Raspberry Pi AI HAT+ Brings Up to 26 TOPS with Hailo-8 and Hailo-8L Accelerators

Raspberry Pi has recently launched Raspberry Pi AI HAT+ a powerful new accessory designed to boost the AI capabilities of the Raspberry Pi. The HAT delivers up to 26 TOPS of processing power and comes in two variants a 13 TOPS version using the Hailo-8L accelerator and a 26 TOPS version with the Hailo-8 accelerator. Designed to fit in Raspberry Pi HAT+ specification, the device switches automatically to PCIe Gen 3.0 mode, to maximize the data flow for the accelerator.

Unlike the Raspberry Pi AI Kit, which uses an M.2 connector, the AI HAT+ integrates the Hailo accelerator directly onto its main PCB, improving setup simplicity and thermal management. Fully backward compatible with the AI Kit, it allows models compiled for the Hailo-8L to run smoothly on the Hailo-8, while Raspberry Pi OS rpicam-apps leverage the NPU for efficient post-processing.

Previously we have written about various AI HAT, including the XAPIZ3500 HAT feel free to check that out if you are looking for more interesting products

Raspberry Pi AI HAT+ Specifications

• SoC:
  • Hailo-8L (13 TOPS) or Hailo-8 (26 TOPS) AI accelerator
• Memory: Not specified (likely integrated into the Hailo-8 chips)
• Storage: None
• Connectivity:
  • Compliant with Raspberry Pi HAT+ specification
  • PCIe Gen 3.0 interface for high-speed communication with the host Raspberry Pi
• Features:
  • Dedicated hardware for accelerating neural network inferencing
  • Supports object detection, pose estimation, image segmentation, and more
  • Capable of running multiple neural networks simultaneously
  • Improved thermal design compared to the Raspberry Pi AI Kit
  • Backward compatible with models compiled for the Hailo-8L
  • Integrated with Raspberry Pi OS rpicam-apps for easy use
• Dimensions: Compliant with Raspberry Pi HAT+ standard
• Power Supply: Via Raspberry Pi host board

Both versions are fully backward compatible with the AI Kit, which makes sure that the  Hailo-8L will run smoothly on the Hailo-8. Additionally the rpicam-apps in Raspberry Pi OS also natively support the AI module, using the NPU for post-processing tasks.

As mentioned earlier the Raspberry Pi AI HAT+ is available in two varieties the 13 TOPS model, priced at $70.00 and the 26 TOPS model, priced at $110.00. Both the boards can be purchased through distributors such as Pimoroni.