VIA Pixetto Is a Smart Scratch, Python, and TensorFlow Lite Computer Vision Platform for Schools
Programmable in Scratch, Python, JavaScript, and TensorFlow Lite, the Pixetto can be used with Arduinos, BBC micro:bits, and Raspberry Pis.
Low-power compute specialist VIA Technologies has launched a maker- and education-friendly smart camera board, built around an Arm Cortex-A7 processor and offering a 130-degree field-of-view (FoV): the Pixetto.
"As artificial intelligence and machine learning proliferate across all aspects of our daily lives, it has never been more important for schools worldwide to equip their students with a theoretical and practical knowledge of these rapidly-emerging technologies," claims VIA's Richard Brown. "With the launch of VIA Pixetto, our goal is to address this need by providing an intuitive and engaging platform for students to learn the basics of AI and ML and explore their potential applications by creating their own projects."
The module, brought to our attention by Linux Gizmos, includes a GalaxyCore GC2053 camera sensor running at 1920x1080 (Full HD) resolution and an on-board Arm Cortex-A7 system-on-chip (SoC) running at 900MHz and with 64MB of DDR memory, 128MB of SPI flash, and a microSD slot for local storage.
While the Pixetto is a fully-fledged standalone Linux system, complete with Wi-Fi and HDMI connectivity, it's also designed to be paired with an external controller via micro-USB or a Grove connector with Arduino, BBC micro:bit, and Raspberry Pi compatibility. On the software side, the module works with VIA's in-house Pixetto Lab which bundles pre-built recognition models and includes Scratch, Python, JavaScript, and TensorFlow Lite support.
The Pixetto is now available from VIA, priced at $85. More information is available on the official website.