NVIDIA has introduced the Jetson Orin Nano, a compact $249 AI-powered computer designed to handle artificial intelligence (AI) tasks locally. This new release doubles the speed and efficiency of its predecessor at half the price, delivering 70 percent more computational power, according to the company.
With the ability to process nearly 70 trillion operations per second, or 70 TOPs, at just 25 watts, the Orin Nano promises to make AI development more accessible for hobbyists and professionals alike.
A compact powerhouse for AI enthusiasts
The Orin Nano is ideal for developers working on AI applications for robotics, industrial tools, or other devices that require local processing without reliance on cloud services. This capability ensures low latency and high availability for critical applications like warehouse robots or industrial automation. While it’s not designed to replace NVIDIA’s premium GPUs—used for training large-scale AI models—it’s perfect for lightweight AI applications and on-the-go computing needs.
NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang showcased the Orin Nano in a playful YouTube announcement, unveiling the palm-sized computer from his “kitchen oven.” Highlighting its versatility, Huang described the Jetson line as a robotics processor that has evolved to run advanced AI models like Meta’s Llama, making it a versatile tool for various AI-driven projects.
Practical applications and industry impact
The Jetson Orin Nano is already being used in innovative ways. Sam Altman’s startup, World, employs Jetson modules in its Orb scanning device, which uses AI to authenticate human identity via iris scans. The latest version of the Orb boasts five times the AI performance of earlier models, enabling faster and more reliable identity verification.
For developers and businesses, the Orin Nano offers an affordable way to experiment with AI locally. Unlike cloud services offered by tech giants like Amazon and Google, which can be costly and prone to latency issues, the Orin Nano provides a self-contained solution. This makes it especially valuable for applications that demand consistent uptime and fast response times.
Changing the AI landscape
The Jetson Orin Nano’s affordability and portability mark a shift towards democratizing AI technology. While it may not rival NVIDIA’s high-end GPUs, its localized capabilities make AI experimentation accessible to a broader audience. Startups and developers can leverage this technology to create innovative solutions, particularly in industries where AI-powered devices are becoming standard.
As AI technology becomes cheaper and more readily available, the competitive edge will shift from merely embedding AI in devices to creating unique intellectual property and innovative applications. With tools like the Orin Nano, the race to build smarter, more efficient AI-driven solutions is heating up.
