Top 5 AI boards to use in Robotics

Think Robotics is a prominent company in the field of robotics that offers a plethora of electronic components, robotic supply products, and services. Whether you're a seasoned roboticist or a budding enthusiast, Think Robotics has something in store for everyone. They cater to a wide range of customers with varying interests and expertise levels, offering 3D printers, robotics kits, drone parts, and an assortment of cameras.

Think Robotics also boasts a vibrant community section that serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to expand their knowledge in robotics. This section is brimming with tutorials and how-to guides that can be immensely helpful for those embarking on their robotics journey.

In today's blog post, we'll delve into the top 5 AI boards that Think Robotics offers and explore how they can be leveraged to construct intelligent robots. We'll also delve into the factors to consider when selecting an AI board for your robotics project.

1. NVIDIA Jetson Nano Developer Kit

The NVIDIA Jetson Nano Developer Kit is a powerful and versatile AI board that is ideally suited for a wide range of robotics applications. It's equipped with a potent NVIDIA Maxwell architecture-based GPU that delivers exceptional processing power, making it adept at handling complex deep-learning algorithms and computer vision tasks. The Jetson Nano also features a quad-core ARM Cortex-A57 CPU that ensures smooth operation and efficient task execution.

One of the primary advantages of the NVIDIA Jetson Nano Developer Kit is its compact form factor. Its diminutive size makes it an ideal choice for applications where space constraints are a concern, such as in the development of compact robots or autonomous drones. Despite its small size, the Jetson Nano packs a powerful punch, making it a compelling option for those seeking an AI board that delivers exceptional performance in a space-saving design.

Another noteworthy benefit of the NVIDIA Jetson Nano Developer Kit is its comprehensive software support. NVIDIA offers a robust software development kit (SDK) that furnishes developers with the tools and resources necessary to create intelligent robotics applications. The SDK encompasses a pre-flashed SD card with the NVIDIA Jetson operating system, along with libraries for deep learning frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch. This comprehensive software support streamlines the development process and empowers developers to focus on crafting innovative robotics solutions.

shop now

2. Raspberry Pi 4 Model B

The Raspberry Pi 4 Model B is a well-established AI board that enjoys widespread popularity among hobbyists and professional roboticists alike. It's a competent option for those seeking an AI board that offers a balance of affordability, performance, and versatility. The Raspberry Pi 4 Model B is equipped with a quad-core ARM Cortex-A72 CPU that delivers capable processing power, making it suitable for a variety of robotics projects. While it may not be as powerful as the NVIDIA Jetson Nano in terms of raw processing power, the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B remains a compelling option for those who prioritize affordability.

The Raspberry Pi 4 Model B also boasts impressive memory capacities, ranging from 1GB to 8GB of RAM, which can significantly enhance the board's performance when handling complex tasks. The increased memory capacity allows the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B to run more sophisticated robotics applications seamlessly.

Similar to the NVIDIA Jetson Nano Developer Kit, the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B is backed by a comprehensive software ecosystem. A vast array of operating systems, including the Raspberry Pi OS and Ubuntu, are compatible with the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B. This extensive software support empowers developers to select the operating system that best aligns with their project requirements. Additionally, the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B benefits from a plethora of libraries and frameworks tailored for robotics applications, further streamlining the development process.

shop now

3. Arduino Nano RP2040 Connect

The Arduino Nano RP2040 Connect is an AI board that bridges the gap between the popular Arduino development platform and the power of machine learning. It incorporates the RP2040 microcontroller, which is endowed with dual Arm Cortex-M0+ cores that provide sufficient processing power for a multitude of robotics projects. The Arduino Nano RP2040 Connect also features an onboard ESP32 module that furnishes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, making it well-suited for applications that necessitate wireless communication.

One of the primary advantages of the Arduino Nano RP2040 Connect is its seamless integration with the Arduino IDE, a widely used development environment that is renowned for its user-friendliness. The Arduino IDE streamlines the development process for those who are familiar with the Arduino platform, as it eliminates the need to learn new programming languages and frameworks, thereby expediting the development process.

The Arduino Nano RP2040 Connect also boasts an impressive array of onboard sensors, including an accelerometer, gyroscope, microphone, and RGB LED. These sensors can be leveraged to gather valuable data from the environment, enabling the creation of more sophisticated and interactive robotics applications.

shop now

4. Intel Neural Compute Stick 2

The Intel Neural Compute Stick 2 is a specialized AI accelerator that is designed to accelerate deep learning inference tasks. It's not a standalone microcontroller or development board, but rather a co-processor that can be paired with a host processor, such as a Raspberry Pi or a laptop, to enhance AI performance.

The Intel Neural Compute Stick 2 is equipped with a powerful Intel Movidius Myriad X VPU that is optimized for running deep learning models. This enables the stick to deliver exceptional performance in tasks such as object detection, image classification, and speech recognition. The Intel Neural Compute Stick 2 is an ideal choice for those who require high-performance AI capabilities for their robotics projects.

shop now

5. Particle Argon IoT Development Board

The Particle Argon boasts a powerful combination of processors. It features the Espressif ESP32-D0WD, a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi co-processor, alongside the Nordic nRF52840 SoC with an ARM Cortex-M4F processor. This potent pairing provides Wi-Fi (b/g/n) connectivity, OpenThread mesh networking capabilities, and Bluetooth 5 support. Additionally, the board includes 4MB of flash memory for the ESP32 and 1MB of flash memory for the nRF52840, along with 256KB of RAM, ensuring smooth operation.

The Particle Argon is designed with versatility in mind. It adheres to the popular Feather footprint, making it compatible with a wide range of Feather Shields, further expanding its functionality. It also features a JST connector for a Li-Po battery with built-in USB charging. For debugging purposes, the board includes an RGB status LED and a JTAG (SWD) connector.

For wireless communication, the Argon integrates an onboard PCB antenna for the mesh network. However, for Wi-Fi and NFC functionalities, you'll need to connect an external uFL antenna.

The Particle Argon comes with access to the Particle Device Cloud, offering valuable features for building connected projects. This cloud-based platform grants 10 free micro-networks and includes over-the-air firmware updates, a user-friendly REST API, and firmware development supported by web and local IDEs. This comprehensive software support streamlines development and empowers you to create robust mesh networking applications.

shop now

Factors to Consider When Selecting an AI Board

When selecting an AI board for your robotics project, several factors should be taken into account-

Processing Power

The processing power of the AI board is crucial for determining the complexity of the tasks that can be executed. Boards with powerful CPUs and GPUs are well-suited for demanding applications such as computer vision and deep learning.

Connectivity

The availability of connectivity options, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet, is essential for enabling communication with other devices and systems.

Power Consumption

The power consumption of the AI board is an important consideration for battery-powered robots. Boards with low power consumption can extend the operating time of the robot.

Cost

The cost of the AI board is another important factor to consider. There are a wide range of AI boards available at varying price points, so it's essential to select a board that fits within your budget.

Software Support

The availability of software tools and libraries for the AI board can significantly impact the development process. Boards with comprehensive software support can streamline development and reduce time-to-market.

Conclusion

Think Robotics offers a diverse range of AI boards that cater to the needs of robotics enthusiasts and professionals alike. By carefully considering the factors outlined above, you can select the AI board that best aligns with your project requirements and embark on your robotics journey with confidence.