Karnataka has unveiled KEO, an innovative and budget-friendly AI-ready personal computer, aimed at narrowing the digital learning gap throughout the state. Developed in partnership with KEONICS, this device seeks to enhance computing access for students, families, and public institutions.
The initiative comes in response to findings that less than 10% of Indian households own a computer, with Karnataka slightly exceeding this average. The lack of computing resources restricts students' engagement in digital learning, leading to higher dropout rates. KEO is positioned as an inclusion-centric device, designed to bolster education, skill development, and digital livelihoods.
Built on an open-source RISC-V processor, KEO runs on a Linux-based system and features 4G, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB-A, and USB-C ports, HDMI output, and audio support. Its standout feature is the on-device AI core, which facilitates local processing without internet connectivity. Preloaded with BUDDH, an AI tool tailored to the Karnataka DSERT syllabus, it assists students in areas with limited connectivity.
The device supports a wide range of tasks, from online learning and programming to basic machine control and visual computing. These capabilities make it ideal for educational institutions up to the PU level, as well as government offices, health centers, and police stations, where routine documentation and web-based tasks are prevalent.
KEO is an AI-ready personal computer developed by Karnataka in collaboration with KEONICS. It utilizes a 64-bit quad-core RISC-V processor and runs on a Linux-based OS. The device features an on-device AI core, delivering approximately 4–5 TOPS, and comes preloaded with BUDDH, an AI agent trained on the DSERT syllabus.
KEONICS is set to manage the distribution of KEO, with initial pre-orders already placed for school deployments. The state anticipates a growing demand across panchayat libraries, schools, colleges, hostels, and government departments. With this initiative, Karnataka aims to foster accessible computing and broaden digital participation across communities.
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