Beyond Hobbyist Use
Most people think Raspberry Pi is a technology platform for hobbyists. And while it is true that thousands of makers are developing DIY projects using Raspberry Pi, the technology is being used in scientific and commercial applications as well.
From research labs to space exploration, organizations like NASA are finding innovative ways to use Raspberry Pi. Here are a few unexpected places where you can find a Raspberry Pi in use.
International Space Station
The Astro Pi Challenge is a project that allows youth to run computer programs in space using a specially-modified Raspberry Pi. In 2015, two space-hardened Raspberry Pi computers, called Astro Pis, equipped with environmental sensors, were sent to the ISS and used to run students' programs with ISS crew support.
The Astro Pi units in orbit have various sensors thanks to the Sense HAT, including motion sensors, which schoolchildren use to run experiments via code.
Many people would be surprised that Raspberry Pi has found its way into space, but it shows how powerful - and durable - the platform is.
Ocean Monitoring
A company called MDM Team has developed robotic systems designed for underwater exploration and environmental monitoring. Their autonomous vehicles can perform underwater tasks like hydrographic surveys or infrastructure inspections.
Using the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4, these vehicles are deployed in marine environments to collect data. A custom carrier board connects the Compute Module to the rest of the vehicle's hardware. This board integrates navigation systems such as GPS, and connects all of the sensors used for navigation and measurement.
According to Raspberry Pi: "Raspberry Pi Compute Modules are the central nervous system of each robot, coordinating sensors, propulsion systems, and data processing all at once."
As you can see, the fact that Raspberry Pi devices are being used in space and marine environments proves that this technology is powerful and reliable. If you are still on the fence about getting started with Raspberry Pi, seeing the possibilities for the technology should inspire you to dive in.