Section outline

  • Raspberry Pi vs Arduino – Choosing the Right Tool

    When starting in robotics, one of the most common questions is: should you use a Raspberry Pi or an Arduino? Both platforms are powerful and have unique strengths, but they serve different purposes. This section breaks down the differences and helps you understand when to use which board.

    • Core Differences:

      • Raspberry Pi: A full-fledged single-board computer capable of running an operating system (usually Linux-based). It can perform complex tasks such as image processing, networking, or running multiple programs simultaneously.
      • Arduino: A microcontroller board designed for real-time, hardware-level control. It executes code in a loop and is ideal for simple tasks like blinking LEDs, reading sensors, or controlling motors.

      Processing Power:

      • Raspberry Pi has a multi-core ARM processor, significantly more RAM, and can handle multitasking. Suitable for AI, vision, and cloud-based tasks.
      • Arduino has a low-power microcontroller (like ATmega328), optimized for direct hardware control and low latency.

      Programming Language and OS:

      • Raspberry Pi supports high-level languages like Python, Java, and C++, and runs on an OS like Raspberry Pi OS.
      • Arduino is programmed in C/C++ using the Arduino IDE and has no operating system. It runs a single sketch (program) at a time.

      GPIO and Hardware Access:

      • Both platforms offer GPIO (General Purpose Input Output) pins to interact with sensors, motors, and actuators.
      • Arduino GPIO is better for precise timing tasks (like servo pulses), while Raspberry Pi GPIO is easier to manage using Python libraries like RPi.GPIO or GPIO Zero.

    • Use Cases:

      • Use Arduino when: You need precise real-time control, battery operation, and direct interfacing with sensors/motors for small tasks.
      • Use Raspberry Pi when: You need high-level processing like vision, voice recognition, internet connectivity, or want to run multiple scripts.

      Combining Both:

      Many advanced robotics projects use both boards together. For example, the Raspberry Pi handles image processing and sends commands to an Arduino that controls the motors. They can communicate over serial (UART), I2C, or USB.

      Summary Table:

       

      Feature Raspberry Pi Arduino
      Operating System Yes (Linux-based) No
      Programming Language Python, C++, Java, etc. C/C++ (Arduino IDE)
      Real-time control Not suitable Ideal
      Multitasking Yes No
      Connectivity (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth) Built-in (on newer models) Requires additional modules

       

      Understanding the difference between Raspberry Pi and Arduino allows you to make informed choices in your robotics journey. As you progress, you will likely use both depending on the project requirements.