Intel Neural Compute Stick 2: Accelerating AI at the Edge
The Intel Neural Compute Stick 2 (NCS 2) is a USB-based device designed to accelerate AI inference on edge devices[1][4]. This compact, fanless deep learning tool enables developers to prototype and deploy computer vision and AI applications quickly and efficiently[2].
Powered by the Intel Movidius Myriad X Vision Processing Unit (VPU), the NCS 2 offers up to 8x performance improvement over its predecessor for running deep neural networks[1][5]. It features a dedicated neural compute engine, which is a hardware accelerator specifically built for deep neural network inferences[3].
Key features of the Intel NCS 2 include:
- USB 3.0 form factor for easy connectivity
- Support for multiple AI frameworks like Caffe, TensorFlow, and ONNX
- Compatibility with the Intel Distribution of OpenVINO toolkit
- Real-time, on-device inference without requiring cloud connectivity[3]
The NCS 2 is particularly useful for developing AI solutions in various fields, including:
- Smart cameras
- Drones with gesture recognition
- Industrial robots
- Smart home devices[3]
Developers can use the NCS 2 to quickly test, tune, and prototype deep neural network applications. Once perfected, these solutions can be easily ported to other embedded form factors for production deployment[1].
By combining the Intel NCS 2 with the Intel Distribution of OpenVINO toolkit, developers gain access to an optimized development kit for computer vision and AI applications[1][5]. This combination allows for a “write once, deploy everywhere” approach, streamlining the development process from prototype to production[1].
The Intel Neural Compute Stick 2 represents a significant step forward in making AI development more accessible and efficient for edge devices, enabling innovators to bring their ideas to life quickly and effectively[1][4].
Further Reading
1. Intel® Neural Compute Stick 2: Smarter, Faster, Plug-and-Play AI at the Edge – Intel Community
2. Intel® Neural Compute Stick 2
3. https://cdrdv2-public.intel.com/749742/neural-compute-stick2-product-brief.pdf
4. Intel Neural Compute Stick 2
5. Intel Neural Compute Stick 2 Edge AI Faster, Intel AI