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Introducing Ultralytics YOLOv8, the latest version of the acclaimed real-time object detection and image segmentation model. YOLOv8 is built on cutting-edge advancements in deep learning and computer vision, offering unparalleled performance in terms of speed and accuracy. Its streamlined design makes it suitable for various applications and easily adaptable to different hardware platforms, from edge devices to cloud APIs.

Explore the YOLOv8 Docs, a comprehensive resource designed to help you understand and utilize its features and capabilities. Whether you are a seasoned machine learning practitioner or new to the field, this hub aims to maximize YOLOv8's potential in your projects


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Where to Start



Watch: How to Train a YOLOv8 model on Your Custom Dataset in Google Colab.

YOLO: A Brief History

YOLO (You Only Look Once), a popular object detection and image segmentation model, was developed by Joseph Redmon and Ali Farhadi at the University of Washington. Launched in 2015, YOLO quickly gained popularity for its high speed and accuracy.

  • YOLOv2, released in 2016, improved the original model by incorporating batch normalization, anchor boxes, and dimension clusters.
  • YOLOv3, launched in 2018, further enhanced the model's performance using a more efficient backbone network, multiple anchors and spatial pyramid pooling.
  • YOLOv4 was released in 2020, introducing innovations like Mosaic data augmentation, a new anchor-free detection head, and a new loss function.
  • YOLOv5 further improved the model's performance and added new features such as hyperparameter optimization, integrated experiment tracking and automatic export to popular export formats.
  • YOLOv6 was open-sourced by Meituan in 2022 and is in use in many of the company's autonomous delivery robots.
  • YOLOv7 added additional tasks such as pose estimation on the COCO keypoints dataset.
  • YOLOv8 is the latest version of YOLO by Ultralytics. As a cutting-edge, state-of-the-art (SOTA) model, YOLOv8 builds on the success of previous versions, introducing new features and improvements for enhanced performance, flexibility, and efficiency. YOLOv8 supports a full range of vision AI tasks, including detection, segmentation, pose estimation, tracking, and classification. This versatility allows users to leverage YOLOv8's capabilities across diverse applications and domains.
  • YOLOv9 introduces innovative methods like Programmable Gradient Information (PGI) and the Generalized Efficient Layer Aggregation Network (GELAN).
  • YOLOv10 is created by researchers from Tsinghua University using the Ultralytics Python package. This version provides real-time object detection advancements by introducing an End-to-End head that eliminates Non-Maximum Suppression (NMS) requirements.

YOLO Licenses: How is Ultralytics YOLO licensed?

Ultralytics offers two licensing options to accommodate diverse use cases:

  • AGPL-3.0 License: This OSI-approved open-source license is ideal for students and enthusiasts, promoting open collaboration and knowledge sharing. See the LICENSE file for more details.
  • Enterprise License: Designed for commercial use, this license permits seamless integration of Ultralytics software and AI models into commercial goods and services, bypassing the open-source requirements of AGPL-3.0. If your scenario involves embedding our solutions into a commercial offering, reach out through Ultralytics Licensing.

Our licensing strategy is designed to ensure that any improvements to our open-source projects are returned to the community. We hold the principles of open source close to our hearts ❤️, and our mission is to guarantee that our contributions can be utilized and expanded upon in ways that are beneficial to all.

FAQ

What is Ultralytics YOLO and how does it improve object detection?

Ultralytics YOLO is the latest advancement in the acclaimed YOLO (You Only Look Once) series for real-time object detection and image segmentation. It builds on previous versions by introducing new features and improvements for enhanced performance, flexibility, and efficiency. YOLOv8 supports various vision AI tasks such as detection, segmentation, pose estimation, tracking, and classification. Its state-of-the-art architecture ensures superior speed and accuracy, making it suitable for diverse applications, including edge devices and cloud APIs.

How can I get started with YOLO installation and setup?

Getting started with YOLO is quick and straightforward. You can install the Ultralytics package using pip and get up and running in minutes. Here's a basic installation command:

pip install ultralytics

For a comprehensive step-by-step guide, visit our quickstart guide. This resource will help you with installation instructions, initial setup, and running your first model.

How can I train a custom YOLO model on my dataset?

Training a custom YOLO model on your dataset involves a few detailed steps:

  1. Prepare your annotated dataset.
  2. Configure the training parameters in a YAML file.
  3. Use the yolo train command to start training.

Here's an example command:

yolo train model=yolov8n.pt data=coco128.yaml epochs=100 imgsz=640

For a detailed walkthrough, check out our Train a Model guide, which includes examples and tips for optimizing your training process.

What are the licensing options available for Ultralytics YOLO?

Ultralytics offers two licensing options for YOLO:

  • AGPL-3.0 License: This open-source license is ideal for educational and non-commercial use, promoting open collaboration.
  • Enterprise License: This is designed for commercial applications, allowing seamless integration of Ultralytics software into commercial products without the restrictions of the AGPL-3.0 license.

For more details, visit our Licensing page.

How can Ultralytics YOLO be used for real-time object tracking?

Ultralytics YOLO supports efficient and customizable multi-object tracking. To utilize tracking capabilities, you can use the yolo track command as shown below:

yolo track model=yolov8n.pt source=video.mp4

For a detailed guide on setting up and running object tracking, check our tracking mode documentation, which explains the configuration and practical applications in real-time scenarios.



Created 2023-11-12, Updated 2024-07-05
Authors: glenn-jocher (13), RizwanMunawar (1), AyushExel (3)

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