Latest Qualcomm RB3 Gen 2 Developer Kit Unlocks AI Computing for IoT Edge Innovation

This is a sponsored article brought to you by Qualcomm.

In a move set to transform the Internet of Things (IoT) landscape, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. has introduced its Qualcomm RB3 Gen 2 developer kits, designed to put advanced AI edge computing power into the hands of developers everywhere. This kit is available as Qualcomm RB3 Gen 2, based on the Qualcomm QCS6490, or the Qualcomm RB3 Gen 2 Lite, based on the Qualcomm QCS5430.

Both QCS6490 and QCS5430 processors provide efficient, high-performance, AI enhanced solutions for applications in robotics, AI vision, industrial automation, retail, smart security, precision agriculture, smart metering, predictive maintenance and personal health. By empowering developers with robust tools for edge computing, Qualcomm Technologies is encouraging a broader range of innovators-from tech companies to startups and students-to bring cutting-edge IoT solutions to life.

Nadim Ferzli, Staff Manager, Product Marketing for Qualcomm Technologies, emphasized the importance of edge computing as a critical factor in the kit's development. AI-enabled edge computing has a lot of benefits, including faster response times, on-device decision making and enhanced security, as well as reduced cost," Ferzli explained, noting that processing data locally enables faster decision-making and reduces dependency on cloud-based processing. This local computing power is essential for applications that require real-time responses like robotics, security and industrial automation.

AI-enabled edge computing has a lot of benefits, including faster response times, on-device decision making and enhanced security, as well as reduced cost" -Nadim Ferzli, Qualcomm Technologies

The Qualcomm RB3 Gen 2 Kits feature a modular design based on the 96Board compact, credit card- sized form factor and specifications. The kit includes numerous connection options, such as multiple USB, ethernet, camera, and display ports, as well as access to various GPIOs for low-speed communication protocols like SPI, UART, and I2C, and high-speed connections like PCIE, USB, and MIPI. The kits also come with Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and optional 5G connectivity through additional modules. Qualcomm Technologies has a dedicated resource page detailing the hardware and connections. The kits can be expanded with the addition of mezzanine boards, keeping their compact size, which is beneficial for rapid prototyping and proof-of-concept projects where users can add their own attachments and integrate the kit into their preferred robot, camera, or other hardware platform. Qualcomm Technologies also provides a template that developers can take to quickly create their own mezzanine cards.

The Power of AI-Enhanced Edge Computing at the Core

Central to the appeal of the Qualcomm RB3 Gen 2 is the edge-focused approach. The QCS6490 and QCS5430 processors are engineered to handle substantial computing loads at the device level. Equipped with a multi-core CPU (up to 8 cores), GPU and AI engine (NPU & DSP) producing up to 12 dense TOPS (trillions of operations per second), these microprocessors enable devices to perform complex data processing at the edge, making them ideal for high compute applications like autonomous robotics and smart vision solutions. The processors offer a combination of high-performance compute, connectivity, and energy efficiency in one package.

Qualcomm AI Hub: The platform for on-device AI

To facilitate and accelerate the development and adoption of AI processing at the edge, Qualcomm Technologies created the Qualcomm AI Hub, a comprehensive platform designed to facilitate the deployment of AI models directly onto edge devices, enabling efficient on-device processing for applications in vision, audio, and speech and integrates with cloud-based tools like Amazon SageMaker for end-to-end AI solutions.

Developers can utilize pre-optimized models or integrate their own, with support for multiple runtimes such as TensorFlow Lite and ONNX Runtime. It offers a streamlined workflow that allows developers to compile, profile, and run AI models on actual hardware in the cloud, ensuring optimized performance and reduced latency. The combination of hardware capabilities and AI tools expands the capabilities of the device to support complex edge processing like SLM (Small Language Model), sensor fusion and autonomous machinery.

Visit the Qualcomm AI Hub to learn more

This edge-first design not only improves processing speed but also enhances data security by keeping sensitive information on the device rather than transferring it to the cloud. For developers working in applications like smart security, personal health or industrial automation, this means critical data stays closer to its source, enabling faster, more secure responses in real-time scenarios.

Edge AI Vision and Real-Time Decisions

One of the standout features of the Qualcomm RB3 Gen 2 developer kit is the Vision Mezzanine option, which includes Qualcomm Technologies' AI-driven image recognition capabilities. Equipped with dual cameras covering high-definition and low-definition camera support, the kits allow for real-time object detection, making it suitable for security systems, autonomous drones, and smart vision prototyping. With our kits and enablement tools, engineers are able to accelerate the prototyping and development of AI solutions," Ferzli explained, envisioning scenarios where edge AI is essential, such as search-and-rescue or industrial inspection. The kit can be further expanded with additional cameras that are available as optional accessories.

Qualcomm Technologies

Qualcomm Technologies' advanced AI processing on the Edge technology allows the Qualcomm RB3 Gen 2 kits to recognize and process visual data on-device, a capability that significantly reduces latency and enhances operational efficiency. In practical terms, this means that a robot equipped with the Qualcomm RB3 Gen2 can navigate a warehouse, recognize obstacles, and make real-time decisions autonomously, without needing a cloud connection. AI on the Edge enables these devices to analyze and make decisions instantaneously," Ferzli shared, highlighting the power of Qualcomm Technologies' processors in real-time applications.

Qualcomm Technologies

This local AI capability is also useful in AI-powered security systems. For example, a smart camera could be deployed to monitor a construction site, using the Qualcomm RB3 Gen 2 capabilities to detect unauthorized entry or potential hazards, and issue immediate alerts. Qualcomm Technologies' focus on robust, high-efficiency AI computing at the device level enables devices to perform complex tasks, such as analyzing footage or identifying specific objects in high detail, directly at the edge.

Ferzli highlighted a customer project involving an inspection robot for railway safety, where a company switched from a more power-hungry, costly device to the QCS6490 solution. The switch cut memory usage by 68 percent in addition to the embedded Wi-Fi connectivity provided an efficient system that reduced costs while maintaining the same accuracy. This success story exemplifies how Qualcomm Technologies' focus on powerful compute, exceptional connectivity and power efficiency can enhance productivity and reduce operational costs.

Edge Efficiency for Robotics and Autonomous Applications

The Qualcomm RB3 Gen 2 developer kit's efficiency makes it a strong choice for autonomous applications, where power consumption, connectivity and computational power are vital factors. With an emphasis on low power consumption, Qualcomm Technologies' edge computing solutions enable battery-powered devices to operate longer between charges.

According to Ferzli, Qualcomm Technologies' DNA translates directly into these processors, offering high compute performance, exceptional connectivity, and energy efficiency" while utilizing less memory compared to alternatives. This balance of power and efficiency allows developers to use their kit in battery-dependent applications like mobile robots and drones, where extended operation time is critical.

Qualcomm Technologies

Another example involves a lab using Qualcomm Technologies' vision technology to automate bacteria colony counting, a process critical in food safety and medical diagnostics. Traditionally, lab technicians manually reviewed growth colonies in petri dishes, but with Qualcomm Technologies' edge AI, the process was automated to deliver results instantly. Qualcomm Technologies' edge processing brings efficiency by reducing the need for human interaction and minimizing inaccuracies," Ferzli explained, underscoring how their technology can simplify and accelerate workflows in various industries.

Developer-First Approach: Open Access and Long-Term Support

As part of its efforts to deliver an exceptional user experience for the IoT mass market, Qualcomm Technologies decided to cater more to the needs of small players by providing more open access, easier to use tools, and providing support for multiple operating systems.

Qualcomm Technologies' commitment to democratizing edge computing is clear in its developer-focused approach. The Qualcomm RB3 Gen 2 developer kits are designed to be accessible to a wide audience, from professional engineers to hobbyists, with a competitive pricing model and comprehensive support. Our goal is to make this product available to everyone," Ferzli said, highlighting that Qualcomm Technologies' open-access approach enables developers to purchase the kit and begin innovating without a lengthy or exclusive onboarding process.

The kits are able to support multiple OS including Linux, Android, Ubuntu, and Windows. Besides the Qualcomm Linux OS that is pre-loaded the kits will soon support Linux Ubuntu which may be attractive to the community of smaller developers, including an upcoming version that includes support for Ubuntu Desktop. In addition, Qualcomm Technologies' recent push into the Windows laptop space is also fueling support for an upcoming Windows OS release that runs on the kit for the industrial market segment typically dominated by x86 based devices running Windows. The kit will also run Android OS.

The kits are supported by software development kits (SDKs) tailored for multimedia and robotics, providing developers with sample applications and demos to build and test products faster. We created the Qualcomm AI Hub where you can bring your models or pick one of the pre-trained models, optimize them, and test them on our products," Ferzli said, referring to Qualcomm Technologies' dedicated Qualcomm AI Hub platform where developers can experiment with over 125 AI models on devices hosted on the cloud before deploying it on physical devices. The Qualcomm Developer Portal and Qualcomm Developer Network YouTube channel are consistently updated with training and tutorials designed to educate and support developers throughout their product development journey.

Qualcomm Technologies has also established a public community forum to address inquiries. This forum is supported by dedicated internal Qualcomm Technologies' experts who will promptly respond to questions and provide recommendations.

To support developers further, Qualcomm Technologies has created a longevity program, guaranteeing up to 15 years of hardware and software support. This commitment is particularly valuable for industries that require reliable long-term solutions, such as industrial automation, medical devices, and smart infrastructure. Our goal is to service all developers, from hobbyists and students to global enterprises," Ferzli said, underscoring Qualcomm Technologies' commitment to building a comprehensive ecosystem for edge computing.

Qualcomm Technologies

Enabling Small and Large Developers Alike

Qualcomm Technologies' vision for democratizing edge-AI is reflected in the Qualcomm RB3 Gen 2 versatile design, which can serve both small developers and large enterprises. Whether a developer is working on a project for a large multinational or a startup exploring innovative applications, the Qualcomm RB3 Gen 2 kit provides the tools to develop high-performance, IoT-enabled products without needing an extensive engineering team. For example, a small business developing a fleet management system could use the Qualcomm RB3 Gen2 kit to build a proof of concept for smart dashcams capable of processing data locally, providing immediate feedback on road conditions, driver behavior, and vehicle health.

Meanwhile, larger enterprises can use Qualcomm Technologies' kits for more complex applications, such as industrial robotics and automated quality control. Qualcomm Technologies' edge technology allows companies to streamline operations by reducing the dependency on centralized cloud systems, thereby minimizing latency and enhancing data privacy. Ferzli noted that even as Qualcomm Technologies serves large clients, the Qualcomm RB3 Gen 2 kits are built to cater to developers of all sizes: If you're a college student building a fighting robot, a startup developing a drone, or a multinational designing a worker safety monitoring system, this kit will support your developer journey in the edge-AI transformation."

Qualcomm Technologies' Vision: Accelerating IoT Adoption with Edge Computing

The Qualcomm RB3 Gen 2 developer kit is more than a powerful tool-it's a vision for the future of IoT and edge computing. By prioritizing on-device processing, Qualcomm Technologies is pushing efficient AI Edge processing in IoT, where real-time response, enhanced privacy, and high-compute are paramount. With the Qualcomm RB3 Gen 2 developer kits, Qualcomm Technologies is making advanced IoT technology available to a broad range of innovators, from established enterprises to individual developers.

As IoT continues to evolve, Qualcomm Technologies' edge-AI focused approach is set to make a significant impact on industries ranging from smart infrastructure to robotics and autonomous vehicles. Ferzli summarized the company's ambition: We want to educate developers to utilize AI and IoT products better. Our technology spans the spectrum of IoT and AI, and with our developer-first approach, we're ready to support developers in shaping the future of edge computing."

With the Qualcomm RB3 Gen 2 developer kit, Qualcomm Technologies is setting a new standard for IoT innovation at the edge, encouraging developers to harness the power of real-time, on-device intelligence to create a more connected, efficient, and intelligent world.

Snapdragon and Qualcomm branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. The registered trademark Linux is used pursuant to a sublicense from the Linux Foundation, the exclusive licensee of Linus Torvalds, owner of the mark on a worldwide basis.