From Prototype to Production: Replacing Jetson Dev Kits with Industrial Hardware

From Prototype to Production: Moving Beyond Jetson Dev Kits

Developing cutting-edge embedded and AI systems has never been easier thanks to development kits like NVIDIA’s Jetson series. These kits allow engineers and innovators to rapidly prototype and test ideas. But when it comes to deploying a reliable, industrial-grade solution, development kits often fall short. At BVM, we help businesses bridge the gap from prototype to finished product, delivering robust industrial computing solutions tailored to your needs.

Why Jetson Dev Kits Are Perfect for Development

Jetson development kits are an excellent starting point for embedded AI and edge computing projects. They offer:

• Rapid prototyping: Pre-built hardware and software environments let engineers focus on developing and testing their applications quickly.
• Integrated GPU and CPU capabilities: Ideal for AI, machine vision, and robotics projects.
• Extensive documentation and support: NVIDIA provides libraries, tutorials, and examples that simplify development.

These features make dev kits a favorite among engineers, researchers, and startups experimenting with new technologies.

Why Development Kits Aren’t Suited for Finished Products

While Jetson and other development kits are excellent tools for prototyping, they are rarely suitable for deployment in real-world industrial applications. Here’s why:

• Limited durability for industrial environments: Development kits are generally designed for lab use or light office environments. They often lack rugged enclosures, proper thermal management, and protection against dust, moisture, vibration, or extreme temperatures – common in manufacturing floors, vehicles, or outdoor installations.
• Insufficient connectivity and expansion options: Industrial projects frequently require specialized interfaces such as CAN bus, RS-485, multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports, or high-current power connectors. Standard dev kits provide only basic USB, HDMI, and standard GPIO pins, which may not meet production needs.
• Lack of long-term availability and support: Dev kits may be discontinued or updated frequently. For a commercial product, hardware stability and consistent availability are critical to avoid redesigns and costly delays.
• Compliance and certifications: Production-grade systems must comply with regulatory standards such as CE, UL, FCC, or industry-specific certifications for medical, marine, or hazardous environments. Development kits are rarely certified, putting your product at risk of non-compliance.
• Power and reliability limitations: Dev kits are not designed for 24/7 operation. Continuous workloads, high-performance AI inference, or edge computing applications can lead to overheating, system crashes, or reduced lifespan.

In short, while development kits accelerate innovation and reduce time-to-prototype, they are not engineered for the demands of real-world production. Businesses looking to scale need industrial-grade systems that are reliable, certified, and built to last.

How BVM Bridges the Gap to Industrial Solutions

At BVM, we specialise in transforming prototypes into fully industrialised systems. We can help you replace your Jetson development kit with:

• Off-the-shelf industrial systems: Ready-to-deploy solutions built for reliability and continuous operation.
• Custom industrial computers: Tailored systems designed to your exact specifications.
• Carrier board and chassis design: Custom hardware solutions that integrate perfectly with your application.
• Software support: Assistance in migrating your prototype software to industrial hardware.

With over 35 years of experience, BVM has the expertise to ensure your embedded AI or IoT project moves smoothly from concept to production.

Learn More About Jetson Products and Applications

• Understanding the Difference Between NVIDIA Jetson AGX and IGX Modules
• Real-World Edge AI Performance: Jetson vs Intel vs AMD in Industrial Use
• AAEON Jetson Thor-Powered AI: Choosing Between BOXER-8742AI and BOXER-8741AI
• NVIDIA Jetson Product Lifecycle: What You Need to Know
• NVIDIA / Jetson – Archives

Take the Next Step with BVM

Don’t let your innovative project get stuck in the prototype stage. Contact BVM for all your Industrial and Embedded Computing needs. Our experienced sales team is ready to discuss your project and recommend the ideal solution.

📞 Call us on 01489 780144 or 📧 Email: sales@bvmltd.co.uk

Partner with BVM and turn your Jetson prototype into a reliable, industrial-grade product that performs in real-world applications.