When it comes to DIY robotics, the choice of hardware can make or break your project. From motor control to AI vision, your single-board computer (SBC) is the brain of your robot—and picking the right one determines how well it performs. Two popular contenders in 2025 are the Raspberry Pi 5 and RK3588-based SBCs (like Rock 5B, Orange Pi 5 Plus, or Radxa Rock boards).
So, which one is better for your next robotics project? Let’s dive in.
⚡ Processing Power & Performance
-
Raspberry Pi 5:
Powered by a quad-core ARM Cortex-A76 CPU at 2.4 GHz, the Pi 5 delivers solid performance for most robotics tasks. It’s capable of running real-time control, lightweight AI, and even computer vision models (with optimizations). -
RK3588 SBCs:
These boards feature an octa-core CPU (Cortex-A76 + Cortex-A55) and often come with up to 16 GB of RAM. The RK3588’s GPU and built-in NPU make it significantly stronger for AI and heavy multitasking. For robotics that involve advanced object detection or autonomous navigation, RK3588 shines.
✅ Verdict: RK3588 leads in raw performance, especially for AI-heavy robotics.
🛠️ GPIO & Hardware Support
-
Raspberry Pi 5:
One of the biggest strengths of the Pi ecosystem is its 40-pin GPIO header and massive community support for sensors, HATs, motor drivers, and cameras. If your robotics project requires direct motor control or multiple sensor connections, Pi makes life easier. -
RK3588 SBCs:
These boards often include GPIO headers but may not be as standardized as the Pi. Support for robotics peripherals is improving but not nearly as plug-and-play as Raspberry Pi.
✅ Verdict: Raspberry Pi 5 wins for GPIO and hardware ecosystem.
🖥️ Software & Community Support
-
Raspberry Pi 5:
Runs Raspberry Pi OS and supports popular robotics frameworks like ROS (Robot Operating System). With millions of users, finding tutorials, troubleshooting help, and ready-made code is effortless. -
RK3588 SBCs:
Software support is advancing, but OS images (like Armbian or Ubuntu builds) can be hit or miss depending on the board vendor. ROS support exists but requires more manual setup.
✅ Verdict: Raspberry Pi 5 has unmatched community and software support.
🔋 Power Efficiency & Thermal Management
-
Raspberry Pi 5:
Runs relatively cool and can be powered by standard USB-C (27W recommended for accessories). Ideal for battery-powered robots where efficiency matters. -
RK3588 SBCs:
Powerful but power-hungry. Many boards need large heatsinks or fans to stay cool, which can complicate compact robotics builds.
✅ Verdict: Raspberry Pi 5 is more power-friendly for mobile robots.
💵 Price & Availability
-
Raspberry Pi 5:
Widely available, priced around $60–$80 depending on the RAM version. Accessories and add-ons are also cheap and plentiful. -
RK3588 SBCs:
Typically priced $120–$200+ depending on configuration. Great value for raw power, but pricier than the Pi for beginners or budget-conscious builders.
✅ Verdict: Raspberry Pi 5 is more affordable and accessible.
🏆 Final Verdict
-
Choose Raspberry Pi 5 if you’re building:
-
Small robots with sensors, servos, and GPIO-heavy setups
-
Beginner-friendly DIY projects
-
Low-cost, battery-powered robotics
-
-
Choose RK3588 SBCs if you’re building:
-
AI-driven robots (computer vision, object detection, SLAM)
-
Autonomous drones or rovers with heavy data processing
-
Projects where raw performance matters more than ecosystem ease
-
👉 In short: Pi 5 is best for makers who value simplicity and community, while RK3588 is the powerhouse for advanced roboticists pushing into AI-driven builds.
⚡ Meta Description:
“Raspberry Pi 5 vs RK3588 SBC: Which board is best for DIY robotics in 2025? Explore performance, GPIO, AI support, and cost to choose the right SBC.”
.jpg){kind=avatar}
