Nemo analyzes a live camera feed using AI to detect hazards in real time. That takes processing power. Here's what that means in plain terms, and what to expect from different hardware.
A quick explanation of the specs that actually affect performance
This is the most important part. Nemo uses your graphics card to run the AI model — the same chip that handles games and video. A dedicated NVIDIA graphics card will give you the best results. Intel integrated graphics (built into most laptops) will work, but much slower. The faster the GPU, the more frames per second Nemo can process.
FPS is how many times per second Nemo looks at your camera feed. At 25–30 FPS, it's checking the water almost as fast as the camera can record. At 2 FPS, it only looks twice a second — a fast-moving object could slip through. Higher FPS means Nemo catches things sooner.
The CPU handles everything else — running the dashboard, managing the camera feed, and sending alerts. A newer processor helps, but it's the GPU that does the heavy lifting. If you don't have a dedicated GPU, the CPU picks up the slack, which is why integrated graphics are slower.
If specs aren't your thing, the simplest option is to grab an NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano (~$400) and order a pre-installed SD card (+$150) with your license. The SD card comes with a Jetson-optimized OS, all the hardware-specific tweaks already applied, Nemo set to autostart on boot, and a WiFi hotspot that launches automatically. No Linux command line, no terminal, no driver installs. Plug it in, connect a camera and speaker, power it on — it just works. As close to plug-and-play as it gets until we release our dedicated hardware unit.
Real-world FPS benchmarks so you know what to expect before downloading anything
| Hardware | Expected FPS | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano / Orin NX (~$400, 20W) | 25 – 30 FPS | Recommended |
| Laptop with dedicated NVIDIA GPU (RTX series) | 30 – 60+ FPS | Recommended |
| Laptop with dedicated NVIDIA GPU (GTX series) | 15 – 30 FPS | Recommended |
| Intel i7 laptop, integrated graphics (2022) | ~8 FPS | Usable |
| Intel i3 dual-core, integrated graphics (2020) | ~2 FPS | Not recommended |
Lower FPS can still be useful on calm days at slow speeds — but be realistic about your hardware. At 2 FPS, objects moving quickly across the frame may not be caught in time. Higher FPS means faster reaction time when it matters.
For the best experience, we recommend the NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano (~$400). It draws just 20W, delivers 25–30 FPS, runs completely silent, and is purpose-built for this kind of workload. Pair it with a speaker and a camera and you have a dedicated, always-on detection system.