Raspberry Pi and Sony launch $70 AI-powered camera module

Raspberry Pi and Sony have launched a $70 AI-powered camera module, compatible with all Raspberry Pi microcomputers, that enables easy development of "edge AI solutions" without the need for additional accelerators or GPUs.

The 12.3-megapixel AI Camera features onboard processing using Sony's IMX500 sensor, offering developers new capabilities for AI-based image processing, with support for 40fps video at 2028 x 1520 resolution.

This marks Raspberry Pi's latest effort to enhance its AI development tools, expanding on its earlier non-AI camera modules.

While Raspberry Pi devices were originally designed for tech enthusiasts and DIY projects, the majority of sales now come from industrial and embedded use cases. 72% of Raspberry Pi's sales come from companies incorporating these devices into products or internal industrial processes, and this trend is expected to be even higher for the new AI Camera.

Companies are likely to use the module for applications like smart city sensors, detecting empty parking spots, monitoring traffic flows, and performing automated quality assurance in manufacturing lines.

The AI Camera is expected to be a long-term offering, with Raspberry Pi committing to keep it in production until at least January 2028.