The major challenge we face in this AI on the Edge class is getting a Raspberry Pi 5 configures where you have all the AI Models, Libraries, Modules and Methods installed, and where they all play nicely together. Often, when you add a new model, the old model becomes broken. This is because when you install something new, it often times updates the dependencies. That means it updates a library already on your system. For example, lets say you have numpy 14, working with YOLO 11. Now you install mediapipe, and it updates numpy 14 to numpy 15. This then ‘Breaks’ your YOLO, as it wanted a different version of numpy. Likely you will get frustrated and quit before you get the dependency problems solved. In order to get around this, you can use a special education version of the Bookworm OS, which has all the needed libraries installed already and working nicely with each other. The video above shows you how to install this OS. Once you do, no not update it, do not upgrade it, do not touch it. Use it to develop your programs and projects for this class. If you want to do something else with your pi, have a separate SD card.
Category Archives: AI On the Edge
AI on the Edge LESSON 1: Introduction and Class Overview
Welcome to our all new AI on the Edge class! I will need you to buckle up, get your hardware together, and get ready to teach AI who is boss! We will be using a Pi 5, and the Fusion AI Lab kit. I will show links to the hardware below. In today’s lesson I describe the Class Introduction, and will show you some demos of the types of projects we will be doing. You will either Drive AI or your will be Destroyed by AI. Don’t be one of the ones who will be eaten by it
Guys, get your gear, and make sure you end up on the right side of the Dystopian future that awaits the world.
I have provided Amazon links, so you can order everything in the same place
You Will need a Raspberry Pi 5
Order Pi 5
You will need a heat sink and fan
Order Heat Sink and Fan
You Will Need the Fusion AI Lab Kit
Order Fusion AI Lab Kit
You Will Need a 25 Watt Power Supply
Order Power Supply
You Will Need a Micro HDMI Cable
Order Micro HDMI Cable
You Will Need a Keyboard and Mouse
Order Wireless Keyboard and Mouse
This isn’t just another Raspberry Pi class. This is a complete journey where we’re going to take the powerful Raspberry Pi 5, combine it with the SunFounder Fusion AI Lab kit, and build real, practical, intelligent systems that run completely on the edge — no cloud, no internet required.
In this class, you’re not going to just learn how to blink an LED or run someone else’s pre-made script. You’re going to learn how to build smart machines that can see, listen, speak, think, and act in the real world. We’re going to combine computer vision, voice recognition, speech synthesis, sensor reading, motor control, and modern AI techniques — all running locally on your Raspberry Pi 5.
Over the course of this series, you will learn how to:
- Capture and process live video from the Raspberry Pi Camera
- Detect faces and track objects in real time using MediaPipe and OpenCV
- Control hardware with voice commands
- Make your Raspberry Pi speak with natural-sounding Text-to-Speech
- Build smooth, responsive control systems using threading
- Use displays like the SSD1306 OLED to show live information
- Combine everything into impressive AI-powered projects
This class is designed for makers, students, hobbyists, and engineers who want to move beyond basic tutorials and start building real intelligent edge devices. Whether you dream of building smart robots, autonomous monitoring systems, interactive AI companions, or just want to gain serious skills in modern embedded AI, this class is for you.
I’m going to teach this the way I always do — step by step, clearly, and with lots of hands-on projects. We’ll start with the fundamentals and gradually build up to more advanced and exciting projects as the class progresses.
If you’ve ever wanted to move from “playing with the Raspberry Pi” to “building truly intelligent systems,” then you’re in the right place. This is going to be a fun, challenging, and incredibly rewarding journey.
So if you’re ready to stop just watching AI videos and start building your own AI on the edge… then buckle up, because we’re about to do exactly that.
Welcome to the class! I’m really glad you’re here. Let’s get started!