Raspberry Pi 101
Presented by
IEEE Robotics & Automation Society
Pre-session Handbook
What is a Raspberry Pi
Raspberry Pi is a single-
board computer. It can run
Linux-based operating
systems. It is widely used
for IoT, robotics,
automation, and even AI
applications.
Why Raspberry Pi
Unlike microcontrollers (Arduino, ESP), Raspberry Pi acts as a
mini-computer with USB ports, HDMI, and networking
capabilities.
📌 Key Features of Raspberry Pi:
✅ Runs full Linux OS (Raspberry Pi OS, Ubuntu, etc.).
✅ Has USB, HDMI, WiFi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet.
✅ Can run Python, C, Java, and even AI models (like:
DeepSeek).
✅ Supports GPIO (General Purpose Input Output) pins for
hardware projects.
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Raspberry Pi vs. Arduino vs. ESP
ESP
Feature Raspberry Pi Arduino
(ESP8266/ESP32)
Microcontroller
Type Mini-computer Microcontroller
(WiFi/BT)
Operating System Yes (Linux-based) No OS No OS
Python, C, Java,
Programming C, C++ C, C++
etc.
High (Quad-core,
Processing Power Low Medium
GHz speed)
No RAM (only
RAM 512MB - 8GB 512KB - 2MB
Flash & SRAM)
Internet (WiFi, ❌ No (unless ✅ Yes (WiFi &
✅ Yes
Ethernet, BT) extra module) Bluetooth)
GPIO Pins ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
Full applications, Simple
IoT, web servers,
Best For AI, automation, electronics,
wireless sensors
IoT sensors
Power Usage High (5V, 2A+) Very Low Low
Raspberry Pi Models
Model CPU RAM GPIO Pins
Raspberry Pi 4 Quad-core 1.5
2GB / 4GB / 8GB 40
Model B GHz
Raspberry Pi 3 Quad-core 1.4
1GB 40
Model B+ GHz
Raspberry Pi Zero
Quad-core 1 GHz 512MB 40
2W
Dual-core 133
Raspberry Pi Pico 264KB 26
MHz
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Setting up Raspberry Pi
To get started with your Raspberry Pi, you’ll need the following:
• A power supply (5V/3A 15W USB-C power supply in general)
• Boot media (e.g. a microSD card with ample storage and
speed)
• A display
• A cable to connect your Raspberry Pi to your display
Installing OS using Imager
• Download the latest version from
raspberrypi.com/software and run the installer.
• Install it from a terminal using your package manager.
sudo apt install rpi-imager
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Click Choose device and select your Raspberry Pi model
from the list.
Next, click Choose OS and select an operating system to install.
Connect your preferred storage device to your computer. For
example, plug a microSD card.
Warning: If you have more than one storage device connected
to your computer, be sure to choose the correct device! You
can often identify storage devices by size.
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Click Next.
Click the Edit Settings button to open OS customization.
The OS customisation menu lets you set up your Raspberry Pi
before first boot. You can preconfigure:
• a username and password
• Wi-Fi credentials (Imager will prefill Wi-Fi credentials from the network you’re
currently connected to)
• the device hostname
• the time zone
• your keyboard layout
• remote connectivity
Write
• After finishing OS customization settings, click Save to
save your customization.
• Then, click Yes to apply OS customization settings.
• Finally, respond Yes to the "Are you sure you want to
continue?“
• Give necessary permission & proceed.
• Grab a cup of coffee, this may take a while.
If you see the "Write
Successful" popup, we’re done
with writing and verifying.
We’re now ready to boot a
Raspberry Pi from the storage
device!
What’s Next ? Let’s find out
on the session
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