Overview
Orange Pi has unveiled a new AI-focused mini-PC line, headlined by the AI Studio Pro, built around Huawei’s Ascend-310 AI processor. The series targets on-device AI workloads for edge computing and local inference, offering substantial compute power in a compact form factor.
Hardware and performance
At the core is the Ascend-310 processor family with eight cores: two ARM Cortex-A55 CPU cores and dedicated AI/Vector/Image cores. Each chip delivers roughly 176 TOPS of AI throughput. In the Pro variant, two such processors are combined to deliver up to 352 TOPS, enabling more demanding models and multi-sensor workloads. RAM options range from 48 GB to 192 GB LPDDR4X, depending on the configuration (non-Pro and Pro).
Connectivity and enclosure
The rear features a USB4 Type-C port with 40 Gbps bandwidth, alongside a standard power input, a power switch, status LEDs, and an integrated RGB light strip on the chassis—providing a compact, visually informative edge device for AI tasks.
Software and ecosystem
Software support begins with Ubuntu 22.04.5 LTS and Linux kernel 5.15. Windows support is expected soon, broadening compatibility for developers and enterprises relying on Windows-based tooling or workflows.
DeepSeek compatibility
A notable software angle is compatibility with the DeepSeek AI model line. The AI Studio Pro is designed to run DeepSeek-R1 locally, enabling on-device inference without cloud round-trips and potentially reducing latency for real-time applications.
Potential applications
Orange Pi highlights an array of use cases: optical character recognition (OCR), object detection, and facial recognition; multimodal AI assistants that process text, images, audio, and video; content moderation; and VR-enabled intelligence. The devices are also positioned for Internet of Things deployments, where a single edge computer can collect and analyze data from diverse sensors in real time.
Smart maker scenarios
For makers, a smart workshop is a compelling example. An AI-equipped system could monitor a workshop via a camera feed, identify tool locations, and respond to voice commands to guide a user to the needed equipment—keeping operations safe and efficient while the data remains locally processed.
Availability and pricing
Currently, the Orange Pi AI Studio series is not available in Germany. Price points are positioned for enthusiasts and developers: the base non-Pro model with 48 GB RAM starts around 900 euros, while the Pro variant with up to 192 GB RAM can approach 2,000 euros depending on configuration.
What’s next
As edge AI hardware accelerates, devices like the AI Studio Pro exemplify the path toward robust on-device intelligence. For readers wanting deeper dives into AI object detection and prompting techniques, check our related coverage.