Raspberry Pi

Series and generations

There are five main series of Raspberry Pi computers, each with multiple generations. Most models feature a Broadcom system on a chip (SoC) with an integrated ARM-based central processing unit (CPU) and an on-chip graphics processing unit (GPU). The exception is the Pico series, a microcontroller which uses the RP2040, a custom-designed SoC with an ARM-compatible CPU but no GPU.

Flagship series

The flagship Raspberry Pi series, often referred to simply as "Raspberry Pi", offers high-performance hardware, a full Linux operating system, and a variety of common ports in a compact form factor roughly the size of a credit card.

• The Model B (2012) features a 700 MHz single-core 32-bit ARM11 CPU, a VideoCore IV GPU, 256 then 512 MB RAM and a 26-pin GPIO header.
• The Model A (2013) is a lower-cost version with 256 MB RAM, no Ethernet, and fewer USB ports.
• The Model B+ and Model A+ (2014) add a 40-pin GPIO header, microSD card support, and replace the RCA video connector with a combined 3.5 mm audio/video jack.
• The Raspberry Pi 2 Model B, v 1.1 (2015) includes a 900 MHz quad-core Cortex-A7 CPU and 1 GB of RAM.
• The Raspberry Pi 2 Model B, v 1.2 (2016) or v 1.3 includes a 900 MHz quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU and 1 GB of RAM.
• The Raspberry Pi 3 Model B (2016) features a 1.2 GHz quad-core 64-bit Cortex-A53 CPU, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB boot support.
• The Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ (2018) upgrades to a 1.4 GHz CPU, faster Ethernet, dual-band Wi-Fi, and Power over Ethernet (PoE) support.
• The Raspberry Pi 3 Model A+ (2018) is the final A-series model, offering the same features as the 3B+, but with 512 MB RAM and in a smaller form factor.
• The Raspberry Pi 4 (2019) introduces a 1.5 GHz quad-core Cortex-A72 CPU, a VideoCore VI GPU, USB 3.0 ports, true Gigabit Ethernet, support for dual 4K monitors, and options for 1, 2, 3, 4, or 8 GB of RAM.
• The Raspberry Pi 5 (2023) features a 2.4 GHz quad-core Cortex-A76 CPU, a VideoCore VII GPU, PCIe support, and options for 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 GB of RAM.

Keyboard Computer series

The Keyboard Computer series combines Raspberry Pi board and a keyboard into a keyboard computer form factor, providing a self-contained Linux-based desktop system.

• The Raspberry Pi 400 (2020) features a custom board based on the Pi 4. It includes a 1.8 GHz quad-core Cortex-A72 processor, 4 GB of RAM, and a large integrated heat sink. It supports dual 4K monitors via two micro HDMI ports and includes gigabit Ethernet.
• The Raspberry Pi 500 (2024) is based on the Pi 5 and succeeds the Pi 400. It features a 2.4 GHz quad-core Cortex-A76 processor and 8 GB of RAM. Unlike the Raspberry Pi 5, it lacks a PCIe interface.
• The Raspberry Pi 500+ (2025) is based on the Pi 5. It features the same 2.4 GHz quad-core Cortex-A76 processor as the Pi 500, 16 GB of RAM and an M.2 slot with a 256 GB SSD preinstalled. It replaces the membrane keyboard of the original model for a mechanical variant with RGB lighting.

Zero series

The Raspberry Pi Zero is a series of compact, low-cost, and low-power single-board computers that provide basic functionality and Linux compatibility for embedded and minimalist computing applications.

• The Raspberry Pi Zero (2015), priced at US$5, features a 1 GHz single-core 32-bit ARM11 CPU, 512 MB of RAM, mini HDMI, and micro USB ports for data and power. It includes an unpopulated 40-pin GPIO header.
  • The Zero v1.3 (2016) added a camera connector.
  • The Zero W (2017) introduced onboard Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for US$10.
  • The Zero WH (2018) added pre-soldered GPIO pins for US$15.
• The Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W (2021), priced at US$15, features a quad-core 64-bit ARM Cortex-A53 CPU and includes wireless connectivity. The Zero 2 WH variant adds a pre-soldered GPIO header for US$18.

Pico series

The Pico is a series of compact microcontroller boards based on Raspberry Pi-designed chips. Unlike other models, they do not run Linux or support removable storage, and are instead programmed by flashing binaries to onboard flash memory.

• The Raspberry Pi Pico (2021) was the first board based on the in-house RP2040 microcontroller. It features a dual-core 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0+ CPU, 264 KB of RAM, and 2 MB of flash memory, priced at US$4. The Pico W (2022) adds Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and launched at US$6. The board has a castellated edge for direct soldering to a carrier board; versions are available with pre-soldered, bottom-mounted header pins, the Pico H for US$5 and the Pico WH for US$7.
• The Raspberry Pi Pico 2 (2024) introduced the RP2350 microcontroller, featuring a pair of 32-bit ARM Cortex-M33 cores and a pair of Hazard3 RISC-V processor cores (the user can select any two cores), 520 KB of RAM, and 4 MB of flash memory, priced at US$5. The Pico 2 W adds Wi-Fi and Bluetooth at US$7.

Compute Module series

The Compute Module (CM) series delivers Raspberry Pi's flagship hardware in a compact form for industrial and embedded applications, omitting onboard ports and GPIO headers in favour of a carrier board interface. Compute Modules are offered in one of two formats: a board matching the physical dimensions of a DDR2 SO-DIMM RAM module (though electrically incompatible with standard SO-DIMM sockets) and a smaller board with dual 100-pin high-density connectors that enables additional interfaces.

• Compute Module 1 (2014) – Based on the original Raspberry Pi. Features a single-core ARM11 CPU, 512 MB RAM, and 4 GB eMMC flash storage. SO-DIMM form factor.
• Compute Module 3 (2017) – Based on the Pi 3. Includes a quad-core 64-bit Cortex-A53 CPU, 1 GB RAM, and 4 GB eMMC; also available as a "Lite" variant without eMMC. SO-DIMM form factor.
• Compute Module 3+ (2019) – Based on the Pi 3+. Offers 0 (Lite), 8, 16, or 32 GB eMMC options. SO-DIMM form factor.
• Compute Module 4 (2020) – Based on the Pi 4. Includes a quad-core 64-bit Cortex-A72 CPU, 1, 2, 4, or 8 GB RAM, and 0 (Lite), 8, 16, or 32 GB eMMC; optional Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. High-density connector form factor; CM4S variant uses SO-DIMM form factor.
• Compute Module 5 (2024) – Based on the Pi 5. Features a quad-core 64-bit Cortex-A76 CPU, 2, 4, 8, or 16 GB RAM, and 0 (Lite), 16, 32, or 64 GB eMMC; optional Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. High-density connector form factor.

Model/series comparison table

Notes

Hardware

Since its introduction, Raspberry Pi hardware has been designed to provide low-cost and high performance computing platforms. The founders intended it to be an affordable and accessible system by making it compatible with widely available second-hand peripherals, such as televisions for displays, USB input devices, and cellphone chargers for power. Over time, the hardware has expanded to support both advanced configurations and ultra-low-cost variants.

The company has committed to keeping its single-board computer products in production for at least ten years, longer than typical consumer electronics. It also publishes guaranteed minimum manufacturing end dates. These policies are intended to support the use of its products in industrial and OEM applications that require long-term availability. For example, the original Raspberry Pi Model 1B, introduced in 2012, remained in production as of 2025.

The Raspberry Pi has undergone multiple hardware revisions, with changes in processor type, memory capacity, networking features, and peripheral support. All models include a processor, memory, and various input/output interfaces on a single circuit board. Most include an HDMI output, USB ports, and a GPIO (general-purpose input/output) header. Networking capabilities vary by model, with later versions featuring integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Storage is typically provided via a microSD card, with newer models supporting USB or PCIe-based boot options.

Processors and system on chip

Raspberry Pi models use a range of system on a chip (SoC) designs, developed in partnership with Arm and Broadcom. Each generation has introduced improvements in CPU architecture, clock speed, graphics, and overall performance.

The original Raspberry Pi and the Pi Zero use the Broadcom BCM2835, featuring a single-core 32-bit ARM11 CPU and a VideoCore IV GPU. The CPU is clocked at 700 MHz on the original Pi and 1 GHz on the Zero and Zero W.

The Raspberry Pi 2 introduced the BCM2836 with a 900 MHz quad-core 32-bit Cortex-A7 CPU, while later revisions used the 64-bit BCM2837 with Cortex-A53 cores. The Raspberry Pi 3 retained the BCM2837, increasing the CPU clock to 1.2–1.4 GHz depending on the model. The Pi Zero 2 uses the RP3A0, a system in a package (SiP) combining the quad-core Cortex-A53 processor clocked at 1 GHz with 512 MB of RAM.

The Raspberry Pi 4 introduced the BCM2711, a 64-bit SoC with a quad-core Cortex-A72 CPU and VideoCore VI GPU. Clock speeds were initially 1.5 GHz and later increased to 1.8 GHz. The Raspberry Pi 5 uses the BCM2712, featuring a quad-core Cortex-A76 CPU at 2.4 GHz, an 800 MHz VideoCore VII GPU, and a separate RP1 southbridge chip designed in-house.

Raspberry Pi has also developed its own chips outside of its partnership with Broadcom. The Raspberry Pi Pico uses the RP2040, featuring dual-core 32-bit Cortex-M0+ processors running at 133 MHz and 264 kB of on-chip RAM. The Pico 2 uses the RP2350, featuring two Cortex-M33 and two Hazard3 RISC-V CPU cores, any two of which may be selected at boot, running at 150 MHz, with 520 kB of RAM.

Overclocking

Most Raspberry Pi models support user-configurable overclocking through the system configuration file. More recent models feature dynamic frequency scaling, adjusting CPU speed based on workload to balance performance and thermal output. This behaviour, while similar to overclocking, is part of the default power management system. If the CPU temperature exceeds 85 °C (185 °F) or if undervoltage is detected, performance is throttled automatically. For sustained high-performance workloads, additional cooling—such as a heat sink or fan—may be required.

RAM

The original Raspberry Pi Model B was equipped with 512 MB of random-access memory (RAM), which, like later models, shares memory between the CPU and GPU. All Raspberry Pi boards support dynamic memory allocation between these components, allowing the system to adjust the division based on workload or user configuration. The original Model A included 256 MB of RAM.

Subsequent models introduced increased memory capacities. The Pi 2B and 3 B/B+ models feature 1 GB of RAM, while the smaller 1A+ and 3A+ models have 512 MB. The Pi Zero and Zero 2 W also include 512 MB. The Pi 4 is available with 1, 2, 3, 4, or 8 GB of RAM, and the Pi 5 expands this further with options for 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 GB of RAM, the highest capacity offered to date.

On 1 April 2026, Raspberry Pi announced a 3 GB version of the Raspberry Pi 4 due to the increasing cost of LPDDR4 RAM. The PCB was redesigned to use two 1.5 GB chips, which are cheaper and in greater supply.

Storage and peripherals

Storage is typically provided via a microSD card, though some Compute Modules offer onboard eMMC flash. Newer models support USB booting, and the Pi 5 includes support for NVMe SSDs over PCIe. The original Model A and Model B uses a full-sized SD card slot.

Boards also include USB ports for peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and storage devices.

Video

Raspberry Pi devices support both digital and analogue video output across various resolutions.

Early models featured a full-size HDMI port and an RCA connector for analogue composite video output. Later boards removed the RCA jack but retained analogue output via the 3.5 mm TRRS jack or dedicated solder points. According to the Raspberry Pi Foundation, analogue support helps maintain accessibility in developing countries. The Pi Zero and Pi 5 lack a 3.5mm jack or RCA connector; however, they still contain hardware to output a composite video signal, albeit requiring soldering a connector to the unpopulated composite video signal pads.

To accommodate the addition of features on the compact boards, video connectors have shrunk across models. The Pi Zero series uses a mini-HDMI connector, while the Pi 4 and 5 use dual micro-HDMI ports. This change enables support for multiple displays: the Pi 4 can drive two 4K displays at 30 Hz or one at 60 Hz, while the Pi 5 improves on this with support for two 4K displays at 60 Hz.

Older Raspberry Pi models support common display resolutions such as 720p and 1080p by default, with some capable of higher resolutions depending on hardware and configuration. In some cases, older hardware can output in 4K, though performance may be poor.

GPIO header

Most Raspberry Pi models include a 40-pin connector known as the GPIO (general-purpose input/output) header, although only some of the pins are dedicated to GPIO functions. The header, designated as J8, uses a consistent pinout across models.

The header supplies 3.3 V and 5 V power along with various multiplexed, low-speed interfaces, including UART, SPI, I²C, I²S, and PCM. GPIO pins can be configured as either inputs or outputs. When set as an output, a pin can drive a high (3.3 V) or low (0 V) signal. When configured as an input, it can read a high (3.3 V) or low (0 V) voltage level.

The original Raspberry Pi 1 Model A and B include only the first 26 pins of this header. On some Pi Zero models, the header is unpopulated, but solderable through-holes are provided. The Pico models feature a unique layout with unpopulated through-holes and a castellated edge, allowing it to be surface-mounted as a module. Compute Module boards do not include GPIO headers but instead expose GPIO signals through their board connectors.

Networking

Networking capabilities differ by model. The Model B and B+ include an Ethernet port. Starting with the Raspberry Pi 3, most models come with built-in WiFi and Bluetooth. The Raspberry Pi 3B+ adds faster Ethernet and dual-band WiFi. The Raspberry Pi 4 and 5 offer full gigabit Ethernet. The "A" models and the Pi Zero series do not have Ethernet ports, and built-in wireless support is optional. A USB adapter may be used for wired or wireless connections. Headless Raspberry Pi configurations may experience intermittent network connectivity issues, often attributed to default WiFi power management settings. These issues are typically addressable through configuration changes.

Special-purpose features

Some Raspberry Pi models, like the Zero, 1A, 3A+, and 4, can act like a USB device (via the USB On-The-Go protocol) when plugged into another computer. This lets them work as gadgets such as a virtual keyboard, network adapter, or serial device.

Many newer models can also start up (or "boot") directly from a USB drive, without needing a microSD card. This feature is not available on older models like the original Raspberry Pi, Pi Zero, or early versions of the Pi 2.

Real-time clock

Most Raspberry Pi models do not include a built-in real-time clock, which means they rely on an internet connection to set the correct time with the Network Time Protocol when they start up. If there is no connection, the time must be set manually; otherwise, the system assumes no time has passed since it was last used. Add-on clock modules are available for situations where accurate timekeeping is needed without internet access. The Raspberry Pi 5 is the first model to include a built-in clock which uses a battery to keep time when powered off.

Board layouts

Specifications

Software

Operating systems

The recommended operating system is Raspberry Pi OS, a Debian-based Linux distribution optimized for Raspberry Pi hardware and tuned to have low base memory requirements. It is available in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions and comes in several editions: a standard edition, a "Lite" version without a desktop environment, and a "Full" version that includes a comprehensive suite of software.

Raspberry Pi OS can be purchased pre-installed on a microSD card, or downloaded and installed using Raspberry Pi Imager, a utility introduced in March 2020 to simplify the installation of operating systems onto SD cards and other media for Raspberry Pi devices. Available for macOS, Raspberry Pi OS, Ubuntu, and Microsoft Windows, Imager allows users to download and write operating system disk images within a single application. In addition to Raspberry Pi OS, the utility supports a variety of third-party operating systems, including Alpine Linux, Arch Linux ARM, Armbian, Emteria.OS (Android based), FreedomBox, Kali Linux, LibreELEC, RetroPie, RISC OS, SatNOGS, Ubuntu, and Windows.

Firmware

The Raspberry Pi uses official firmware that is proprietary, meaning its source code is not publicly available, but the binary blob can be freely redistributed. An experimental open-source alternative to the official firmware is also available. Although limited in functionality, it demonstrates that it is possible to start the Raspberry Pi's ARM processor cores and boot a basic version of the Linux kernel without relying on the proprietary components. This is significant for developers and advocates who aim to build fully open systems.

Driver APIs

Raspberry Pi systems use Broadcom's VideoCore GPU, which requires a proprietary firmware binary blob to be loaded at boot. Initially, the supporting software stack was entirely proprietary, though parts of the code were later released. Most driver functionality remains within the proprietary GPU firmware, accessed via closed-source runtime libraries such as OpenMAX IL, OpenGL ES, and OpenVG. These libraries interface with a kernel-space open-source driver, which in turn communicates with the proprietary GPU firmware. Applications use OpenMAX IL for video, OpenGL ES for 3D graphics, and OpenVG for 2D graphics, with all graphics libraries making use of the closed-source EGL interface.

In February 2020, Raspberry Pi announced the development of a Vulkan graphics driver. A working prototype demonstrated high performance in Quake III Arena on a Raspberry Pi 3B+ later that year. On 24 November 2020, Raspberry Pi 4's Vulkan driver was declared conformant.

Official accessories

Cameras

Raspberry Pi offers several official camera modules that connect via the Camera Serial Interface. These modules are used for photography, video capture, and machine vision applications.

• Camera Module (2013) – A 5-megapixel (MP) camera based on the OmniVision OV5647 sensor, supporting video resolutions up to 1080p. A version without an infrared filter (NoIR) was available for night-vision applications when used with infrared lighting. This model is no longer produced.
• Camera Module 2 (2016) – 8 MP Sony IMX219 sensor. Also available in NoIR version.
• High Quality Camera (2020) – 12.3 MP Sony IMX477 sensor. Supports interchangeable C/CS mount or M12 mount lenses and includes a tripod thread. Not available in a NoIR version, but IR filter can be removed.
• Camera Module 3 (2023) – 12 MP Sony IMX708 sensor with support for autofocus and high dynamic range. Offered in four variants: standard, wide field of view (FoV), NoIR, and NoIR wide FoV.
• Global Shutter Camera (2023) – 1.6 MP Sony IMX296 sensor with global shutter for high-speed imaging. Supports C/CS mount lenses and includes a tripod mount. Not available in a NoIR version, but IR filter can be removed.
• AI Camera (2024) – 12.3 MP Sony IMX500 sensor with integrated on-sensor processing capabilities for AI applications.

Displays

Raspberry Pi also offers official display peripherals for graphical and touchscreen interfaces:

• Raspberry Pi Touch Display (2015) – A 7-inch capacitive touchscreen.
• Raspberry Pi Touch Display 2 (2024) – A revised version of the original 7-inch touchscreen display with improved performance and compatibility. Also available in an 5-inch version since 2025. 10-inch version release in July 2026.
• Raspberry Pi Monitor (2024) – A 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display with built-in speakers and folding stand.

Add-on boards (HATs)

Official Raspberry Pi HATs (Hardware Attached on Top) and expansion boards extend the functionality of Raspberry Pi computers. The HAT standard was introduced in July 2014. Many boards use an EEPROM for automatic configuration.

• AI HAT+ (2024) – A HAT for the Raspberry Pi 5 featuring a built-in Hailo-8L chip providing 13 TOPS of AI acceleration, or Hailo-8 chip providing 26 TOPS.
• AI HAT+ 2 (2026) – A HAT for the Raspberry Pi 5 featuring a built-in Hailo-10H chip providing 40 TOPS of AI acceleration, along with 8 GB of dedicated on-board RAM.
• Build HAT (2021) – Designed to interface with Lego Technic motors and sensors.
• Codec Zero – A compact audio input/output board for the Pi Zero.
• DAC+ / DAC Pro / DigiAMP+ – A range of audio HATs offering high-resolution digital-to-analogue conversion, with the DigiAMP+ including a built-in amplifier.
• M.2 HAT+ (2024) – A HAT for the Raspberry Pi 5 featuring an interface for attaching M.2 peripherals.
  • AI Kit (2024) – A bundle including the M.2 HAT+ and a Hailo AI-8L module providing 13 TOPS of AI acceleration.
  • SSD Kit (2024) – A bundle including the M.2 HAT+ and a NVMe SSD.
• Sense HAT (2015) – Includes sensors for temperature, humidity, pressure, orientation, and an 8×8 LED matrix with a joystick. Originally developed for the Astro Pi project.
• PoE+ HAT (2021) – Enables Power over Ethernet functionality for models with PoE support.
• TV HAT (2018) – Allows reception and decoding of digital DVB-T2 television broadcasts.

Power supplies

• Build HAT Power Supply – A 48 W power supply providing 8 V at up to 6 A, designed for use with the Build HAT. It provides sufficient power for connected Lego Technic motors and sensors, as well as the attached Raspberry Pi computer.
• PoE+ Injector (2018) – Provides Power over Ethernet (up to 30W) for compatible models using a PoE HAT.
• USB Power Supplies – Available in multiple versions delivering 5.1V at different power levels: 12.5W via Micro-USB for earlier models, 15W via USB-C for Pi 4, 27W via USB-C for Pi 5, and 45W via USB-C for third-party laptops.

Peripherals

• Active cooler (2023) – A heatsink and temperature‑controlled fan for thermal management on Pi 5.
• Cables and adapters – Includes HDMI (micro for Pi 4/5, mini for Zero), USB (micro‑USB and USB‑C), and various adapters for display and peripheral connectivity.
• Cases – Plastic enclosures for Raspberry Pi A+, 3, 4, 5, and Zero series with venting, and in some cases, fans, to aid heat dissipation. A minimalist "bumper" silicone enclosure is also offered for the Pi 5.
• Keyboard and mouse – Official USB keyboard (with integrated hub with three USB 2 Type-A ports) and optical mouse designed for use with Raspberry Pi.
• SD cards – Officially tested microSD cards that support A2 application performance, C10 card speeds, and UHS-I (SDR104) bus speeds. Available with Raspberry Pi OS pre-installed.
• Smart Display Module – Compute Module adapter board that allows it to be embedded into professional signage displays that use the Intel Smart Display Module standard. Includes HDMI output for a second independent video stream, along with an M.2 expansion slot for an optional Hailo AI accelerator.
• USB 3 hub – Adds four additional USB 3 Type-A ports, also includes a USB-C power input to support high power draw peripherals.

Debugging and utility

• Debug probe (2022) – RP2040-based hardware debug tool for Raspberry Pi and RP2040 development boards.
• RTC battery (2024) – Rechargeable lithium battery for powering the real-time clock on Raspberry Pi 5 during power loss.

Reception and use

Technology writer Glyn Moody described the project in May 2011 as a "potential BBC Micro 2.0", not by replacing PC compatible machines but by supplementing them. In March 2012 Stephen Pritchard echoed the BBC Micro successor sentiment in ITPRO. Alex Hope, co-author of the Next Gen report, is hopeful that the computer will engage children with the excitement of programming. Co-author Ian Livingstone suggested that the BBC could be involved in building support for the device, possibly branding it as the BBC Nano. The Centre for Computing History strongly supports the Raspberry Pi project, feeling that it could "usher in a new era". Before release, the board was showcased by ARM's CEO Warren East at an event in Cambridge outlining Google's ideas to improve UK science and technology education.

Harry Fairhead, however, suggests that more emphasis should be put on improving the educational software available on existing hardware, using tools such as MIT App Inventor to return programming to schools, rather than adding new hardware choices. Simon Rockman, writing in a ZDNet blog, was of the opinion that teens will have "better things to do", despite what happened in the 1980s.

In October 2012, the Raspberry Pi won T3's Innovation of the Year award, and futurist Mark Pesce cited a (borrowed) Raspberry Pi as the inspiration for his ambient device project MooresCloud. In October 2012, the British Computer Society responded to the announcement of enhanced specifications by stating, "it's definitely something we'll want to sink our teeth into."

In June 2017, Raspberry Pi won the Royal Academy of Engineering MacRobert Award. The citation for the award to the Raspberry Pi said it was "for its inexpensive credit card-sized microcomputers, which are redefining how people engage with computing, inspiring students to learn coding and computer science and providing innovative control solutions for industry."

Clusters of hundreds of Raspberry Pis have been used for testing programs destined for supercomputers.

Community

The Raspberry Pi community was described by Jamie Ayre of FOSS software company AdaCore as one of the most exciting parts of the project. Community blogger Russell Davis said that the community strength allows the Foundation to concentrate on documentation and teaching. The community developed a fanzine around the platform called The MagPi which in 2015, was handed over to Raspberry Pi (Trading) Ltd by its volunteers to be continued in-house. A series of community Raspberry Jam events have been held across the UK and around the world.

Education

As of January 2012, enquiries about the board in the United Kingdom have been received from both state and private schools, with around five times as much interest from the latter. It is hoped that businesses will sponsor purchases for less advantaged schools. The CEO of Premier Farnell said that the government of a country in the Middle East has expressed interest in providing a board to every schoolgirl, to enhance her employment prospects.

In 2014, the Raspberry Pi Foundation hired a number of its community members including ex-teachers and software developers to launch a set of free learning resources for its website. The Foundation also started a teacher training course called Picademy with the aim of helping teachers prepare for teaching the new computing curriculum using the Raspberry Pi in the classroom.

In 2018, NASA launched the JPL Open Source Rover Project, which is a scaled down version of Curiosity rover and uses a Raspberry Pi as the control module, to encourage students and hobbyists to get involved in mechanical, software, electronics, and robotics engineering.

Home automation

There are a number of developers and applications that are using the Raspberry Pi for home automation. These programmers are making an effort to modify the Raspberry Pi into a cost-affordable solution in energy monitoring and power consumption. Because of the relatively low cost of the Raspberry Pi, this has become a popular and economical alternative to the more expensive commercial solutions.

System and network administration

• ConsolePi
• PiKVM

Industrial automation

In June 2014, Polish industrial automation manufacturer TECHBASE released ModBerry, an industrial computer based on the Raspberry Pi Compute Module. The device has a number of interfaces, most notably RS-485/232 serial ports, digital and analogue inputs/outputs, CAN and economical 1-Wire buses, all of which are widely used in the automation industry. The design allows the use of the Compute Module in harsh industrial environments, leading to the conclusion that the Raspberry Pi is no longer limited to home and science projects, but can be widely used as an Industrial IoT solution and achieve goals of Industry 4.0.

In March 2018, SUSE announced commercial support for SUSE Linux Enterprise on the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B to support a number of undisclosed customers implementing industrial monitoring with the Raspberry Pi.

In January 2021, TECHBASE announced a Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 cluster for AI accelerator, routing and file server use. The device contains one or more standard Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4s in an industrial DIN rail housing, with some versions containing one or more Coral Edge tensor processing units.

Commercial products

The Organelle is a portable synthesiser, a sampler, a sequencer, and an effects processor designed and assembled by Critter & Guitari. It incorporates a Raspberry Pi computer module running Linux.

Slice is a digital media player which also uses a Compute Module as its heart. It was crowd-funded in an August 2014 Kickstarter campaign. The software running on Slice is based on Kodi.

Numerous commercial thin client computer terminals use the Raspberry Pi.

The PiKVM project has used various Raspberry Pi models, with their latest flagship product based around the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 with additional hardware, to enable the remote control of other computers over a network (KVM-over-IP). While PiKVM started as a DIY project among enthusiasts who wanted a less expensive KVM-over-IP than traditional proprietary products, the project now sells fully-assembled, ready-to-use hardware products with their custom build of Arch Linux ARM pre-installed, which includes the fully-libre KVMd software. Arguably, the PiKVM v4 Plus now out-performs many proprietary products, especially in features, low-latency, versatility, configurability, and video-performance.

The Raspberry Shake project sells seismometers based on the Raspberry Pi.

COVID-19 pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, demand increased primarily due to the increase in remote work, but also because of the use of many Raspberry Pi Zeros in ventilators for COVID-19 patients in countries such as Colombia, which were used to combat strain on the healthcare system. In March 2020, Raspberry Pi sales reached 640,000 units, the second largest month of sales in the company's history.

Military

The Iranian Geran-5 aerial drone is reportedly built around a Raspberry Pi.

In space

The Astro Pi project was launched in December 2014 at an event held by the UK Space Agency. Astro Pi units are augmented Raspberry Pi computers equipped with a Sensor HAT and either a visible-light or infrared camera. The associated competition, called Principia, opened in January 2015 to primary and secondary school students in the United Kingdom. During his mission, British European Space Agency astronaut Tim Peake deployed the computers aboard the International Space Station. He executed the winning student programs in orbit, collected the resulting data, and transmitted it to Earth for distribution to the teams. Competition themes included spacecraft sensors, satellite imaging, space measurements, data fusion, and space radiation.

Organisations involved in the Astro Pi initiative include the UK Space Agency, UKspace, the Raspberry Pi Foundation, ESERO-UK, and the European Space Agency (ESA).

In 2017, ESA expanded the programme with a Europe-wide competition, Proxima, open to students across the European Union. The winning programs were run on the ISS by French astronaut Thomas Pesquet.

In December 2021, another pair of Astro Pi units were launched aboard a SpaceX Dragon 2 spacecraft.