Get started with object detection using a Jetson Orin Nano
Introduction
Set up your Jetson Orin Nano
Launch the image classification Docker container
Detect objects in video and images
Next Steps

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About this Learning Path

Skill level:  Introductory
Reading time:  1 hr
Last updated:  13 Aug 2026
Skill level:
  Introductory
Reading time:
  1 hr
Last updated:
  13 Aug 2026
Author:Gabriel Peterson, Arm
Arm IP:Cortex-A
Tags: ML Linux DetectNet TensorRT Docker
Author:
  • Gabriel Peterson, Arm
Arm IP:
Cortex-A
Tags:
ML Linux DetectNet TensorRT Docker

Who is this for?

This is an introductory topic for developers interested in integrating object detection into their applications.

What will you learn?

Upon completion of this Learning Path, you will be able to:

  • Set up a Jetson Orin Nano with a MIPI CSI-2 camera for object detection
  • Detect objects from both live video and image files

Prerequisites

Before starting, you will need the following:

  • A Jetson Orin Nano
  • A microSD card (64GB UHS-1 or larger is recommended)
  • A MIPI CSI-2 camera, with a 22 pin connector on at least one end

Summary

AI-assisted

This summary was drafted with an approved AI-assisted workflow and reviewed by Arm contributors before publication. Human technical review remains part of the process so the final page reflects engineering rigor, accuracy, and Arm editorial standards.

Close
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You’ll prepare a Jetson Orin Nano for object detection with a microSD image and MIPI CSI-2 camera. First, you’ll clone jetson-inference, launch its Docker container, and run TensorRT-accelerated DetectNet on live camera input and image files. Then, you’ll adjust the detection threshold and verify labeled objects in the resulting video and images.

Frequently asked questions

AI-assisted

These FAQs were drafted with an approved AI-assisted workflow and reviewed by Arm contributors before publication. Human technical review remains part of the process so the final page reflects engineering rigor, accuracy, and Arm editorial standards.

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Which image should I download for the microSD card?
On the NVIDIA developer website, expand JETSON XAVIER NX DEVELOPER KIT & ORIN NANO DEVELOPER KIT, then select JETSON Orin Nano DEVELOPER KIT to download the latest image.
Where should I run the Docker commands, and how do I get the container ID?
Run the Docker commands in a terminal on the host, not from inside the running container. To print the container ID, use sudo docker ps -q.
How do I start DetectNet on the live camera, and from which directory?
Change into the binaries directory with cd build/aarch64/bin. Start the live camera feed with ./detectnet csi://0.
How can I adjust detection sensitivity, and what is the default?
Use the --threshold option to change sensitivity. For example, run ./detectnet csi://0 --threshold=0.25. The default is 0.5.
How do I run DetectNet on an image and save the annotated output?
From build/aarch64/bin, run ./detectnet --network=ssd-mobilenet-v2 images/peds_0.jpg followed by your output path, such as images/test/output.jpg. The --network option is optional, and you can use docker cp to add your own images to the container.
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