- Maybe you missed it? DFRobot UNIHIKER.
- UNIHIKER M10 Overview: A look at the new AI/ML ARM microcontroller combo device by DFRobot.
UNIHIKER K10
DFRobot, a leader in embedded and educational electronics, has introduced a budget-friendly version of its versatile UNIHIKER combo development device. The newly launched UNIHIKER K10 is tailored for those looking to explore on-device machine learning and artificial intelligence (ML and AI).
DFRobot released the UNIHIKER back in June 2023, which shares several features with the new model, now referred to as the UNIHIKER M10. The original model utilized a Rockchip RK3308 quad-core Arm Cortex-A35 system-on-chip, equipped with 512MB of RAM and 16GB of flash memory with Debian Linux pre-installed. The new version transitions to a less expensive Espressif ESP32-S3 microcontroller, with 512kB of static RAM (SRAM) and 16MB of flash memory that can be expanded via a microSD card slot.
(UNIHIKER K10)
A versatile, all-in-one device
According to the company, the UNIHIKER K10 is a smart learning device designed specifically for education. It’s got some pretty cool features, like a colorful 2.8-inch screen, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, a camera for taking pictures, a microphone for recording sound, a speaker for playing audio, and even some fancy lights, temperature, humidity, and light sensors, along with an accelerometer. You can also connect and control different kinds of sensors and devices with its edge connectors and Gravity IO interfaces. Pretty neat, huh?
(UNIHIKER K10 Peripherals)
The new UNIHIKER K10 device has received a major enhancement, transitioning from the original quad-core RK3308 chip to the Espressif ESP32-S3, resulting in a price drop to under $30. DFRobot emphasizes that the UNIHIKER K10 is powered by TinyML, enabling users to design and train their own customized vision and sensor models. This innovative feature fosters the creation of personalized AI models for specific tasks, encouraging users to explore advanced AI applications and adapt the device’s functionalities to suit their unique projects.
Practical Applications
DFRobot highlights that this model is meticulously designed for IoT applications, enabling uninterrupted data collection and remote monitoring. It comes equipped with sensors for temperature, humidity, light, and acceleration, making it the perfect solution for seamless integration within IoT ecosystems, allowing real-time monitoring and control.
Software Support
This device boasts an impressive array of four advanced vision AI models: face detection, cat and dog detection, QR code recognition, and motion detection. As highlighted in the product announcement, it also leverages TinyML technology, enabling users to train their own custom vision and sensor models effortlessly. With support for both graphical programming and MicroPython, this device caters to a wide range of users.
Furthermore, it seamlessly integrates with TensorFlow Lite Micro (TFLM) and Mind+, an intuitive drag-and-drop programming platform that simplifies project creation for beginners. This makes it an excellent resource for educational purposes, especially for those learning programming languages.
Price and Availability
TinyML offers remarkable versatility for enhancing various AI-driven models, such as image recognition and sensor data analysis. Excitingly, the new UNIHIKER K10 is now available for just $28.90 at the DFRobot store–an impressive discount compared to the original UNIHIKER M10, which was priced at $79.90.
