Fabless manufacturer Himax Technologies, Inc. has collaborated with IoT hardware provider Seeed Studio. Particularly, the two companies will unveil a cutting-edge battery-powered endpoint AI vision processing module, Grove Vision AI Module V2.

The module features Himax’s WiseEye2 AI processor HX6538 (WE2), which offers extremely low power consumption and exceptional AI inference performance. At the same time, it offers the most versatile and extensive AI development capabilities.

Positioned at the forefront of the industry, the processing module serves as a powerful endpoint AI development platform, paving the way for future AI applications. The two companies will present the new module at CES 2024 in Las Vegas next week.

Enhanced Chip Security

Himax’s WiseEye^TM Smart Image Sensing solution has been well adopted in a wide variety of endpoint AI applications. Accordingly, the new generation WE2 AI processor carries on the success of its predecessor chip, WE1.

WE2 leverages the advanced Cortex-M55 and Ethos U55 architecture to deliver 32 times faster inference speed and 50 times greater energy efficiency when compared to WE1. These enhancements allow the WE2 to enable more endpoint AI computational requirements while maintaining ultralow power consumption.

The WE2 features a multi-layered power management structure and incorporates Dynamic Voltage Frequency Scaling (DVFS) technology. Thus, achieving microampere-level power consumption.

WE2 also incorporates impressive security features, including a Physical Unclonable Function (PUF) security mechanism that ensures each chip possesses a unique identity. For that reason, it mitigates the risks of unauthorized access and counterfeiting. Thus, enhancing the chip security.

Additionally, the built-in RSA and ECC hardware encryption and decryption engines achieve millisecond-level fast secure boot, further ensuring secure and efficient data transmission.

As a pioneer in the AI-enabled microprocessor sector, WE2 offers exceptional AI inferencing capabilities with ultralow power consumption outperforming specifications of traditional MCUs. These advantages make WE2 the ideal choice for the Seeed Studio Endpoint AI vision processing module.

Pioneering Future of Endpoint AI Devices

The Seeed Studio Endpoint AI module, equipped with WE2, is a comprehensive development platform for endpoint AI devices that caters to diverse development needs for both software and hardware. In terms of hardware development, the module supports MIPI CSI cameras and microphones to assist in collecting image and sound data.

Additionally, it offers a universal interface design that supports numerous IO interfaces. Thus, allowing developers to connect different types of external devices on the same interface, and greatly enhancing the flexibility and convenience of product development.

For software development, Seeed Studio’s Endpoint AI vision processing module not only provides dozens of pre-trained AI models but also features the EdgeLab AI toolchain. This powerful toolchain allows users to tailor AI model training according to their specific requirements. Thereby achieving more personalized AI software developments.

When it comes to system-level hardware and software Interoperability and collaboration, the Seeed Studio processing module can seamlessly integrate with the widely popular Seeed’s universal XIAO microcontroller development board series.

Moreover, the combination enables the integration of the processing module into various household appliances with No-Code AI methodology. Thus, making the deployment of AI technology in home appliances more efficient.

“Our collaboration with Seeed Studio propels the WE2 technology into a broader market scope, thereby pioneering advancement in the field of endpoint AI devices,” said Mr. Mark Chen, Vice President of Smart Sensing business at Himax.