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When it comes to creating interactions, the most commonly used platforms are Arduino and Raspberry Pi. Many beginners in HCI, who want to create interactive devices, feel very confused about how to choose between these two.
So what are the differences between these two platforms? Today, we will discuss how to choose if you have to pick one of them.
| Mentor for this session |
Beijing School of Han Yi International, Industrial Interaction Department, Basic Software Instructor
University of Technology Sydney, BA in Computer Science and Technology
Website Operator and Designer at La Strada
Before making a choice, let’s first understand what Arduino and Raspberry Pi are.
Arduino is an open-source platform that includes hardware, software, developers, and third parties. Simply put, it is similar to a microcontroller (hardware), can serve as a programming entry point (software IDE), and can also be a starting point for learning basic circuits and hardware components.
On a larger scale, you can also use Arduino to create interesting interactive devices and products, such as connecting to TD to make real-time changes through sound data, or using human sensors to detect a person’s passing to create a notification device. Arduino can also be used and compiled cross-platform.
After discussing Arduino, let’s talk about Raspberry Pi. Essentially, Raspberry Pi is a combination of an operating system and hardware, functioning as a mini-computer. We can power the Raspberry Pi and connect it to the internet for remote operation. It has certain CPU and GPU computing capabilities, which Arduino cannot achieve.
Additionally, Raspberry Pi can be used to control Arduino through external ports. For example, we can use Raspberry Pi to control Arduino for a simple LED light activation. With more sensors, Raspberry Pi can use Python to control a camera for facial detection, controlling Arduino or its own relay to create a facial recognition door switch, with each recognition result uploaded to a mobile phone.
Han Yi 21st Session Student, K Student, Received RCA Product Design MA Offer
Advantages & Disadvantages
Arduino can do many things. By connecting different sensors, you can create unexpected products and interactive devices.
For example, using servos + ultrasonic sensors + sound players can create a “smart” trash can, or using infrared remote control + relay + motor can create a remote control switch, etc. More complex projects can include fingerprint sensors + servos + batteries + motors + screens to create a fingerprint lock, which can also be used for clocking in.
The advantage of Arduino is its low cost of learning, and it has many components (which can also be used by Raspberry Pi). There are many open-source tutorials and cases online, making it easy to get started quickly.
Disadvantages include the need for a computer nearby to modify certain operations and commands. Sometimes the calls between drivers, sensors, and libraries can be very troublesome.
Most projects on Raspberry Pi are related to visual development, object recognition, and program computation, because essentially, a mini computer can process data at a different level than a microcontroller.
Although Arduino can be armed with many modules, in terms of certain functions, it is not as direct as using Raspberry Pi.
Raspberry Pi official website: https://www.raspberrypi.org/
The advantage of Raspberry Pi is that it can remotely control many things, and as a mini computer, it is already in a different field than Arduino. While controlling hardware with Python, you can also learn many commands and programming thinking. Of course, Arduino can also train your thinking, but the language is simplified.
Disadvantages include a higher cost of learning, requiring some time to use and test before quickly getting started. For example, installing the system and software, etc.
Han Yi Student, G Student, Received RCA IDE MA Offer
How Should Beginners Choose?
Despite the many points mentioned earlier, there is no strict limitation on whether to learn Raspberry Pi or Arduino.
If you want to start with software, learning programming and doing simple code development, then Raspberry Pi is very suitable. In this process, you can continuously add accessories for use, whether various sensors, cameras, or even data analysis to create your own cloud storage, all of which can be realized.
However, if you want to start with hardware, it is more recommended to start with Arduino. It does not have as many software-level compilations, but will allow you to start from basic circuit building, connecting different sensors, showcasing effects with code, and also includes circuit design and PCB design.
Connection diagram of button switch components
Whether learning Raspberry Pi or Arduino, the key is to choose a direction. In fact, learning both does not conflict and has no strict order. You can manipulate Arduino while learning Raspberry Pi, and learning Arduino can also help you better use Raspberry Pi.
However, for beginners without a foundation who want to create some interactive devices, it is still better to start with Arduino or microcontrollers, as Raspberry Pi takes a long time to install the system.
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