[Updated: May 22] — Intel has launched its “Euclid” robotics compute module, which runs Ubuntu on an Atom x7-Z8700, and offers a RealSense 3D cam, WiFi, and sensors.

When Intel demonstrated its Intel Euclid robotics controller at last August’s Intel Developer Conference, the company gave no indication of its release date or even if it would be more than a proof of concept. The candy-bar sized module is now available for order as part of a $399 Intel Euclid Development Kit, with shipments due by the end of the month. A Euclid community site has gone live with tutorials and documentation.

Intel Euclid from both sides
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The Euclid module appears little changed from the prototype, although we now have full specifications, including the identification of the mystery processor. The device runs Ubuntu 16.04 and Robot Operating System (ROS) “Kinetic Kame” on a quad-core, up to 2.4GHz Atom x7-Z8700 of the 14nm “Cherry Trail” family. The x7-Z8700 also powers Intel’s RealSense Smartphone Developer Kit, which uses Google’s Project Tango technology, as well as Intel’s Yocto Project based Aero Compute Board for drones.


Euclid software stack
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The other key component is the Intel RealSense depth camera. The camera features a wide-FoV 640 x 480-pixel RGB camera element, along with depth and accelerometer-gyroscope motion sensors.


Euclid details
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Euclid can be used as a full, autonomous “Brain” with sensing capabilities, or as a smart sensor controlled by a more powerful computer. In the second configuration, you can offload vision processing onto Euclid or access raw data from the sensors.


IDF 2016 demo of a robot holding its Euclid “brain” in its outstretched arms, while performing a collision avoidance scenario
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You can also transfer Arduino sketches or ROS code to Euclid over the WiFi connection. In the case of Arduino sketches, Euclid passes them on, over USB, to an Arduino controller embedded in the robotic target. Euclid can be accessed and controlled by a web app from a desktop or Android and iOS mobile devices (see screenshot below). Additional details regarding the Euclid’s control functions are available in the “Using Euclid” section of our IDF 2016 Euclid coverage, as well in these Euclid videos at Vimeo.


Selecting a scenario for transferring to Euclid via the web app
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The Euclid module runs on 4GB LPDDR3, and offers 32GB eMMC and a microSD slot. The device includes WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, and GPS, as well as an IR laser projector and wide range of sensors.

Other features include a micro-HDMI port, a microphone, speakers, and audio interfaces. The module is further equipped with a USB 3.0 port and dual micro-USB ports for a UART interface and for charging the 3.8V 2000mAh battery, respectively.

Specifications listed for the Intel Euclid Development Kit include:

• Processor — Intel Atom x7-Z8700 (4x Cherry Trail cores @ up to 2.4GHz burst); Intel Gen 8 GPU
• Memory/storage:
  • 4GB LPDDR3-1600
  • 32GB eMMC MLC 5.0,
  • MicroSD slot for up to 128GB
• Wireless:
  • 802.11 a/b/g/n, 1×1 dual band
  • Bluetooth 4.0
  • GPS (GNS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, QZSS, WAAS, EGNOS)
• Sensors:
  • Integrated Sensor Hub (ISH)
  • Accelerometer, digital compass, gyroscope
  • Ambient light, proximity, thermal
  • Environmental (barometer, altimeter, humidity, temperature)
• Display/camera:
  • Micro-HDMI port ([email protected])
  • IR laser projector
  • Intel RealSense ZR300 camera:
    • Stereo imagers — 2x [email protected], global shutter, fixed focus, 70° x 46° x 59° FOV
    • RGB camera — 2-megapixel, up to 1[email protected], 16:9, rolling shutter, fixed focus, 75° x 41.5° x 68° FOV
    • Depth output — up to 628 × 468 @ 60fps, 16-bit format
    • Min. depth distance — 0.6 M (628 x 468) or 0.5 M (480 x 360)
    • Tracking module — fisheye cam at VGA @ 60fps, 166° × 100° × 133° FOV, 3-axis accelerometer and gryroscope with 50 μsec time stamp accuracy
• Audio:
  • “Low power”
  • 2x I2S
  • 1W mono speaker
  • Mic with D-MIC, X3, noise cancellation
• Other I/O:
  • USB 3.0 port
  • Micro-USB OTG port with power
  • Micro-USB 2.0 UART port
• Other features — ¼-incch standard tripod mounting hole; 2x LEDs; configurable buttons
• Operating temperature — up to 35°C (still air)
• Power — 5V/3A via battery terminals; 3.8V 2000mAh battery; 5W nominal consumption; power button and adapter
• Operating system — Ubuntu 16.04 with ROS “Kinetic Kame”

In the 20-minute video below, Amit Moran, who leads the Robotics Innovation team at Intel’s RealSense Innovation Lab in Israel, introduces the Euclid Robotics Compute Module.

Building Perceptive Robots with Intel Euclid

 
Further information

The Intel Euclid Development Kit is available for $399 with shipments due by May 31. More information may be found on Intel’s Euclid Community page and shopping page.