How to Train Your Custom Models with Ultralytics HUB

As we constantly strive for AI-driven innovation, join us as we take a closer look  at Ultralytics HUB, a platform designed to simplify training custom Ultralytics YOLO models. Whether you're a seasoned developer or a beginner, Ultralytics HUB offers a seamless experience for creating and managing computer vision models. Let’s explore how to train your custom YOLO models in just a few clicks.

What is Ultralytics HUB?

Ultralytics HUB is a comprehensive platform designed to handle your datasets, projects, and models, making it easier to train and deploy machine learning models. 

It integrates with various platforms, supports real-time updates via its mobile app (available on both Android and iOS), and is continuously evolving with new features. For more technical insights and step by step workflow, check out our Medium article on how to Train Computer Vision Models on the Cloud.

Getting Started with Ultralytics HUB

User-Friendly Interface

The first thing you'll notice about Ultralytics HUB is its intuitive interface. The homepage provides easy access to datasets, projects, models, and integrations. Even though it's still in beta, the platform already boasts a range of powerful features.

Datasets and Models

Ultralytics HUB comes pre-loaded with standard datasets like VOC, COCO, and Simpsons, which are commonly used for benchmarking. These datasets are substantial, with COCO featuring 80 classes and 140,000 images. However, the platform also supports smaller datasets, making it ideal for users at all levels. You can upload your custom dataset or connect with external tools like Roboflow for image annotation and dataset preparation.

Creating a Project

Creating a new project in Ultralytics HUB is incredibly straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

1. Create a Project: Start by naming your project. For this example, let's call it "Object Detection."
2. Choose a Dataset: Select a dataset from the available options. For simplicity, we'll use the Simpsons dataset with 14,000 images.
3. Select a Model: Choose a YOLO model. Ultralytics HUB supports various models, including YOLOv5 and YOLOv8. For the purpose of this example, we'll go with the YOLOv8 nano model.
4. Tune Hyperparameters: Adjust settings such as the number of epochs, image size, and batch size. You can also select whether to use a GPU or CPU and configure caching options.

Training the Model

Once your project is set up, training the model is just a click away. Ultralytics HUB offers multiple training options:

• Local Training: Install Ultralytics on your local machine and run the training script.
• Google Colab: Open a Google Colab notebook pre-configured with the necessary code. This option requires no coding and runs seamlessly in the cloud.
• HUB Cloud: The Ultralytics HUB Cloud Training offers a no-code solution for training YOLO models, perfect for non-coders and business owners. The workflow includes dataset uploading, model selection, and cloud instance setup, making it easy to fine-tune pretrained models and export them for various applications.

To train the model in Google Colab:

1. Install Ultralytics: Run the command to install Ultralytics in the notebook.
2. Setup and API Key: Configure the setup and enter your API key.
3. Start Training: Execute the training commands, and your model will begin training.

Monitoring Training Progress

Ultralytics HUB provides real-time tracking of your model’s training progress. You can monitor key metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall, and loss functions. The platform also visualizes the training data, allowing you to see how your model improves over time.

Advanced Features and Integrations

Cloud Training and RoboFlow Integration

Ultralytics HUB has introduced cloud training, enabling users to train models directly in the cloud without any local setup. The platform also integrates with Roboflow, a tool for annotating images and preparing datasets. This integration streamlines the workflow from data preparation to model training.

Mobile App

The Ultralytics HUB app brings real-time object detection to your mobile device. Using pre-trained models, the app can detect objects from the COCO dataset with high accuracy, running at 30 frames per second on an iPhone 14 Pro. This feature is perfect for testing models in real-world scenarios and demonstrating the capabilities of your trained models.

Wrapping Up

Ultralytics HUB is a game-changer in the world of computer vision, making it easier than ever to train custom YOLO models. Its user-friendly interface, robust features, and seamless integrations position it as a must-have tool for developers and researchers alike. Whether you're looking to train models locally, in the cloud, or on the go with the mobile app, Ultralytics HUB has you covered.

So why wait? Dive into Ultralytics HUB today and unlock the potential of your machine learning projects with just a few clicks!