Intel demoed a prototype of Euclid at last week's Intel Developer Forum. This is a compact computer combined with RealSense 3D depth sensing technology that can serve as the brain and eyes of a robot.

The Euclid compute module features a built-in Intel ZR300 RealSense camera, a new product in the RealSense line which combines depth-sensing with high-precision motion tracking. Euclid runs Ubuntu Linux and the Robot Operating System (ROS) and includes a variety of sensors. It is powered by a quad-core Atom processor - whether or not this is the one used in the Intel Joule also announced by Brian Krzanich in the same keynote isn't clear, as the alternative could be the Atom x5-58350 which has four 14nm cores from the Intel RealSense Robotic Development Kit.

In his introduction to Euclid, Krzanich described it as a developer's dream for realSense explaining that it is an all-in-one device that integrates compute, communications and the RealSense cameras into one form factor basically the size of a candy bar. He then handed over to a demo which shows off Euclid's capabilities: 

The Intel RealSense Robotic Development Kit which was announced earlier in the year was on sale at the IDF store and online pre-ordering opened with worldwide shipments starting next month. This kit bundles a compact AAEON UP board with a RealSense R200 camera and comes with Linux pre-installed and support for the Robot Operating System (ROS).

The ZR3000 Development Kit, comprising the ZR3000 RealSense camera and a Linux environment, is targeted for availability by the end of 2016. Intended for autonomous robotics, drones, virtual and augmented reality, and other uses, it includes real-time visual-inertial odometry technology, which allows for autonomous mapping and navigation and also has object and person tracking capabilities. 

A next generation device the RealSense 400 was also announced. It will offer improved accuracy with more than double the number of 3D points captured per second and more than double the operating range compared with the previous generation. Intel claims:

Coupled with support for indoor and outdoor uses, RealSense 400 will enable developers to create amazing applications.

No date has been given for this device, leaving devs who want to be at the forefront of 3D sensor technology with an indeterminate wait before there's a consumer product and a market for their apps.  

Euclid is in a similar state of limbo. The announcement states that the:

Intel® Euclid™ Developer Kit is ideal for researchers, makers and robotics developers

and Q1 of 2017 was the release date mentioned at IDF. Let's hope that time frame is realistic.

More Information

Intel Announces Tools for RealSense Technology Development

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