What is the Distiller Alpha?
At its core, the Distiller Alpha is a Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 wrapped in a carefully designed peripheral stack. It runs standard Linux, gives you full system access, and comes with an open-source SDK. Think of it as a dedicated computer for AI agents that fits on your desk.
Hardware specifications:- Compute: Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 (64-bit ARM, 2.4 GHz)
- Memory: 8GB RAM, 32GB eMMC storage (may vary by batch)
- Display: E-ink screen (low power, excellent outdoor readability)
- Audio: Microphone and integrated speaker
- Camera: 5MP camera module
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- I/O: USB-C, I2C/SPI, UART, GPIO, PWM
- Power: USB-C powered
- Interface: Physical navigation buttons, LED bar above display
The device currently retails around $199 and ships in small production batches.
What you can buildVoice-first applications:
The microphone and speaker make this ideal for voice interface projects. Build wake-word detection systems, voice assistants, audio journaling tools, language learning aids, or accessibility devices. The on-device LLM means you can process everything locally without cloud dependencies.
Computer vision projects:
The 5MP camera opens up vision applications. Build object recognition systems, visual inspection tools, accessibility aids for the visually impaired, wildlife monitoring cameras, or augmented reality overlays on the E-ink display.
Desktop AI agents:
The compact form factor makes it ideal for desktop AI applications. Create personal assistants for your workspace, memory augmentation tools that capture and index your day, or context-aware devices that adapt to your environment.
Custom agent platforms:
Build your own AI assistant that understands your specific domain. The open SDK and full Linux access mean you can integrate any Python library, custom models, or specialized APIs. It's a blank canvas for intelligent behaviors.
Rapid prototyping for microcontrollers and IoT:
The Distiller Alpha shines as a prototyping platform for microcontroller and IoT projects. Use the GPIO, I2C, SPI, and UART interfaces to rapidly iterate on hardware designs—communicate with Arduino, ESP32, or STM32 boards, test sensor integrations, and validate control logic without flashing firmware dozens of times. Build AI-powered robotics where the Distiller handles computer vision and decision-making while microcontrollers manage real-time motor control and sensor feedback. Prototype smart home devices that combine voice commands, visual recognition, and local AI inference. The full Linux environment means you can develop and test complex IoT orchestration, process sensor data with AI models, and coordinate multiple microcontrollers simultaneously—all from a single platform. When your prototype works, the architecture is clear: intelligence lives on the Distiller, real-time tasks live on microcontrollers, and they communicate through clean, tested interfaces.
Developer experience: Actually hackableGetting started is straightforward. The device ships ready to use—connect to Wi-Fi through the on-screen interface, Each device gets its own unique URL hosted on pamir.ai, giving you access to a VS Code environment with Claude Code integration. You can reach it through the local IP on your network or via Pamir's developer portal—either way, you're coding in the browser with full access to the device.
The SDK is open source and hosted on GitHub. It provides Python interfaces for all hardware components—audio capture, display rendering, button input, and LED control. The examples are clear and well-documented. If you've used hardware libraries on Raspberry Pi, Arduino, or ESP32, the patterns will feel familiar.
But you're not limited to the SDK. It's Linux. Install your own libraries, compile native code, run Docker containers, set up systemd services. You have root access and full control over the system.
Hardware expansion:
The GPIO and serial interfaces let you connect external sensors, actuators, or custom hardware. Add your own modules for specialized applications—environmental sensors, motor controllers, or communication peripherals. Wire up microcontrollers to offload real-time tasks while the Distiller Alpha handles the intelligence layer.
The schematic is published in the SDK repository. If you want to understand the hardware at the register level or build custom expansion boards, the information is available.
Real-world development workflow
A typical development session looks like this:
1. Log in to pamir.ai's hosted dev portal
2. Write code in Python using the SDK or your own libraries
3. Test directly on hardware—run scripts, read sensor data, update the display
4. Iterate quickly since everything is integrated
The development cycle is fast because you're not context-switching between multiple devices, emulators, or simulation environments. You write code and immediately see results on the actual hardware you'll deploy.
The E-ink display is highly readable in various lighting conditions. The compact form factor fits on any desk. You can develop and test in the environment where your agent will actually run.
Getting startedIf you're interested in exploring the Distiller Alpha:
Official shop: https://shop.pamir.ai/products/distiller-two-alpha-dev-kit
Documentation: https://docs.pamir.ai/
SDK repository: https://github.com/Pamir-AI/DistillerSDK
Hardware schematics: https://github.com/Pamir-AI/DistillerSDK/blob/main/hardware/Schematic/DistillerV0.6.pdf
The device ships in small batches. Specifications may vary slightly between production runs, so verify current details before purchasing.
Final thoughtsBeyond the specs and SDK, there's something satisfying about the Distiller Alpha's design. The E-ink display gives it a retro-futuristic aesthetic.. The LED bar adds just enough visual feedback without being distracting. It's a device that looks like what it is: a purpose-built platform for building intelligent things. In a world of black rectangles, the Distiller Alpha has character. It sits on your desk as a reminder that hardware for AI agents can be both functional and nicely designed.
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