Congratulations on the Launch of Raspberry Pi CM5!

We are thrilled to celebrate the release of the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 (CM5). For us, it is a significant milestone in the realm of machine vision. This launch is particularly important because:

Enhanced Commercial Applications

The CM5 brings the ultra-high-cost performance of the Raspberry Pi 5 to commercial applications, especially in scenarios where space is limited for embedded devices. As Tom’s Hardware commented,

“The Compute Module is essentially a Raspberry Pi with none of the ports physically broken out on the board, …… The Compute Module range of Raspberry Pi offers the power of the flagship Raspberry Pi 5, slimmed down into a package made for embedded projects. This isn’t a board for everyone, but if you need the power of the Pi 5 in a much smaller package, and you are prepared to design a custom PCB (or just wait for others to do so) then you have a potent platform from which to build projects and products. ”

Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 Review: More power, same form factor, Tom’s Hardware

Drop-in Replacement

The CM5 is compatible with the CM4 in terms of form factor and connector configuration.

So, despite the cautious reminder from Tom’s Hardware’s review,

The Compute Module 5 seems to be largely compatible with older Compute Module 4 add-ons, but unless they are advertised as working with the CM5, we wouldn’t rush out to buy any of these older add-ons just yet.

Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 Review: More power, same form factor, Tom’s Hardware

This still means that many – or most – existing applications using the CM4 can seamlessly transition to the CM5 without the need for redesigning their solutions, as Jeff Geerling commented in his prompt review after testing tons of CM boards.

Arducam’s Journey in Developing Commercial Visual Hardware with the RPi CM Series

At Arducam, we have been at the forefront of developing embedded visual hardware utilizing the Raspberry Pi Compute Module series.

As Eben Upton remarked during the CM5 launch,

“Compute Modules make it easier than ever for embedded customers to build custom products.”

Our commercial and organizational clients have increasingly sought tailored solutions, prompting us to innovate from the CM4 onwards.

During Maker Faire Shenzhen 2023, Arducam showcased several commercial applications based on the RPi CM4, including High Definition Code Scanner, Textile Inspection Solution, Harvest Statistics Solution, Vision Solution for Agricultural Drones, Smart Trolley Solutions, and so on.

Among these, the standout product was the Arducam KingKong, an all-in-one AI camera solution that integrates the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 with a high-quality AR0234 color global shutter sensor. This smart AI camera kit unlocks limitless potential for applications like face recognition, fatigue detection, object recognition, anomaly detection, pose estimation and many others, featuring distortion-free imaging with an M12 lens. Housed in a durable CNC enclosure for optimal heat dissipation, the KingKong offers plug-and-play functionality with pre-installed software and versatile connectivity options, including HDMI, GPIO, USB ports, and Wi-Fi/Power-over-Ethernet. Its support for external trigger functionality enhances flexibility for precise image acquisition, making it ideal for various industrial applications.

Caught in the Act!

See the Arducam KingKong recognizing Raspberry Pi CEO Eben Upton at Maker Faire Shenzhen—showing that our AI is always ready to make new friends!

KingKong has not only been officially recognized by Raspberry Pi and included in the Powered by Pi program but has also been recommended by professional mainstream media, as well as praised by individual users and commercial customers.

Approved by Powered by Raspberry Pi

Featured in Make: Magazine Vol. 91, Guide to Boards 2025, AI at the Edge.

Our Vision for CM5

As we look ahead, we are excited about the possibilities that the CM5 will unlock in machine vision applications across various industrial fields. As Eben Upton stated at the CM5 launch,

“The world is full of innovative engineering companies of every scale, and we’re excited to discover the uses to which they’ll put our powerful new module.”

We are already on the way of upgrading the KingKong by equipping it with the updated CM5, having already conducted extensive testing with the new module. In late October, we brought the prototype sample of the CM5-powered KingKong to the annual Raspberry Pi product expo in London, where we were invited to participate as an active player in the Raspberry Pi ecosystem.

Additionally, we aim to leverage the capabilities of CM5 to explore machine vision applications across a more diverse range of industrial sectors.

The Arducam Team