Advantages of Using Jetson Orin Modules for Your Automation

Thinking of using Jetson in your automation cell? Here are some advantages to consider.

Table of Contents

1. A Few Advantages of Using Jetson Orin Modules for Your Automation
2. The Power of Complex Processing and 3D Vision Support
3. Getting start with Zivid on the Jetson Platform
4. Going Industrial with Zivid and Jetson
5. New Possibilities for Automation

Automation is transforming industries, reshaping our processes in both small and large ways. From manufacturing floors to warehouses, and from logistics to complex industrial processes, the integration of automation technologies is driving efficiency, reducing human error, and optimizing operations. Automation options need to become more adaptable, more flexible, and more compact to be able to be placed into any situation in new or pre-existing warehouses.

Let’s look at how Jetson Orin modules can help improve automation opportunities. We'll delve into the flexibility these modules offer, particularly in enhancing 3D vision systems and robotic arms, and how they are paving the way for smarter, more efficient automated solutions.

A Few Advantages of Using Jetson Orin Modules for Your Automation

Reliability and Consistency Through Embedded Systems

One of the key features of Jetson Orin modules is their nature as ARM embedded systems. Unlike general-purpose industrial PCs, ARM embedded systems are tailored to handle particular applications such as real-time data processing, machine learning, and computer vision.

In an automation cell, where precision and uptime are critical, the consistency provided by Jetson Orin modules ensures that operations run smoothly with minimal interruptions. These modules are engineered to handle the specific demands of industrial environments, making them a robust choice for tasks that require unwavering reliability.

This consistency and reliability also comes into play when you want to build multiple cells.  Having an easily repeatable outcome allows for the deployment of multiple cells to go smoother and need less hands-on intervention to get it working as expected.

Compact and Durable Industrial Computers

Jetson Orin modules are not just powerful; they are also designed to withstand the rigors of industrial environments. Their compact size means that they require less space for processing hardware within an automation cell, allowing for more efficient use of available space.

This compactness doesn't come at the cost of durability. Jetson Orin modules are built to endure harsh conditions such as extreme temperatures, dust, and vibrations, ensuring long-term operational stability. 

Flexible Hardware to Meet Cycle Time and Power Needs

Automation processes often have varying requirements in terms of cycle time and power consumption. Jetson Orin modules offer the flexibility needed to meet these diverse demands. Whether you need to prioritize high-speed processing for real-time applications or manage power consumption for energy efficiency, Jetson Orin can be configured to suit your specific needs.

ARM embedded systems offer greater flexibility and scalability compared to traditional industrial PCs. They can be easily customized to meet the specific requirements of different applications, whether it's adjusting the processing power, memory, or connectivity options.

This adaptability is crucial for modern automation systems that need to evolve and scale according to changing operational needs.

The Power of Complex Processing and 3D Vision Support

Supporting Complex Processing

Jetson Orin modules are designed to handle complex processing tasks with ease, making them ideal for applications that require intensive computation and real-time data processing. Their powerful GPUs and advanced AI capabilities allow them to perform sophisticated analytics, deep learning, and high-resolution imaging tasks. This makes them suitable for applications such as real-time quality control, predictive maintenance, and complex assembly processes in industrial automation.

With the implementation of 3D vision into an automation cell the amount of data that needs to be processed and comprehended increases dramatically from the use of a no vision, or 2D only vision set up. Having a system that has the high-end processing requirements to manage this data is crucial to having a robust and reliable cell.

Enhancing 3D Vision Systems

The integration of 3D vision cameras with Jetson Orin modules significantly enhances the capability and adaptability of automation systems. These modules can process high-resolution 3D images and data in real-time, enabling precise object detection, recognition, and manipulation. This is particularly beneficial in tasks such as robotic bin picking, palletizing, and autonomous navigation in warehouses. The advanced 3D vision support allows for more accurate and efficient handling of objects, reducing errors and improving overall productivity.

Bin Picking scenario with Zivid 3D machine vision

By leveraging the power of Jetson Orin modules, industries can achieve a new level of automation that combines reliability, durability, flexibility, and advanced processing capabilities. Whether it's enhancing the precision of robotic arms, improving the robustness of warehouse operations, or optimizing the efficiency of logistics, Jetson Orin modules are paving the way for smarter and more efficient automated solutions.

Getting start with Zivid on the Jetson Platform

In SDK 2.12 Zivid introduced support for NVIDIA Jetson Orin, thus adding ARM supported CPUs to supported architectures. Zivid cameras are designed to be able to fit into any automation environment, so it only made sense to add the Jetson Orin family to the list of systems that we can support.

Using Zivid on Jetson is as easy as installing the Zivid software on any Linux system. With a simple install via command line, Zivid will be up and running in no time. Make sure when you are preparing to install the Zivid software to verify which version of software is compatible with your Jetson set up. There are two sets of deb files available, one for 22.04 and one for 20.04.

One way to check this is to see which version of JetPack SDK you are using if you are using Jetpack. If you have version 5, then you will need the debs for 20.04 and if you are using 6, then use the debs for 22.04.

Read more about the install and set up for the Zivid software on Jetson on our knowledge base.

Going Industrial with Zivid and Jetson

Once you are happy and finished developing with Zivid on Jetson developer kit, you might want to consider using an industrial PC that embeds a Jetson Orin module. Here is a list of a couple of candidates. You can also check out our full list of recommended industrial PCs. 

New Possibilities for Automation

At the heart of this revolution is the need for adaptable hardware capable of handling a wide range of use cases. Enter NVIDIA's Jetson Orin modules – powerful AI-driven systems that are trusted in the industrial and automation worlds. With their ability to process vast amounts of data in real-time, coupled with advanced capabilities in 3D vision and robotics, these modules are opening new possibilities for automation across various domains.

Zivid aims to stay on the forefront of the automation world, enabling new and innovative robotics solutions with crisp point cloud and high quality 2D data at the same time. It only makes sense that the Jetson Orin modules and Zivid cameras make an excellent team in providing new, compact abilities to your automation cell.