Particle, a leader in the internet of things (IoT) space, has launched its first Qualcomm Snapdragon-powered single-board computer (SBC) called Tachyon. The device, available for pre-order on Kickstarter for $149, aims to make cutting-edge chipsets and AI tooling accessible to consumers and businesses. With its powerful hardware, AI accelerator, high-bandwidth 5G and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, and Linux-powered Ubuntu operating system, Tachyon brings the capabilities of a modern smartphone to the far corners of the world.
Zach Supalla, CEO of Particle, explained that Tachyon is an extension of the company’s existing IoT edge-to-cloud infrastructure. The goal is to provide customers with a complete infrastructure so that they can focus on building their applications. Particle has been in the IoT industry for 10 years, known for its accessible IoT products and tools.
The demand for AI-enabled edge solutions is increasing rapidly, driving the need for powerful devices and platforms. Tachyon meets these requirements with its rich peripherals, robust AI and graphics accelerators, and wireless connectivity. Supalla emphasized the importance of democratizing access to bleeding-edge technology like 5G connectivity and AI accelerators. Tachyon aims to enable innovation by providing accessible tools to engineers and technically minded individuals.
Particle’s Tachyon is a Raspberry Pi-compatible SBC, allowing anyone to create AI-enabled IoT products remotely. This level of capability was previously only available to smartphone and PC manufacturers. The Tachyon board is designed with modularity in mind, providing USB-C ports for connectivity and integrated antennas for easy setup and deployment. It can be powered by USB or a built-in lithium-ion battery.
Supalla acknowledged that there are more powerful AI PCs available, but IoT devices can strike a balance between local processing and the cloud. Tachyon’s AI accelerator is suitable for IoT applications that focus on computer vision, audio classification, and natural language processing.
The launch of Tachyon marks Particle’s entry into the single-board computer market. The company has previously focused on connected microcontrollers and embedded systems. This Kickstarter campaign, the company’s third, aims to ship the Tachyon in January. Supalla believes that the competition around AI accelerators is just beginning, and it will lead to another wave of innovation in the IoT industry.
Overall, Tachyon fills a gap in the market for affordable cellular single-board computers with strong connectivity. Particle aims to differentiate itself through its cloud service, which handles tasks like telemetry, software updates, and remote monitoring of devices. With Tachyon, Particle is empowering engineers and businesses to explore and innovate in the IoT space.