-board Hailo accelerator, making it available for use in AI applications including rpicam-apps and Picamera2. The Raspberry Pi AI HAT+ comes with 16mm spacers (providing clearance for the Active Cooler), stacking header and flat flex cable to connect to the PCIe connector on the Raspberry Pi 5. We've got one on the desk, and we shall be testing and comparing it to the other Raspberry Pi AI products in a full review.

Raspberry Pi launches AI HAT+ in 13 and 26 TOPS variants

Recap: It has been a busy month for the Raspberry Pi Foundation. Shortly after announcing branded SD cards and a silicon bumper case for the Pi 5, the foundation introduced a series of branded SSDs and SSD kits for their current-gen hobby board. Now, we are getting even more AI-enabled options. Raspberry Pi has added two new members to its AI product family: the AI HAT+ in 13 TOPS (tera-operations per second) and 26 TOPS variants. Both feature the same Hailo AI accelerator tech that was found in the earlier AI Kit, but there are some differences. The foundation notes that the Hailo accelerator chip is integrated directly onto the main PCB of the AI HAT+, rather than utilizing the M.2 connector like the AI Kit. The change is said to simplify setup and improve efficiency thanks to enhanced thermal dissipation. PCIe Gen 3.0 mode is used - at least on the 26 TOPS version - to fully leverage the compute power of the Hailo 8 accelerator, the foundation noted. The 13 TOPS and 26 TOPS models can do the same things; it is just that performance will be better with the faster version. The 26 TOPS variant can also run multiple networks simultaneously at high frame rates. For example, the foundation said it can perform object detection, pose estimation, and subject segmentation on a live video feed all at the same time. Both also support common frameworks like PyTorch and TensorFlow, and have an operating temperature range of zero degrees C to 50 degrees C. The Raspberry Pi AI HAT+ 13 TOPS variant is priced at $70 while the 26 TOPS model will set you back $110. The foundation notes that both are fully backward compatible with the AI Kit, which arrived this past summer with 13 TOPS of inference performance. The AI HAT+ comes with all of the necessary spacers, screws, and other hardware to mount it to a Raspberry Pi 5, even with an active cooler in place.

Raspberry Pi releases more AI-focused add-ons | TechCrunch

Raspberry Pi has been shipping new products at a rapid pace lately. This week, the company is adding several new products to its lineup to extend the functionalities of the Raspberry Pi 5. Raspberry Pi is mostly known for its tiny, cheap, single-board computers that are widely used by hobbyists and schools, as well as industrial and electronics manufacturing companies. The Raspberry Pi 5, the company's flagship product, features a PCIe 3.0 interface exposed with a 16-pin connector. The company has been selling M.2 HAT+ extension cards that convert the 16-pin connector to a more traditional M.2 connector. HAT stands for "Hardware Attached on Top", a cute acronym the company has been using to refer to extension cards that you attach to a regular Raspberry Pi. Raspberry Pi users have been taking advantage of that M.2 slot to add NVMe SSDs (more on that below) and other add-ons. For instance, Raspberry Pi back in June started selling an AI Kit that's essentially an M.2 extension card with a neural network inference accelerator from Hailo. Today, the company is launching a brand new HAT+ add-on board with a built-in Hailo inference accelerator. The Raspberry Pi AI HAT+ comes in 13 and 26 tera-operations per second (TOPS) variants, retailing at $70 and $110 respectively. The 13 TOPS variant features the same module as the one in the existing AI Kit. You're not going to train a GPT on a Raspberry Pi, but these AI add-ons are a cost-effective way to perform inference at the edge. Unlike the M.2 HAT+, the AI HAT+ doesn't have an M.2 interface. It's a single package designed for Hailo's inference modules. Here's what the AI HAT+ looks like (left) compared to the M.2 HAT+ when used with the AI Kit (right): If you're familiar with PC components, you know that most modern NVMe storage drives also use M.2 connectors. There are different SSD types though, and they come in varying form factors and performance speeds. For the Raspberry Pi 5, you can use any NVMe SSD in the 2230 and 2242 form factors that are compatible with PCIe 3.0. Off-the-shelf SSDs will work fine with a Raspberry Pi 5 with an M.2 HAT+ extension. The company is also launching its own branded M.2 NVMe SSDs -- the 256GB variant sells for $30 and the 512GB version goes for $45. For context, a 256GB SSD with similar specifications currently costs between $20 and $30 on Amazon. The company also sells SSD Kit bundles with both an M.2 HAT+ and an SSD in a single box. The 256GB SSD Kit costs $40, while the 512GB one costs $55. These SSD Kits aren't going to revolutionize the Raspberry Pi ecosystem, but they are a nice way to make sure you're buying an SSD that is compatible with the Raspberry Pi 5 and its M.2 HAT+ attachment.