Synaptics Launches Katana Edge AI Kit for On-Device Machine Learning at the tinyML Summit
Built around the Katana SoC, this all-in-one kit looks to supercharge edge AI development through a six-core low-power architecture.
Synaptics has announced the launch of an edge AI development kit, dubbed Katana Edge, which it hopes will encourage use of its low-power Katana system-on-chip (SoC) for a range of vision, motion, and sound detection workloads.
“The market for low-power edge AI solutions is characterized by a broad spectrum of applications that have specific use case requirements," claims Synaptics' Ananda Roy. "What they have in common is that they all require intelligent and efficient detection and analysis of image, audio, voice, and motion data."
"Edge AI and sensor fusion are complex, multifaceted fields of application development and we know from experience that our customers benefit most by having a more complete platform of hardware, software, wireless connectivity, and technical support to get their IoT concepts to market."
That's where the Katana Edge AI Kit comes in. The all-in-one bundle is built around the Katana SoC, launched back in late 2020 in partnership with Eta Compute as a low-power chip for on-device edge AI work and with a heterogeneous six-core architecture where each core is specialized for a particular workload — from neural networks to audio processing and control tasks.
The new Katana Edge bundles the company's SoC on a baseboard featuring sensors for image and video capture, audio, voice control, and motion detection, along with a Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) radio module. A custom-built enclosure, batteries, and all cabling are included, while bundled accessories make it easier to mount the board for people-detection tasks and other projects requiring an overhead view.
The board is on display at the tinyML Summit this week, Synaptics has confirmed, and is available to order through the company's in-house sales channels — but it has not yet shared pricing publicly. Those interested in learning more are asked to contact their local Synaptics sales representative.
Synaptics has also released two demonstration videos showcasing the device's capabilities: One showcasing the system's ability to read LED and LCD readouts on traditional meter systems, and the other for person detection and counting — an application in which, interestingly, a Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller board can be seen connected to the Katana Edge.