> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.roboflow.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.roboflow.com/deployment/self-hosted/enterprise/roboflow-os.md).

# RoboflowOS

Understand RoboflowOS appliance maintenance, update responsibilities, and the RoboflowOS Evaluation Image.

RoboflowOS is the operating system on Roboflow Edge NX16, AGX64, and Thor128 computers and the AI1 Smart Camera. Roboflow maintains the host operating system, kernel, drivers, and NVIDIA platform software through the RoboflowOS update path.

To connect an appliance to your Workspace, follow [Add a Device](/deployment/self-hosted/enterprise/deployment-manager/setting-up/add-a-device.md). Use [Deployment Manager](/deployment/self-hosted/enterprise/deployment-manager.md) to configure Streams, deploy Workflows, and monitor the device.

## System image and persistent state

RoboflowOS keeps a read-only system image separate from persistent device state. Roboflow Inference and edge services run in sandboxed containers above that image. Updating an application does not change the operating system.

Saved wired network settings persist across restarts and updates. RoboflowOS rebuilds the live network configuration from that store at boot. Configure those settings through the [device networking controls](/deployment/self-hosted/enterprise/deployment-manager/making-changes/configure-device-network.md).

An appliance has no SSH, desktop environment, or local user account. Changes that need to persist in system files belong in an image or extension that Roboflow builds and qualifies. If your deployment needs custom host services or kernel settings, discuss those requirements with your Roboflow contact before choosing an appliance. You can also [run Inference on a host you maintain](/deployment/self-hosted/self-hosted.md).

## Update responsibilities

<figure><img src="https://1583372177-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FoksNmwps1HmYr8TqHDnX%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-0d2c1954389e96bdfb79f6d45b696737d7137b74%2Froboflowos-update-layers.svg?alt=media" alt="Three device layers. You choose and validate Workflows and models. Deployment Manager applies configured inference runtime and device agent updates. Roboflow maintains the read-only host OS through a separate RoboflowOS update agent. Persistent device state sits beside these layers."><figcaption><p>RoboflowOS updates use a separate path from Deployment Manager application updates.</p></figcaption></figure>

Roboflow qualifies operating system, security, and NVIDIA platform updates for each appliance board and image. The RoboflowOS update agent can replace the base image or update individual extensions. An extension-only update leaves the base image in place.

Plan operating system updates inside a maintenance window. A base-image update reboots the device. OS updates can restart the device agent and host services. Coordinate the OS update window with your Roboflow contact. Deployment Manager's [maintenance window settings](/deployment/self-hosted/enterprise/deployment-manager/setting-up/setup-maintenance-windows.md) control application configuration and version changes; the OS uses its own update agent.

You choose and validate your Workflows and models. Above the OS, Deployment Manager applies the inference runtime version you set and the device agent's configured update policy. Automatic inference runtime updates are off by default. If you enable them, they follow your Deployment Manager maintenance windows. With no window set, they can run at any time.

You remain responsible for camera placement, lighting, mounting, plant controls, and production acceptance testing. You also manage the plant network, firewall, and any Secure Gateway host. Secure Gateway does not proxy RoboflowOS updates, so plan network access for the separate OS update channel with your Roboflow contact. To prepare for disconnected inference, follow [Prepare a Device for Offline Operation](/deployment/self-hosted/enterprise/deployment-manager/setting-up/prepare-a-device-for-offline-operation.md).

The list price of each appliance includes five years of RoboflowOS updates from the purchase date. You can add more years of support for the same unit after that term. The hardware carries a one-year warranty, and your quote states support terms separately.

## RoboflowOS Evaluation Image

Use the RoboflowOS Evaluation Image to try RoboflowOS on a Raspberry Pi 4, Raspberry Pi 5, or Jetson Orin Nano developer kit.

For a Raspberry Pi, follow [Add a Device](/deployment/self-hosted/enterprise/deployment-manager/setting-up/add-a-device.md#roboflow-os-lite) and choose "Roboflow OS Lite" in Deployment Manager. Contact support for Orin Nano setup.

The Evaluation Image has no OS over-the-air update agent. To move to a new OS version, write a new image. For over-the-air updates on an evaluation board, [contact sales](https://roboflow.com/sales) about an OS update license.