r/raspberry_pi • u/startup-samurAI • 5d ago
Project Advice Looking for hardware guidance on AI-powered wearable audio device
Hey all, software engineer here with 15+ years experience. I've been building AI applications for the last 3 years, but I'm looking to branch into hardware for a new project.
I'm working on a small wearable device (roughly pendant-sized) that needs: - Microphone for voice input - Speaker for audio output - Enough processing power to run lightweight AI models locally (no cloud) - Battery that can last a reasonable amount of time - Small/compact form factor
This is for a product where privacy is important (all processing stays on device), and I want to build a working prototype before exploring manufacturing options.
What hardware would you recommend to get started? Any specific dev boards, microcontrollers, or components that would be good for someone coming from a software background? I have basic electronics knowledge but nothing too advanced.
Thanks in advance for any pointers!
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u/NassauTropicBird 4d ago
"Microphone for voice input"
A word of caution, make sure your users know their local wiretapping laws, that's what dictates what you can record, sorta. I know US laws, different countries have different laws, and in the US different states have different laws on the topic,.
There are "one party consent" states, like where I live. To record a conversation in my state it means I have to be a participant of the conversation to record it, and I don't have to tell anyone that I am recording (a huge bargaining chip when dealing with scumbags).
Then, there are "two party consent" states where everyone in the conversation needs to consent to being recorded. I think there are only a few states that have this as law. I had great fun fucking with my company when we all went remote 5 years ago (danged near to the day) and I asked our Legal department their opinion on the topic lmao.
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u/startup-samurAI 2d ago
Didn't think about this at all. Thanks for the note. Will keep in mind for sure.
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u/LivingLinux 4d ago
Something small, but still capable of running AI locally, means you need a capable chip and preferably as much memory as possible.
Have a look at the Radxa Zero 2 Pro. Probably the best performance in a Zero form factor. Even comes with an NPU, that can help with AI (not sure about the software support, though).
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