Seeed Studio reCamera is a modular AI-powered “smart” camera

Electronics company Seeed Studio has launched reCamera. It’s a modular AI camera platform that promises to be the most advanced of its kind. It uses computer vision (CV) and artificial intelligence (AI) models directly within the device.

Essentially, it’s a compact, all-in-one, open-source DIY camera module for use in your own projects. It’s designed primarily for industrial and edge computing, but it opens up a lot of possibilities for DIY camera projects, too. You can’t buy it just yet, though.

What is reCamera?

reCamera is a modular smart camera platform developed by Seeed Studio. It integrates computer vision (CV) and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities within the device. So, there’s no need for other hardware, like a Raspberry Pi or ESP32 to keep it running.

Its compact design is split into three main boards:

• Core Board, which houses the processor and optional wireless connectivity
• Sensor Board, which supports various image sensors
• Base Board, which offers connectivity options like USB Type-C and Ethernet.

Two versions of the Core Board are planned. The initial launch will feature a model equipped with eMMC storage and wireless connectivity. A later version will offer additional connectivity options.

The Sensor Board supports different camera sensors, with an Omnivision five-megapixel sensor available at launch. Two other sensors, one by Sony and another by SmartSens, are in development.

Lunix-based Open Source Camera

reCamera runs on a Linux-based operating system called reCamera OS. It offers a web interface for network configuration and live view. It supports frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch for AI and machine learning tasks.

Seeed Studio is also developing related projects. These include a motorised gimbal mount and robotic arm integration. It’s early days for reCamera, and it looks like it has a way to go. But it looks like it could be a promising start for DIY camera projects.

And sure, there are a lot of DIY Raspberry Pi-powered cameras (and commercial ones) out there, but they can get a bit big and clunky. It’s nice to have a smaller alternative with more juice than an ESP32-Cam.

You can find out more about the project on GitHub and this repository for reCamera OS. Seeedstudio will soon offer reCamera devices for purchase.

Price and Availability

reCamera will cost between $34.90 and $54.90, depending on the model. Early-bird discounts will be available. For those eager to explore the new camera ahead of its release, Seeed is offering alpha testing opportunities.

[via Hackster.io]