Jetson Nano vs Orin Nano for on-device security AI
The compute board is the brain of your security system. Here's how the NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano compares to the classic Nano, and how to pick.
Turova runs its detection models on NVIDIA Jetson — a family of small, power-efficient computers with a real GPU. Doing the thinking on the board (instead of in the cloud) is what lets the system work off-grid and respond in milliseconds. But which Jetson?
Why a GPU at the edge matters
Running LiDAR clustering and a vision model in real time is genuinely demanding. A general-purpose CPU chokes; a GPU eats it for breakfast. Jetson packs CUDA cores into a board that sips power — important when your entire electrical budget comes from a couple of solar panels and a battery.
Jetson Nano (the classic)
The original Nano is the affordable entry point. It comfortably handles a single night-vision stream plus LiDAR processing at sensible frame rates, drawing as little as 5–10 watts. For a standard one- or two-camera van setup, it's plenty.
Jetson Orin Nano (the modern workhorse)
Orin Nano is a generational leap — many times the AI performance of the original. That headroom buys you more simultaneous sensors (multiple cameras, thermal, radar), heavier models for better accuracy, and room to grow. It costs and draws a bit more, but for larger rigs or anyone adding thermal/radar, it's the safer choice.
Turova Core ships on Jetson Orin Nano because most travelers eventually add a second camera or a thermal module, and the extra headroom keeps detection fast and accurate as you expand.
How to choose
- One camera, tight budget, simple van: Nano is fine
- Two-plus cameras or planning add-ons: Orin Nano
- Thermal + radar + multi-zone coverage: Orin Nano, no question
Either way, the board lives inside a sealed, fan-cooled enclosure rated for the temperature swings of van life. See the full hardware breakdown for enclosure, power and mounting details.
