M5Stack has announced the AI Pyramid series, a compact edge AI computing platform built for developers working on local inference and embedded AI deployments. The new lineup includes two models, the AI Pyramid and the AI Pyramid-Pro, both powered by the Axera AX8850 system-on-chip. Designed for on-device processing, the platform is aimed at workloads such as computer vision, multimodal data handling, robotics, smart surveillance, and other edge-based AI applications that require local execution without cloud dependency.
The Axera AX8850 integrates an octa-core Arm Cortex-A55 CPU clocked at up to 1.7 GHz alongside a 24 TOPS INT8 neural processing unit. This configuration enables real-time inference for deep learning models while maintaining a compact system footprint. The chip also supports hardware-based H.264 and H.265 video encoding and decoding at resolutions up to 8K at 30 frames per second. In addition, it can handle up to 16 simultaneous 1080p decode streams, positioning the device for video analytics and multi-camera processing environments.
Memory configuration separates the two variants. The standard AI Pyramid includes 4 GB of LPDDR4x memory, while the AI Pyramid-Pro increases capacity to 8 GB, offering more headroom for larger AI models and multitasking. Both versions ship with 32 GB of eMMC 5.1 storage for operating systems, frameworks, and application data.
Connectivity options include dual Gigabit Ethernet ports for network-intensive deployments, along with four USB 3.0 Type-A ports, three externally accessible and one internal. Two USB Type-C ports are also available, supporting host mode and Power Delivery 3.0 up to 100 W. For display output, the system features two HDMI 2.0 ports capable of 4K resolution at 60 Hz. The AI Pyramid-Pro further adds HDMI input, allowing direct video capture and processing workflows.
Additional hardware features include onboard audio, an integrated OLED status display for system monitoring, RGB lighting elements, and an active cooling system with thermal control to maintain sustained performance. The device weighs 196 grams, making it suitable for embedded installations and portable development setups.
According to M5Stack, pricing starts at $199 for the 4 GB AI Pyramid Computing Box, while the 8 GB AI Pyramid-Pro is listed at $249 through the company’s official website.
M5Stack AI Pyramid Series Specifications
| Specification | AI Pyramid (Standard) | AI Pyramid-Pro |
|---|---|---|
| SoC | Axera AX8850 | Axera AX8850 |
| CPU | 8× Arm Cortex-A55 @ up to 1.7 GHz | 8× Arm Cortex-A55 @ up to 1.7 GHz |
| NPU | 24 TOPS (INT8) | 24 TOPS (INT8) |
| Memory | 4 GB LPDDR4x | 8 GB LPDDR4x |
| Storage | 32 GB eMMC 5.1 | 32 GB eMMC 5.1 |
| Video Encode | H.264 / H.265 up to 8K @ 30 FPS | H.264 / H.265 up to 8K @ 30 FPS |
| Video Decode | Up to 8K @ 30 FPS, up to 16× 1080p streams | Up to 8K @ 30 FPS, up to 16× 1080p streams |
| Display Output | 2× HDMI 2.0 (4K @ 60 Hz) | 2× HDMI 2.0 (4K @ 60 Hz) |
| HDMI Input | No | Yes |
| Networking | 2× Gigabit Ethernet | 2× Gigabit Ethernet |
| USB Ports | 4× USB-A 3.0 (3 external, 1 internal), 2× USB Type-C (Host + PD 3.0 up to 100W) | Same as Standard |
| Audio | Onboard audio hardware | Onboard audio hardware |
| Cooling | Active fan with thermal control | Active fan with thermal control |
| OLED Display | Yes | Yes |
| RGB Lighting | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 196 g | 196 g |
| Price | $199 | $249 |
