Pixy2 smart sensor makes robot vision easier
Pixy2, says the company, is smaller, faster, and more capable than the original Pixy. Like the original Pixy, Pixy2 can learn to detect objects that users teach it.
In addition, Pixy2 features new algorithms that detect and track lines for use with line-following robots. The new algorithms can detect intersections and “road signs” as well – the latter can tell a robot what to do, such as turn left, turn right, slow down, etc.
“Line following robots are popular because they are fun and relatively simple to understand,” says Charmed Labs President Rich LeGrand. “We wanted to add new capabilities to these types of robots such as detecting intersections and reading road signs. We look forward to see what people come up with.”
Pixy2 supports a wide variety of microcontroller boards, including the Arduino platform, Raspberry Pi, and BeagleBone Black. It handles all image processing on board, freeing up the host microcontroller for other tasks.
Pixy2 is less than half the size of the Pixy and can process images faster – at 60 frames per second. It also features an integrated light source that it can turn on when the lighting needs a boost. Also available is a redesigned pan-tilt mechanism that gives Pixy2 the ability to look around and track the objects that it detects.
Pixy2 is available now through Amazon and various distributors worldwide.