M5Stack Launches Standalone UnitV2 USB, UnitV2 M12 Edge AI Camera Modules

M5Stack has expanded its UnitV2 embedded edge AI range, now offering a camera-free version as well as a model boasting user-replaceable lenses.

M5Stack launched the original UnitV2 back in April this year as a low-cost and compact edge AI camera module. Built around the Sigmastar SSD202D, the fully-encased unit included a dual-core Cortex-A7 processor running at 1.2GHz, 128MB of DDR3 memory, 512MB of flash with microSD expansion, 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, and a GC2145 1080p camera sensor with a 68 degree field-of-vision (FoV).

Now, the company has bracketed its original model with two new versions: the UnitV2 USB and UnitV2 M12.

Brought to our attention by CNX Software, the UnitV2 USB is designed to offer the same functionality as its more expensive predecessor bar any on-board camera module — instead relying on an external camera connected via USB. Beyond that, and the addition of a USB 2.0 Type-A port for said external camera, the specifications remain unchanged.

The M5Stack UnitV2 M12, by contrast, has the same GC2145 camera sensor as the original UnitV2 — but this time housed behind an M12 socket, which accepts slot-in user-replaceable optics. Two are included as standard, both somewhat wider angle than the fixed optics of the standard UnitV2: an 85 degree FOV lens, and a wide-angle 150 degree fisheye lens.

All three models include a USB Type-C port for data and power, support for Ethernet connectivity through the USB Type-C connector, a Grove connector for external sensors, a user-programmable button, and an on-board cooling fan.

All three models are now available on the M5Stack store, priced at $65 for the M5STack UnitV2 USB, $75 for the M5STack UnitV2, and $95 for the M5Stack UnitV2 M12. All three include the unit itself, a 16GB microSD card, a USB Type-C cable, an adjustable stand with tripod mount, and a LEGO-compatible clip mount.