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Seeed Monthly Wrap-up for October 2024: Pushing Boundaries in Smart Sensing

By: Ellie Cai
8 November 2024 at 16:26

Hey community,

 

Welcome to the latest edition of Seeed Monthly for October 2024! This month, we’re diving into Smart Sensing

In this edition, boost your knowledge with 9 in-depth tech explorations offering expert insights, 4 weekly livestream recaps, and 10 product and service showcases. Stay updated with 7 highlights on Seeed’s latest news and events, and explore the vibrant open-source community with 6 inspiring projects that showcase the future of innovation.

📚 I. In-depth Feature & Tech Exploration

01. reCamera Getting Started

reCamera is an open-source and tiny size AI camera, programmable and customizable, powered by an RISC-V SoC, delivering on-device 1 TOPS AI performance with video encoding 5MP @30 FPS. The modular hardware design and expandable interfaces offers the most verstile platform for developers building vision AI systems. Get started with reCamera today.

02. How to install CODESYS for reComputer R1000

CODESYS is a popular automation software development platform widely used in industrial control and automation systems. This article mainly introduces how to download and install CODESYS, and finally deploy the CODESYS project to reComputer R1000. Find more details here.

03. How to use CODESYS to configure the Modbus rtu function of R1000


This article mainly introduces how to use the modbus rtu function of reComputer R1000 based on CODESYS. We use the two rs485 ports of reComputer R1000, detail how to configure Modbus master and Modbus slave on CODESYS and show how to deploy them on reComputer R1000. Check out today.

04. Training Model for Watcher

This WiKi article will teach you how to use our SenseCraft to train your own AI model and deploy it on our Watcher. It will be a very interesting process. This is a platform that allows us to deploy various open-source AI models on Seeed Studio devicesCheck out today.

05. Get Started for Meshtastic

Meshtastic is an open source, off-grid, decentralized, mesh network built to run on affordable, low-power devices. Seeed Studio provides a comprehensive range of ready-to-go Meshtastic devices for hobbyists and industrial users. Read more.

06. How to Use Orbbec Depth Cameras on reComputer with ROS

This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide on how to use Orbbec Depth Camera through ROS on reComputer J30/J40 series devices. Learn more.

07. Clip Application on Raspberry Pi with AI Kit

CLIP is a neural network trained on a variety of (image, text) pairs. It can be instructed in natural language to predict the most relevant text snippet, given an image, without directly optimizing for the task, similarly to the zero-shot capabilities of GPT-2 and 3. We found CLIP matches the performance of the original ResNet50 on ImageNet “zero-shot” without using any of the original 1.28M labeled examples, overcoming several major challenges in computer vision.

This wiki will teach you how to deploy the clip application on a Raspberry Pi5 or Recomputer r1000, clip will inference on AI kit. Click for more

08. Using VNC on reComputer Jetson

VNC is a remote desktop tool that allows you to remotely control your reComputer Nvidia Jetson form ohter PC devices, with real-time access to the graphical desktop. This wiki describes how to install and use VNC on the reComputer Nvidia Jetson. Check out the tutorial now.

09. Using MID360 LiDAR on reComputer

MID360 LIDAR sensors provide high-precision 3D point cloud data for various applications. This guide focuses on setting up the MID360 on a reComputer J30/40 device running ROS Noetic. Find out more.

🎬 II. Weekly Livestream: Making Next Gadget

Our renewed livestream “Making Next Gadgets” is back! Each livestream will feature a different tech theme, with our product dev teams sharing the latest product updates, project demos, and exclusive deals. Join us on a journey through the tech revolution happening right now!

01. reBuild a Relay Box for XIAO (Part 1)

Our Hardware Enginners Ruiwen and Jienian demonstrated the professional way of design and layout a 6 channel relay box, and challenging themselves to accomplish it within 60 mins, with the help of new AI native PCB design tools. Watch the video.

02. reBuild a Relay Box for XIAO (Part 2)

In our last session, our engineers Ruiwen and Jienian designed a 6-channel relay box. So this time our engineer DingDing has soldered a 6-Channel Relay Box in 20 mins, directly demonstrating the hand soldering process. Watch the video.

03. Edge AI for Robotics

We showcased how to leverage Jetson edge devices and integrate them with robots, to release the GPU power for environmetal depth/3D data processing and inferencing, making robotics intercept much more clear and nuanced understanding of the real world. Watch the video.

04. How the XIAO AI Microscope was Born ?

We had a live chat with Benedict, CEO of OpenUC2, Creator of Xiao AI Microscope and Researcher at the Leibniz Institute for Photonic Technology in Jena. Get a sneak peek into the development process and learn how Fusion Co-Create brought this innovative product to life. Watch the video

📰 III. Product & Service Showcases

Stay up-to-date with the latest product releases from Seeed. Discover new tools, platforms, and services designed to streamline your workflow and accelerate innovation in your projects.

01. New Firmware, Enclosure Tips and Installation Guide for ReSpeaker Lite

The ReSpeaker Lite Voice Assistant Kit has been available to community for some time, and thanks to your feedback, we’re thrilled to introduce several exciting updates! These enhancements make it even easier for voice assistant enthusiasts and DIYers to build their projects. The kit includes ReSpeaker Lite, ReSpeaker Lite with XIAO ESP32S3, Mono Enclosed Speaker – 4R 5W, Acrylic Enclosure for ReSpeaker Lite. Read more.

02. mmWave Sensor Kits for Presence, Fall, Breathing & Heartbeat Detection

Excited to introduce two new mmWave Sensor Kits designed to meet diverse needs: MR60BFD2 60GHz mmWave Fall Detection Sensor Kit with XIAO ESP32C6, and MR60BHA2 60GHz mmWave Breathing and Heartbeat Detection Sensor Kit with XIAO ESP32C6. Find out more here.

03. Simulate Your XIAO ESP32 Projects with Wokwi NOW

Seeed x Wokwi image

Three of our powerful XIAO ESP32 development boards are now fully integrated with Wokwi, the popular online electronics simulator! You can now experiment, test, prototype and build projects virtually with the XIAO ESP32C6, XIAO ESP32S3, and XIAO ESP32C3 directly from your browser. Discover More.

04. SenseCAP T1000-E for Meshtastic Update: FAQs, and Debugging Tips

To support the community further, we’ve compiled a few common FAQs and tips for the SenseCAP T1000-E. We are also excited to introduce SenseCAP Indicator for Meshtastic, can be another game changer as your Meshtastic phone or you name it. If you have any further questions, suggestions, or ideas, don’t hesitate to share your insights with us on our discord. Read more

05. Wio-SX1262 Introduction

The Wio-SX1262 is a low-cost, ultra-low-power, and ultra-compact LoRa® Pure RF module based on the high-performance Semtech SX1262 LoRa® wireless communication IC, supporting LoRa & LoRaWAN frequency from 868 to 915 MHz and up tp +22 dBm highly efficient transmitted power. Read more.

06. XIAO ESP32S3 for Meshtastic

Introduce XIAO ESP32S3 for Meshtastic & LoRa. Sized as small as your thumb, and priced at only $9.9, it‘s the smallest dev kit for prototyping your first Meshtastic and LoRa/LoRaWAN projects. Read more.

07. Meet Seeed Studio XIAO MG24, Tailored for Battery-Powered Matter Applications

We are now thrilled to introduce the Seeed Studio XIAO MG24 and XIAO MG24 Sense are two tiny Arduino-compatible development boards that uniquely combine Matter with the Seeed Studio XIAO ecosystem, all powered by Silicon Labs EFR32MG24! More info.

08. Connect to Chirpstack with Wio-SX1262 with XIAO ESP32S3 Kit

This wiki page explains how set up LoraWAN based on Wio-SX1262 with XIAO ESP32S3 kit as single channel gateway exchange data. And also connect the Sensecap S210x lora sensor node to Wio-SX1262 with XIAO ESP32S3 kit and transmit the sensor data to Chirpstack. More info.

09. Connect to TTN with Wio-SX1262 with XIAO ESP32S3 Kit

This wiki page explains how set up LoraWAN based on Wio-SX1262 with XIAO ESP32S3 kit as single channel gateway exchange data with TTN. And also connect the Sensecap S210x lora sensor node to Wio-SX1262 with XIAO ESP32S3 kit and transmit the sensor data to TTN. Read more.

10. New reComputer Mini Jetson Orin Series On the Way

Looking to integrate NVIDIA Robotics Jetson GPU power into compact autonomous systems? Our new reComputer Mini Jetson Orin series is on the way! Explore rich interface expansions, wide power support, and incredible demos showcasing robot arm control, patrol systems for mapping, navigation, and more! Contact us at edgeai@seeed.cc to get more details of reComputer Mini in advance. Check out today.

👩‍💻 IV. News & Event Highlights

Get the inside scoop on recent events and news. Gain valuable insights, key takeaways, and highlights from industry experts and thought leaders at the forefront of ML innovation.

01. Meet OpenUC2 10x AI Microscope, Making Advanced Microscopy Accessible to Everyone

OpenUC2 10x AI Microscope

OpenUC2 10x AI Microscope is a collaborative innovation between openUC2 and Seeed Studio that brings advanced, accessible microscopy to everyone. This “Raspberry Pi for Optics” features high-resolution imaging via an XIAO ESP32S3 with the OV2560 camera, precision motorized focusing, and a modular, robust design ideal for both field and classroom use. More info.

02. Seeed Studio Sponsors MakeUC 2024 to Empower Innovation

Seeed Studio is a proud sponsor of MakeUC 2024, the premier hackathon hosted by IEEE at the University of Cincinnati. Participants will have the opportunity to utilise our products to bring their innovative ideas to life.  More info.

03. Maker Farie Bay Area and Maker Faire CDMX

We had an amazing time at Maker Faire Bay Area and Maker Faire CDMX, showcasing innovative live demos and technology for makers, educators, and tech enthusiasts. From live demos of our popular XIAO series to exciting talks on AI and IoT, the energy was electric! 

04. MFSZ24 Factory Hi Tour: Step into the future of Shenzhen manufacturing

Join us on Seeed’s Hi Tour on November 18th for an immersive journey into modern manufacturing! Discover cutting-edge equipment used in PCB assembly and quality control, while gaining insights into digital management practices that drive efficiency. Understand our innovative co-create projects, illustrating how Seeed Fusion assists users from initial production to mass customization, and promotion. Read more.

05. Seeed Studio and Blynk Expand Partnership to Enhance IoT Integration with LoRaWAN and MQTT

SeeedxBlynk

We are excited to announce an expanded partnership with Blynk, the leading no-code IoT platform. This collaboration brings native support for LoRaWAN and MQTT protocols, empowering businesses to easily integrate Seeed Studio’s robust hardware into Blynk’s powerful platform. Find out more.

06. Workshop at PyCon APAC 2024 by Ranger Hendra Kusumah

Our Ranger, Hendra Kusumah, hosted a workshop titled “Building IoT and Camera Projects with XIAO ESP32S3 and MicroPython” at PyCon APAC 2024 on October 25. Find out more.

07. Thanksgiving Treat: Gobble up great deals on all Fusion products!

Thanksgiving Treat: Gobble up great deals on all Fusion products! 🚀 Limited-time offer: Enjoy 20% off your entire order (excluding shipping). Order Now

🌈 V. Community Project Spotlight

Celebrate the creativity and ingenuity of our community members with featured projects and ideas in machine learning. From open-source libraries to DIY solutions, there’s no shortage of inspiration to be found among our talented community.

01. Dynamic Video Signage Using Raspberry Pi Powered reComputer

Our latest project brings this concept to life with a Raspberry Pi-powered r𝗲𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝟭𝟬𝟬𝟬, 𝗡𝗼𝗱𝗲-𝗥𝗘𝗗 for a user-friendly interface, and custom object detection using 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗗𝗲𝘁. When the system detects specific products, like Coca-Cola or Sprite, relevant content is displayed on the screen in real-time, driven by 𝗠𝗤𝗧𝗧 and powered by 𝗩𝗟𝗖. Dynamic, engaging, and with minimal human interaction. Read more.

02. WatchThis: A Wearable Point-and-Ask Interface Powered by Vision-Language Models and XIAO ESP32S3 Sense

MIT Media Lab researchers Cathy Mengying Fang, Patrick Chwalek, Quincy Kuang, and Pattie Maes have developed WatchThis, a groundbreaking wearable device that enables natural language interactions with real-world objects through simple pointing gestures. Learn more.

03. SeamPose Powered by XIAO nRF52840, Repurposing Seams for Upper-Body Pose Tracking with Smart Clothing

A team of researchers at Cornell University has created SeamPose. This innovative project, led by Catherine Tianhong Yu and Professor Cheng Zhang uses conductive threads sewn over the seams of a shirt to transform it into an upper-body pose-tracking device by unleashing the power of XIAO nRF52840. Find out more.

04. MONOKEY, The One-Button Bluetooth Keyboard Powered by XIAO ESP32C3

Meet MONOKEY, a one-button Bluetooth keyboard designed to simplify your tech experience. Created by Big Bad Cult, MONOKEY is a revolutionary wireless 1% mechanical keyboard that brings utility, fun, and personalization to your daily tasks. Whether you’re looking for a practical key charm, a fidget tool, or a programmable button for macros, MONOKEY offers endless possibilities—all powered by the reliable XIAO ESP32C3 microcontroller. Check it out

05. BLE Data Glasses With XIAO Microcontroller (only a Few Parts)

The BLE Data Glasses project highlights a thrilling advancement—smart glasses that overlay real-time data directly in our field of vision, powered by the versatile XIAO microcontroller. Learn more.

06. Safety Helmet Detection System using Raspberry Pi AI Kit

Shakhizat Nurgaliyev builds a Safety Helmet Detection System using the Hailo AI Kit, converts the custom ONNX model into a format compatible with Hailo hardware. Check it out here.

That’s all for today, thank you all for reading through this October Monthly Wrap-up in your spare time. (It is indeed a fruitful month!) If you wanna share what projects you’re working on, shoot us a tweet @seeedstudio, let us know on LinkedIn and Discord, or publish your project on our Project Hub on Hackster.

 

 

#Notes

If you’re new to this session, here is a brief intro. We have gotten dozens of requests over the years for a Seeed Monthly Newsletter. Although we already have a newsletter for weekly updates, we still need a place to host overall information about what’s happened on a monthly basis. It can offer an efficient and friendly way to get updated for the whole community. And that’s what we expect for our Seeed Monthly Wrap-ups. Instead of putting it as a subscribe-to-read format, we’re publishing them on our blog, so as to keep it as open and accessible as possible for the whole community. For each entry, we will cover awesome projects from the community, campaigns that we are running, new products, IIoT Solutions, and even secret recipes for prototyping and manufacturing.

 

Previous Monthly Wrap-ups:

Recap for September 2024

Recap for August 2024

Recap for July 2024

Recap for June 2024

Recap for May 2024

Recap for April 2024

Recap for March 2024

Recap for Feb 2024

Recap for Jan 2024

Year in Review: Seeed in 2023

Recap for October & November

Recap for January & February 2023

Year in Review: Seeed in 2022

 

The post Seeed Monthly Wrap-up for October 2024: Pushing Boundaries in Smart Sensing appeared first on Latest Open Tech From Seeed.

Seeed Studio at Smart City Expo 2024: Empowering the Future of Urban AI Hardware Solutions

By: Elaine Wu
8 November 2024 at 01:42

Join Seeed Studio at Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC) 2024 in Barcelona! As urban areas worldwide continue to evolve, the demand for smarter, more connected solutions is driving advancements in AI hardware and edge AIoT.

From November 5-7 at Gran Via, Hall 2, Booth F71, we’re excited to showcase our latest lineup of sensing, networking, and edge AI devices, designed to transform cities through real-time data, seamless connectivity, and high-speed AI processing at the edge.

1. AI Sensors: Multimodal Sensing for a Smarter Environment

A smart city depends on the ability to sense, monitor, and respond to its surroundings. Our AI sensors offer versatile environmental monitoring, long-range connectivity, and advanced scene detection. With over 100 open-source, pre-trained models, these sensors bring multimodal sensing to urban spaces, capturing data from air quality to traffic flow in real time to support an adaptable and responsive city environment.

Stay Connected in Remote Areas

Offering 4G, 5G, or WiFi connection even in remote areas, SenseCAP Card Tracker T1000-E is the world’s first IP65-rated Meshtastic device. Compact and card-sized, it easily fits in your pocket or attaches to assets, operating seamlessly on the Meshtastic LoRa mesh network. It offers high-precision, low-power positioning and communication. Additionally, the T1000-E features onboard sensors to provide temperature and light data, making it ideal for remote connectivity in unpredictable environments.

2. AI Gateways for Seamless Connectivity and Control

Cities are powered by data, and our AI IoT gateways function as hubs for data collection and connectivity. These gateways provide versatile connectivity options and advanced AI capabilities, collecting, processing, and distributing data across urban areas. By facilitating real-time adjustments and insights, our AI gateways help cities operate more efficiently and respond instantly to changing conditions.

3. Generative AI at the Edge with reThings Devices Powered by NVIDIA Jetson Orin

With reThings, powered by NVIDIA Jetson Orin modules, you can now deploy generative AI directly to the edge. Supporting advanced generative AI models such as Llama, LLaVA, and VLA, these devices push the boundaries of robotics intelligence and multimodal interactions. The deployment of generative AI at the edge enables cities to integrate more interactive and autonomous systems, streamlining everything from traffic management to public safety.

Develop Generative AI-Powered Visual AI Agents for the Edge

Powered by NVIDIA Jetson Orin modules, which deliver up to 275 TOPS AI performance for edge AI and robotics, visual AI agents can help unlock new possibilities for real-time video analytics in urban settings. These agents can analyze both recorded and live video, answer questions in natural language, summarize scenes, trigger alerts, and extract actionable insights. They support a wide range of applications, from object detection to security monitoring, making it easier to maintain safety and efficiency across city landscapes.

Jetson Platform Services (JPS) provides an AI service that allows optimized visual language models (VLMs) to run locally on the NVIDIA Jetson platform. This AI service can be combined with other components of JPS to build a mobile app integrated alert system. This system is capable of monitoring live streams for user-defined events and sending push notifications when the VLM detects the events.
Combined Vision AI and Generative AI with reCamera and Jetson Orin.


reCamera, our newly released vision AI platform, delivers next-gen video intelligence when paired with Jetson Orin. This configuration, running NVIDIA Metropolis software development kits for vision AI applications and VLMs, provides building blocks to quickly deploy fully functional systems for vision and other edge AI applications. Using the “TinyML + LLM” architecture demonstrated at NVIDIA GTC earlier this year, reCamera captures critical frames while Jetson Orin extracts insights through a VLM. For instance, if a user asks, “How many objects are in front of me on the right?”, the system will automatically adjust the camera with a gimbal, capture an image, and respond via speaker: “There are 3 objects in front of you on the right.” This seamless integration of vision and generative AI provides real-time, context-aware insights.

Join Us at Smart City Expo 2024

Explore how Seeed Studio’s AI hardware and edge AIoT solutions can transform urban spaces at Smart City Expo 2024. From multimodal sensing to generative AI at the edge, Seeed is here to empower the cities of tomorrow. Stop by Booth F71 in Hall 2 to see our demonstrations, connect with our team, and discover how our hardware solutions can help create a more connected, efficient, and responsive urban landscape.
📅 Date: November 5-7, 2024
📍 Location: Gran Via, Hall 2, Booth F71

We look forward to connecting with you at SCEWC 2024 and advancing the future of smart cities!

The post Seeed Studio at Smart City Expo 2024: Empowering the Future of Urban AI Hardware Solutions appeared first on Latest Open Tech From Seeed.

Hacktober Recap, Workshop and Seminar for Open Source Community

5 November 2024 at 16:50

This October has been tremendously packed with my duty as Seeed Studio’s Ranger. From OSHWA to Pycon APAC 2024, every event left a great spot on my mind. Here is the recap for my activity this October 2024.

1. October 3rd 2024, OSHWA 24 Hours Membership Drive Show & Tell

This live online session is initiated by OSHWA and runs 24 hours straight. My session is scheduled to run at 6 PM local time. After rushing to be at home before my schedule, I managed to get on time and share my open-source projects on Hackster. After sharing my open-source projects, I introduce the Seeed Studio Co-Create Gadget campaign to the audience.

2. October 17th 2024, Transforming IoT with Edge Intelligence Seminar

This seminar is initiated by the student organization on my campus and has two speakers. The other speaker is one of my ex student whom now work as a cloud engineer. It is the perfect opportunity to introduce Seeed Studio to my campus while also giving the students insight into the latest technology in AI, Machine Learning, IoT, and Edge Computing.

In the seminar, I mainly focus on the next step of IoT which is the inclusivity of Machine Learning in IoT solutions and how reComputer could be a small compact solution to implement it.

3. October 25th 2024, Pycon APAC 2024

This is my highlight of the month because the Python Indonesia community is becoming the host for this year’s annual Python Conference of the Asia Pacific area. In total, there are 80 Speakers from across Asia pacific with hundreds of participants.

At Pycon I managed to schedule a workshop session on 25th October 2024 titled “Building IoT and Camera Project with XIAO ESP32S3 and Micropython”.

In this workshop, I shared various things that the XIAO ESP32S3 can do with Micropython such as basic input and output, camera stream, displaying JSON weather data on the OLED screen, and interacting with the Grove Vision AI V2 sensor.

4. November 2nd 2024, Internet of Things Seminar at Universitas Banten Jaya

A friend from another campus has invited me to this seminar. The location of campus is in Serang, a neighboring city from where I live and it is a 2-hour drive from home.

The material that I shared in this seminar is the same as what I shared at my previous seminar on my campus. The organizer told me that they don’t have much insight regarding IoT on campus, so this seminar could be a huge step for advancing the knowledge on their campus.

The post Hacktober Recap, Workshop and Seminar for Open Source Community appeared first on Latest Open Tech From Seeed.

Students and Faculty Explore New Frontiers of Design with Artificial Intelligence and XIAO ESP32S3 Sense at the Catholic University of Luis Amigó, Manizales

5 November 2024 at 13:47

Design students and faculty from the Catholic University of Luis Amigó in Manizales, Colombia, participated in an innovative workshop that brings together creativity and artificial intelligence (AI) through the use of the XIAO ESP32S3 Sense device from Seeed Studio. The workshop, led by Gabriel Alejandro Giraldo, Seeed Studio Ranger, showcased how this open-source hardware tool enables design professionals to experiment with AI and rapid prototyping, transforming ideas into interactive solutions.

The XIAO ESP32S3 Sense—a compact yet competent device—was the focal point of this event. Participants explored how to deploy both predefined and custom vision AI models using the SenseCraft AI platform, allowing them to work with visual recognition technology in an accessible and effective way. This combination of hardware and software empowers designers to transform concepts into interactive visual experiences and quickly develop prototypes of real products.

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During the workshop, the SenseCAP Watcher, Seeed Studio’s innovative physical AI assistant, was introduced. Configured to greet and thank each attendee upon identification, the SenseCAP Watcher sent real-time notifications to organizers via the SenseCraft app. This demonstration showed participants how AI can be integrated into design projects to create interactive, engaging, and personalized user experiences.

The workshop also highlighted the importance of adopting AI in design, emphasizing that this technology does not replace human creativity but enhances it by automating repetitive tasks and facilitating real-time experimentation with visual ideas. Vision AI and rapid prototyping with AI offer designers opportunities to develop intelligent products that respond to their surroundings and improve user experiences.

This event marks a milestone in design education, demonstrating how advanced, accessible, open-source technology like the XIAO ESP32S3 Sense can enrich students’ learning and open new frontiers for creativity in design on a global scale.

The post Students and Faculty Explore New Frontiers of Design with Artificial Intelligence and XIAO ESP32S3 Sense at the Catholic University of Luis Amigó, Manizales appeared first on Latest Open Tech From Seeed.

Transforming City Fountain Management with SenseCAP LoRaWAN Weather Monitoring-Based Automation in Slovakia

1 November 2024 at 08:00

The city of Trenčín in Slovakia has transformed the management of its iconic Vodnik fountain using IoT-powered automation, powered by the Helium LoRaWAN network. By deploying SenseCAP sensors and controllers, the team at Heliotics supported the city automating the fountain’s operation based on real-time weather data, ensuring optimal efficiency and resource conservation. The system allows for remote management, significantly reducing water and energy consumption while minimizing the need for manual intervention. This innovative solution demonstrates how IoT can modernize urban infrastructure and enhance sustainability efforts in smart cities.

  • Solution: IoTech automated the Vodnik fountain using a smart weather station and controller, powered by Helium LoRaWAN, for real-time weather data, remote management.
  • Industry: Smart City Solutions, IoT Automation
  • Solution Deployed in: Vodnik Fountain, Štúr Square, Trenčín, Slovakia

Trenčín, Slovakia, is a city rich in history and known for its picturesque landmarks, including the Vodnik fountain at Štúr Square. This iconic fountain draws tourists and locals alike, especially during the summer. However, managing its operation, especially during adverse weather conditions, has proven both challenging and costly for the city. Traditionally, city workers had to manually switch the fountain on and off, leading to inefficiencies, excess water consumption, and unnecessary energy use. The need for a more efficient, automated solution prompted the city to explore IoT technology to manage the fountain remotely.

Fountain
The Vodnik Fountain

Challenges

Traditional Fountains, like the Vodnik fountain, need to operate under specific conditions to maximize their aesthetic appeal while conserving resources. Ideal operational conditions include moderate temperatures, low wind speeds, and no rainfall, ensuring optimal visual impact without unnecessary water or energy wastage.

However, the manual operation process required city workers to visit the fountain, turn it off during storms or at night, and turn it back on under favorable conditions. This time-consuming method led to unnecessary resource use when immediate action was needed, and it relied heavily on weather forecasts and human intervention. Moreover, the risk of damage from freezing temperatures or water splashing during high winds presented further challenges, leading to increased maintenance costs and resource wastage.

The Vodnik Fountain

Solution

To address these issues, our partner Heliotics implemented a smart, IoT-powered solution for the city of Trenčín, leveraging the Helium LoRaWAN network and Heliotics CORE app. This system integrates a SenseCAP S1000 V2 10-in-1 Compact Weather Sensor and SenseCAP S2100 Data Logger for real-time monitoring of weather conditions, and a Milesight UC300 Controller for automation of the fountain’s operation. The weather station tracks key environmental factors like temperature, humidity, wind speed, and rainfall, while the controller is connected to the fountain’s main electrical system to manage its operation.

This solution automates the fountain’s on/off cycles based on predefined threshold values (e.g., low temperatures, high wind speeds, or heavy rainfall), ensuring optimal operation. The system’s logic follows a color-coded range (green for favorable conditions, yellow for caution, and red for shutoff), allowing the fountain to shut down automatically under poor weather conditions and restart when conditions improve—all in less than 10 seconds.

The system also features remote management capabilities via the Heliotics CORE app, enabling authorized personnel to monitor and control the fountain’s operation from any device. Alerts via SMS or email are sent in case of extreme weather or malfunction, allowing for real-time intervention if necessary.

SenseCAP Data Logger

Why SenseCAP and LoRaWAN?

The SenseCAP sensors were chosen for their ability to deliver reliable and real-time data in outdoor environments, crucial for the automation of the Vodnik fountain system. The SenseCAP S1000 V2 10-in-1 Compact Weather Sensor provides multi-parameter monitoring, collecting key environmental data such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, and rainfall to ensure the fountain operates under safe conditions. These sensors are durable, designed to withstand harsh weather without frequent maintenance, making them ideal for continuous outdoor monitoring. Known for their low power consumption, SenseCAP devices are also cost-effective for long-term use and scalable, allowing for future expansion to other smart city infrastructure. Additionally, their seamless integration with the Helium LoRaWAN network ensures efficient, long-range data transmission, perfect for city-wide remote monitoring and automation solutions.

“Our IoT solution at Vodník Fountain in Trenčín uses LPWAN technology, reducing installation costs by eliminating cabling. With advanced automation and remote 24/7 control, the city has achieved nearly 75% savings in water use and optimized energy consumption. The flexible system also allows manual operation, saving time on-site and highlighting the sustainable impact of smart infrastructure” comments Miroslav Macko, CEO of Heliotics

Heliotics CORE App

Heliotics CORE App Dashboard

SenseCAP 10-in-1 Compact Weather Sensor

Results

The implementation of this IoT-powered solution has transformed the management of the Vodnik fountain, significantly reducing water and energy consumption by automating its operation. The system ensures the fountain only runs under optimal conditions, thus extending its operational lifespan and minimizing maintenance costs. Furthermore, remote monitoring via the Heliotics CORE app has reduced the need for physical intervention, allowing the city to respond swiftly to changing weather conditions while also conserving resources.

Overall, this smart solution has improved the city’s sustainability efforts, cut unnecessary costs, and enhanced the public experience of this iconic landmark. The success of this project demonstrates the potential of IoT in modernizing municipal operations, setting an example for other cities looking to adopt smart technologies for better resource management.

Partners

https://www.heliotics.com/ 

Heliotics is a provider of IoT solutions that specialize in smart city applications, offering advanced automation tools for urban infrastructure management. Through its flagship Heliotics CORE app, the company enables remote monitoring and control of various systems, such as fountains, lighting, and environmental monitoring, to optimize city operations. By integrating real-time data and automation, Heliotics helps municipalities like Trenčín achieve greater efficiency, reduce resource consumption, and improve sustainability.

https://www.helium.com/lorawan 

The Helium LoRaWAN Network is a decentralized wireless network designed for IoT devices, offering long-range, low-power connectivity across large areas. Known for its cost-effective and scalable infrastructure, the network allows smart city solutions to operate seamlessly without the need for traditional cellular or Wi-Fi networks. By utilizing Helium’s LoRaWAN technology, cities like Trenčín can monitor and control infrastructure remotely, enhancing both operational efficiency and real-time data collection.

More Case Study

The post Transforming City Fountain Management with SenseCAP LoRaWAN Weather Monitoring-Based Automation in Slovakia appeared first on Latest Open Tech From Seeed.

Meet Seeed Studio XIAO MG24, Tailored for Battery-Powered Matter Applications

By: Lily
31 October 2024 at 15:28

Choosing the right SoC for the next Seeed Studio XIAO is always challenging. It must represent cutting-edge technology, bringing innovation in communication networking, computing performance, or ecosystem compatibility. When Silicon Labs EFR32MG24 came into our view, we were immediately excited by its enormous potential to make the promising Matter® wireless communication protocol accessible to ALL – perfectly aligning with Seeed’s vision of Making Technology Accessible for ALL.

Matter connects IoT platforms and smart home devices across different brands, bridging the gap between different ecosystems like Amazon, Google, and Apple. This new industry-unifying standard provides reliable connections and simplifies development for makers. We are now thrilled to introduce the Seeed Studio XIAO MG24 and the Seeed Studio XIAO MG24 Sense, thumb-sized Matter®-native dev boards all powered by Silicon Labs EFR32MG24!

Seeed Studio XIAO MG24 (Sense), Tailored for Battery-Powered Matter Applications

The Seeed Studio XIAO MG24 and XIAO MG24 Sense are two tiny Arduino-compatible development boards that uniquely combine Matter with the Seeed Studio XIAO ecosystem. The EFR32MG24 Wireless SoC features a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M33 core processor running at 78MHz with DSP instructions, 1536KB Flash memory, and 256KB RAM. Thanks to the Silicon Labs SoC inside, the XIAO MG24 and XIAO MG24 Sense support Matter® over Thread® and Bluetooth® Low Energy 5.3. In the future, there will be support for the other common 2.4 GHz protocols on the Arduino Core.

XIAO MG24 Sense Hardware Overview

In the signature Seeed Studio XIAO form factor (21×17.8mm), both XIAO MG24 and XIAO MG24 Sense feature 4MB onboard Flash capacity, LED, and 19 GPIOs. The XIAO MG24 Sense additionally includes two onboard sensors: an analog microphone and a 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). These new XIAO boards excel in battery management, featuring an onboard charging circuit, internal IO for battery voltage measurement, and support for an increased charging current of 160mA. Their battery management system and ultra-low-power consumption design make them ideal for the rapid development and prototyping of Matter-based battery-powered IoT devices.

Seeed Studio has consistently delivered innovative and cost-effective hardware solutions that empower developers around the globe. We are thrilled to collaborate with them on the XIAO MG24 boards, which integrate our EFR32MG24B220F1536IM48-B chip. This partnership not only broadens the reach of our technology but also aligns with our vision of fostering a vibrant developer community. We look forward to seeing the creative and impactful applications that will emerge from this collaboration,” says Rob Shane, Vice President, Mass Market Sales & Applications at Silicon Labs.

Seeed Studio XIAO for Matter: XIAO MG24 (Sense) & XIAO ESP32C6

These aren’t our first Matter-compatible XIAOs. Earlier this year, we launched the XIAO ESP32C6, supporting multiple protocols including Zigbee, Wi-Fi 6, BLE 5, and Thread. For those wondering about the differences between these models, please refer to the comparison table below to find the perfect match for your Matter applications.

Join Our Seeed Studio XIAO Early Adopter Program

XIAO MG24 and XIAO MG24 Sense are now available for pre-order through our Bazaar webstore at $7.9 and $10.9 respectively, with shipping expected in late November 2024. To celebrate the launch, here is a limited-time offer: 10% off for the first 100 purchases. Shop NOW.👇

To help developers quickly adapt their projects to the XIAO MG24 (Sense), we’re launching our XIAO Early Adopter Program. If you’re an author or maintainer of a popular open-source Matter or IoT project on GitHub, or an influencer on YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram, ensure your users can run your code on the XIAO MG24. Join to receive two free early sample boards (shipping mid-November) and technical support for making your code compatible with this exciting new board.

Notes at the end.

Hey community, we’re curating a monthly newsletter centering around the beloved Seeed Studio XIAO. If you want to stay up-to-date with:

🤖 Cool Projects from the Community to get inspiration and tutorials
📰 Product Updates: firmware update, new product spoiler
📖 Wiki Updates: new wikis + wiki contribution
📣 News: events, contests, and other community stuff

Please click the image below👇 to subscribe now!

The post Meet Seeed Studio XIAO MG24, Tailored for Battery-Powered Matter Applications appeared first on Latest Open Tech From Seeed.

SenseCAP T1000-E for Meshtastic Update: FAQs, and Debugging Tips

31 October 2024 at 13:23

Hi Community,

First, we want to extend a heartfelt thanks to each of you for your interest and support for the SenseCAP T1000-E. Since its release, we’ve been thrilled to see it being widely adopted within the Meshtastic community, helping enthusiasts like you enhance your connectivity projects. Your feedback has been invaluable to us, highlighting what you love about the device and where we can make it even better.

FAQs and Debugging Tips

We’ve received a lot of insightful feedback from the community, and our team is actively investigating each single of them. We are committed to ensuring that your experience with the T1000-E is smooth and reliable.

To support you further, we’ve compiled a few common FAQs and tips:

1. Accidentally updated the wrong firmware

Before you update the firmware, please check the firmware file carefully and DO NOT FLASH ANY FIRMWARE OTHER THAN T1000-E FIRMWARE, this may cause unexpected errors.

– Solution:

If you accidentally update the wrong firmware, please flash the bootloader first, and then flash the application firmware.

2. Device bricked

a. The device can still enter the DFU mode

– Solution:

Flash the bootloader first, and then flash the application firmware.

b. The device can not enter the DFU mode, but you can see the serial port of your device

– Solution:

Using a serial tool, set the baud rate to 1200, and then click connect, try this process multiple times until the green light of the device is solid, once the device is restored to DFU mode, you can follow a. solution then.

3. Battery drop issue

Following our battery discharge test, we found that the T1000-E battery performs as expected. We’re enhancing the battery discharge curve report to provide users with a clearer and more accurate performance overview.

For more details, please check the T1000-E wiki, if your issues still cannot be solved, feel free to contact our tech support team at sensecap[at]seeed.cc !

Last but Not Least: New Meshtastic-Compatible Products

A 4-inch touch screen driven by ESP32-S3 and RP2040 Dual-MCUs. With the compatibility with Meshtastic, SenseCAP Indicator can be another game changer as your Meshtastic phone or you name it. 🙂

A mini size LoRa Dev Kit with XIAO ESP32S3 and Wio-SX1262 LoRa module, with pre-flashed Meshtastic firmware, it’s ready for you to embark your journey with Meshtastic once it’s powered on.

Get Started with XIAO ESP32 for Meshtastic

We’re Here for You

We are truly grateful for your dedication to improving the T1000-E. Your feedback has allowed us to make adjustments that benefit the entire Meshtastic community. If you have any further questions, suggestions, or ideas, don’t hesitate to share your insights with us on our discord.

Thank you once again for being part of the journey with us. Let’s keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible together!

The post SenseCAP T1000-E for Meshtastic Update: FAQs, and Debugging Tips appeared first on Latest Open Tech From Seeed.

SeamPose Powered by XIAO nRF52840, Repurposing Seams for Upper-Body Pose Tracking with Smart Clothing

29 October 2024 at 17:31

Imagine turning your everyday clothes into smart motion-tracking tools. That’s exactly what a team of researchers at Cornell University has achieved with SeamPose. This innovative project, led by Catherine Tianhong Yu and Professor Cheng Zhang uses conductive threads sewn over the seams of a shirt to transform it into an upper-body pose-tracking device by unleashing the power of XIAO nRF52840. Unlike traditional sensor-laden garments that change the clothing’s appearance and comfort, SeamPose blends seamlessly into everyday wear without compromising aesthetics or fit.

This project offers exciting potential applications in areas like health monitoring, sports analytics, AR/VR, and human-robot interaction by making wearable tracking more accessible and comfortable.

Source: Cornell University Team

Hardwares

To build SeamPose, the following key hardware elements were used:

    • Long-sleeve T-shirt with machine-sewn conductive thread along the seams.
    • Customized Sensing Board:
      • XIAO nRF52840 
      • A 36x31mm board with two FDC2214 capacitance-to-digital converters
      • 3.7V 290mAh LiPo battery
Source: Cornell University Team

How SeamPose Works

SeamPose operates by transforming ordinary seams in a long-sleeve shirt into capacitive sensors, enabling real-time tracking of upper-body movements. Conductive threads, specifically insulated silver-plated nylon, are machine-sewn along key seams—such as the shoulders and sleeves—without altering the garment’s appearance or comfort. As the wearer moves, the seams stretch and shift, causing variations in their capacitance. These signals are captured by a customized sensing board integrated with two FDC2214 capacitance-to-digital converters and the XIAO nRF52840 microcontroller. The XIAO nRF52840 transmits the data wirelessly via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to a nearby computer for processing.

The transmitted signals are fed into a deep learning model that maps the seam data to 3D joint positions relative to the pelvis. This allows the system to interpret complex upper-body movements using only eight sensors distributed symmetrically along the shirt. During testing, SeamPose achieved a mean per joint position error (MPJPE) of 6.0 cm, comparable to more invasive tracking systems. The XIAO nRF52840 ensures seamless real-time data transmission, making SeamPose a breakthrough in wearable technology by combining comfort with precise motion tracking.

Signals

Source: Cornell University Team

What’s Next for SeamPose?

SeamPose offers a glimpse into the future of smart clothing, where everyday garments become powerful tools for motion tracking without sacrificing comfort or design. However, challenges like real-world deployment considerations and smart-clothing manufacturing at scale need to be addressed for broader adoption. The research team plans to explore improved seam placement and enhanced sensor calibration for even more accurate tracking in the future.

If you’re excited about SeamPose and want to dive deeper, check out their paper on ACM Digital Library

End Note

Hey community, we’re curating a monthly newsletter centering around the beloved Seeed Studio XIAO. If you want to stay up-to-date with:

🤖 Cool Projects from the Community to get inspiration and tutorials
📰 Product Updates: firmware update, new product spoiler
📖 Wiki Updates: new wikis + wiki contribution
📣 News: events, contests, and other community stuff

Please click the image below👇 to subscribe now!

The post SeamPose Powered by XIAO nRF52840, Repurposing Seams for Upper-Body Pose Tracking with Smart Clothing appeared first on Latest Open Tech From Seeed.

Meet OpenUC2 10x AI Microscope, Making Advanced Microscopy Accessible to Everyone

24 October 2024 at 08:45

When using a traditional USB Microscope, what is your biggest pain? Complex optical setups? Manual focusing adjustment? Fixed design without any flexibility? Reliability on the USB cable for connection? No timelapse or autonomous operation? These are no longer the pain with the OpenUC2 10x AI Microscope. With the vision of being the Raspberry Pi of Optics, the OpenUC2 team got the inspiration from electronics rapid prototyping tools, and invented this modular, automated and tinyML-enabled microscope.

Meet OpenUC2 10x AI Microscope, The Raspberry Pi of Optics

OpenUC2 10x AI Microscope is a collaborative innovation between openUC2 and Seeed Studio that brings advanced, accessible microscopy to everyone. This “Raspberry Pi for Optics” features high-resolution imaging via an XIAO ESP32S3 with the OV2560 camera, precision motorized focusing, and a modular, robust design ideal for both field and classroom use. With Wi-Fi connectivity, browser-based control, and support for autonomous operations like timelapse imaging, it’s designed for educators, researchers, and hobbyists alike.

Seeed Studio XIAO Microscope

The complete microscope kit is easy to assemble, customizable, and part of a broader initiative to democratize sophisticated scientific tools, inviting users to join a community committed to open science and open innovation.

Key Features

  • High-Resolution Imaging: Powered by XIAO ESP32-S3 with the high-resolution OV2560 camera sensor
  • Precision Control: Motorized focusing mechanism for micrometer-precise adjustments
  • Modular Design: Easily customizable with swappable objectives and additional modules
  • Portable & Robust: Compact form factor perfect for field research
  • Smart Connectivity: Wi-Fi enabled with browser-based control interface
  • Autonomous Operation: Supports timelapse imaging and SD card storage
  • Customized Firmware: TinyML for on-the-fly image processing directly on the device, integrating sensors and other hardware for automated experiments.
Microscope Application scene

However, this briliant product concept comes a long way. According to OpenUC2 team, It all started with the idea of creating a simple microscope for studying differentiating macrophages in a cell incubator back in 2017. From the beginning, UC2 was designed to make optics more affordable, available, and accessible. Adding additional features back then and the increasing interest from the research community made the the UC2 system a global resource for building and understanding arbitrarily complicated optical systems.

By now, with this latest OpenUC2 10x AI Microscope, the users can build anything from an introductory setup to a complex, high-resolution microscope using OpenUC2’s injection-molded cubes, enabling the the rapid assembly of complex optical setups, not only in educational settings but also for professional use in industries.

“Our goal is to build an open ecosystem/platform where people can easily exchange ideas and develop solutions, not just in electronics but also optics. “ Benedict Diederich, CEO of OpenUC2 shares their goal for this new microscope. It’s crucial to lower entry barriers, allowing users to work with ready-made modules that can be purchased from an online shop. “

Brought to Market by Fusion Co-Create Services

If we date back, this is not the first projects that we collaborate with OpenUC2, but it makes a very special one where Seeed Fusion worked closely with OpenUC2 to bring this impactful product to the market, now available at our official store and hopefully in our distribution partners’ network soon.

Seeed Fusion is dedicated to elevating your innovative ideas into products and solutions for various verticals. With the full range of open-source modules and industry-grade devices, expertise in product design, experience in production, and resources in glocal community and marketing. We’re your go-to partner from 0 to ∞. Co-Create with Seeed Fusion, you can leverage Seeed’s capabilities in Prototype, Produce, and Promote, ranging from custom design, manufacturing to selling, covering the full product lifecycle from idea to delivery and iteration!

Initially, Benedict built a modular microscope using the cube framework. To reduce costs, we comprehensively optimized the product’s structure, including:

  • Structural optimization: Inviting professional engineers to optimize the overall structure design and select more optimal materials.
  • Supply chain optimization: Matching the supply chain locally to find the best suppliers and reduce material costs.
  • User experience optimization: Optimizing the product from application scenarios and user experience perspectives.
  • Packaging design: Designing a delicate and environmentally friendly packaging box to enhance the overall product value.

After more than three months of close cooperation, we finally launched the XIAO microscope, a high-quality and cost-effective product.

When talking about the Fusion Co-Create Program, Benedict comments, The Fusion Co-Create Program helped transform our initial cube-based concept into a concrete product. Seeed Studio guided us through various challenges, forming a nearly friendly relationship between their product managers, engineers, and our team in Jena. The geographical distance and time zone differences were never an issue—we even collaborated with German contacts in Düsseldorf. A high level of trust was built, and I would recommend this program to anyone looking to bring an idea to life.”

Order Now to Support OpenUC2' s Vision

Open UC2 team’s vision perfectly aligns with our mission at Seeed to make technology accessible for all. The openUC2 10x AI Microscope is more than just a microscope – it’s an invitation to join a community of innovators shaping the future of optical instrumentation.

Ready to explore the microscopic world? The OpenUC2 10x AI Microscope is now available for order at our webstore at $109. For the people who decide to support OpenUC2’s vision, we’re also offering an early bird discount of 10% off. 

🎁 Type in the code OpenUC2 to enjoy the exclusive discount NOW as it’s a limited offer that expires on October 30, 2024.

If you’re interested in bringing this amazing invention to your community or country, please feel free to reach out us at maker@seeed.cc. Moreover, our Fusion Co-Create Program is dedicated to enabling more developers or teams like OpenUC2 to scale up their impactful designs, while they can get a licensing fee for each piece sold. If you also have a cool Seeeed-based project, that you want to bring to the market, feel free to reach out to us at fusion@seeed.io.

Last But Not Least: Meet OpenUC2 Team at Our Livestream

Be the first to know the story behind the Xiao AI Microscope! Join us this Friday for a live chat with Benedict, the mastermind behind this incredible device. Get a sneak peek into the development process and learn how Fusion Co-Create brought this innovative product to life. 

Tune in to our livestream for exclusive deals! We’ll be giving away limited coupons on the Microscope for $30 and $100 coupons for our Fusion PCBA service. Don’t miss out on this amazing deal!

📅 Date: 25 Oct. 2024 02:00 PM GMT
🔥 Join us on Youtube!!!

The post Meet OpenUC2 10x AI Microscope, Making Advanced Microscopy Accessible to Everyone appeared first on Latest Open Tech From Seeed.

Seeed Studio and Blynk Expand Partnership to Enhance IoT Integration with LoRaWAN and MQTT

23 October 2024 at 08:00

Seamless IoT with LoRaWAN and MQTT Support

With industries increasingly adopting LoRaWAN and MQTT protocols, Seeed Studio’s devices—like the SenseCAP LoRaWAN sensors and gateways—are now fully supported on Blynk’s platform. This expanded functionality simplifies IoT deployments by allowing users to monitor and control their devices through Blynk‘s intuitive dashboard, without needing extensive coding or infrastructure setup.

The expanded functionality available with Blynk’s platform is a game-changer for businesses using Seeed Studio SenseCAP LoRaWAN devices,” said Joey Jiang, VP of Industrial Application Group at Seeed Studio.Our customers can now take advantage of Blynk’s advanced device management features, such as multi-level user management and granular access controls, to manage fleets of devices at scale with ease. This integration allows businesses to focus on their operations while Blynk and Seeed handle the heavy lifting on the backend, from device provisioning to user control.

SeeedxBlynk

Empowering Developers and Businesses with No-Code IoT Solutions

Through Blynk’s intuitive no-code platform, users gain access to advanced device management tools such as visual data visualization, automation workflows, and real-time alerts. With native MQTT support and a recent integration with The Things Stack for LoRaWAN, Seeed Studio hardware can now unlock unprecedented possibilities for IoT deployments.

Our mission has always been to simplify IoT for businesses of all sizes,” said Pavel Bayborodin, CEO of Blynk. “By expanding our platform to support industry-standard protocols like LoRaWAN and MQTT, and partnering with Seeed Studio’s robust hardware lineup, we are enabling companies to launch powerful IoT systems faster than ever.

Unlocking Opportunities Across Smart Industries

The extended partnership offers tremendous opportunities across key industries like smart agriculture, industrial automation, and smart cities. With Seeed’s SenseCAP LoRaWAN devices integrated into Blynk, businesses can achieve remote monitoring, real-time data transfer, and centralized device management with minimal effort. Whether deploying sensors in the field or managing urban infrastructure, users benefit from both Blynk’s software capabilities and Seeed’s reliable hardware for cost-effective solutions.

Discover Seeed Studio Products with LoRaWAN and MQTT Support

Explore Seeed Studio’s wide range of IoT solutions designed to seamlessly integrate with Blynk’s platform. Whether you need SenseCAP LoRaWAN sensors for environmental monitoring, LoRaWAN gateways for reliable connectivity, or development kits for rapid prototyping, Seeed Studio has the tools to bring your IoT vision to life.

About Seeed Studio

Seeed Studio, founded in 2008, is a pioneer in Open Hardware and IoT innovation, offering a broad portfolio of industrial IoT solutions, including sensor modules, edge devices, and platforms like SenseCAP. By promoting collaborative development and open-source principles, Seeed Studio empowers developers and enterprises worldwide to design solutions that address local challenges and advance emerging technologies such as AI and IoT.

About Blynk

Blynk is a leading low-code IoT platform that enables businesses to build custom mobile IoT applications and manage millions of connected devices globally. Used by over 1 million developers and 5,000 businesses, Blynk simplifies IoT management through easy-to-use dashboards and advanced user management features, accelerating time to market and helping companies scale their connected products.

The post Seeed Studio and Blynk Expand Partnership to Enhance IoT Integration with LoRaWAN and MQTT appeared first on Latest Open Tech From Seeed.

Introducing XIAO ESP32S3 for Meshtastic, The Smallest LoRa Dev Kit in The World

22 October 2024 at 16:37

Since we released the Wio Tracker 1110 Dev Kit and SenseCAP Card Tracker T1000-E, we’ve gotten a lot of feedback from the community to include a smaller, more affordable Meshtastic powered product. And our answer is the XIAO ESP32S3 for Meshtastic & LoRa. Sized as small as your thumb, and priced at only $9.9, it‘s the smallest dev kit for prototyping your first Meshtastic and LoRa/LoRaWAN projects.

XIAO ESP32S3 + Semtech SX1262 LoRa

Featuring the powerful thumb-sized XIAO ESP32S3 Dev Board and a Wio-SX1262 Extension Board, the XIAO ESP32S3 Dev Kit for Meshtastic & LoRa is a super mini LoRa dev kit supporting LoRa (862-930MHz) with a 5km LoRa range. It also supports WiFi, BLE for wireless communication with a range of 100m+. Built on the XIAO ESP32S3, the kit comes with a built-in power management systems, and can be expanded via IIC, UART, and other GPIO interfaces. Compatible with Arduino IDE, it’s available for pre-order now at $9.9, with an estimated shipping in November, 2024.

Key Features of XIAO ESP32S3 for Meshtastic and LoRa Dev Kit

  • Meshtactic works out of the box: Pre-flashed with Meshtastic firmware, it is ready to work once powered on.
  • Outstanding RF performance: Supports LoRa(862-930MHz) 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and BLE 5.0 dual wireless communication, support 2~5km(LoRa) and 100m+(Wi-Fi/BLE) remote communication when connected with U.FL antenna.
  • Thumb-sized Compact Design: 21 x 18mm, adopting the classic form factor of Seeed Studio XIAO, suitable for space-limited projects.
  • Powerful MCU Board: Incorporate the ESP32S3 32-bit, dual-core, Xtensa processor running at up to 240MHz, mounted multiple development ports, Arduino / MicroPython supported.
  • Elaborate Power Design: Includes a Type-C USB interface and lithium battery charge management.
  • Same Hardware for Multiple Applications: Can be developed as a Meshtastic node or router, a single-channel LoRaWAN gateway, or a LoRa & LoRaWAN sensor.

Applications of XIAO ESP32S3 for Meshtastic & LoRa

1.  Tap into Meshtastic for Off-Grid Communication

Meshtastic is an open-source, off-grid, decentralized LoRa mesh network designed for affordable, low-power devices. This XIAO ESP32S3 Dev Kit offers a flexible and cost-effective solution for Meshtastic developers. You can build a Meshtastic device at an affordable price and use it as an emergency communication tool, similar to the SenseCAP T1000-E, but simpler in function. Moreover, thanks to the amazing Seeed Studio XIAO Product Ecosystem, it’s compatible with the XIAO Expansion Board and the Grove Expansion Board for adding screens, sensors, and over 300+ Grove modules, allowing you to customize your unique Meshtastic devices. You can even design your own casing.

2.  Configure It as a LoRa/LoRaWAN Sensor Node

It can be set up as a LoRa node, enabling the XIAO ESP32S3 Dev Kit to connect with various sensors and transmit data using LoRaWAN. This offers flexibility for different applications, like home automation. Essentially, the XIAO ESP32S3 Dev Kit can serve as a data collection and transmission node, allowing for communication and control among smart home devices.

3.  The Most Cost-Effective Single-Channel LoRa/LoRaWAN Gateway

Thanks to the powerful Semtech SX1262 LoRa Chip, you can turn it into a single-channel gateway, making it the most cost effective single-channel LoRaWAN gateway in the world. It receives LoRa packets on a specific setting and share them with the LoRaWAN network. By using the XIAO ESP32S3 Dev Kit, you can set it up to connect to The Things Network or Chripstack. This kit is great for those who want to learn about LoRa technology and connect to a LoRa Network Server (LNS).

Some Useful Links

Here are some guides for you to get started:

  1. Get Started for Meshtastic
  2. Get Started for LoRa
  3. Connect to TTN
  4. Connect to Chripstack

Pre-Order Now at $9.9

Available for pre-order now at just $9.9, the XIAO ESP32S3 Dev Kit is one of our solutions to provide the community more affordable and flexible products for you to build your LoRa-based IoT projects. Stay tuned for more updates on our Meshtastic-powered and LoRaWAN products. If you have any ideas or suggestions about our Meshtastic-compatible products, feel free to share them in the comments!

The post Introducing XIAO ESP32S3 for Meshtastic, The Smallest LoRa Dev Kit in The World appeared first on Latest Open Tech From Seeed.

WatchThis: A Wearable Point-and-Ask Interface Powered by Vision-Language Models and XIAO ESP32S3 Sense

21 October 2024 at 11:58

MIT Media Lab researchers Cathy Mengying Fang, Patrick Chwalek, Quincy Kuang, and Pattie Maes have developed WatchThis, a groundbreaking wearable device that enables natural language interactions with real-world objects through simple pointing gestures. Cathy conceived the idea for WatchThis during a one-day hackathon in Shenzhen, organized as part of MIT Media Lab’s “Research at Scale” initiative. Organized by Cedric Honnet and hosted by Southern University of Science and Technology and Seeed Studio, the hackathon provided the perfect setting to prototype this innovative device using components from the Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32S3 suite. By integrating Vision-Language Models (VLMs) with a compact wrist-worn device, WatchThis allows users to ask questions about their surroundings in real-time, making contextual queries as intuitive as pointing and asking.

Credit: Cathy Fang

Hardwares

The WatchThis project utilizes the following hardware components:

Credit: Cathy Fang

How the Project Works

WatchThis is designed to seamlessly integrate natural, gesture-based interaction into daily life. The wearable device consists of a watch with a rotating, flip-up camera attached to the back of a display. When the user points at an object of interest, the camera captures the area, and the device processes contextual queries based on the user’s gesture.

The interaction begins when the user flips up the watch body to reveal the camera, which then captures the area where the finger points at. The watch’s display shows a live feed from the camera, allowing precise aiming. When the user touches the screen, the device captures the image and pauses the camera feed. The captured RGB image is then compressed into JPG format and converted to base64, after which an API request is made to query the image.

The device uses these API calls to interact with OpenAI’s GPT-4o model, which accepts both text and image inputs. This allows the user to ask questions such as “What is this?” or “Translate this,” and receive immediate responses. The text response is displayed on the screen, overlaid on the captured image. After the response is shown for 3 seconds, the screen returns to streaming the camera feed, ready for the next command.

The software driving WatchThis is written in Arduino-compatible C++ and runs directly on the device. It is optimized for quick and efficient performance, with an end-to-end response time of around 3 seconds. Instead of relying on voice recognition or text-to-speech—which can be error-prone and resource-intensive—the system uses direct text input for queries. Users can further personalize their interactions by modifying the default query prompt through an accompanying WebApp served on the device, allowing tailored actions such as identifying objects, translating text, or requesting instructions.

Credit: Cathy Fang

Applications

Imagine strolling through a city and pointing at a building to learn its history, or identifying an exotic plant in a botanical garden with a mere gesture.

The device goes beyond simple identification, offering practical applications like real-time translation of, for example, menu items, which is a game-changer for travelers and language learners alike.

The research team has discussed even more exciting potential applications:

    • A “Remember this” function could serve as a visual reminder system, potentially aiding those who need to take medication regularly.
    • For urban explorers, a “How do I get there” feature could provide intuitive, spatially-aware navigation by allowing users to point at distant landmarks.
    • A “Zoom in on that” capability could offer a closer look at far-off objects without disrupting the user’s activities.
    • Perhaps most intriguingly, a “Turn that off” function could allow users to control smart home devices with a combination of voice commands and gestures, seamlessly integrating with IoT ecosystems.

While some of these features are still in conceptual stages, they paint a picture of a future where our interactions with the world around us are more intuitive, informative, and effortless than ever before.

Credit: Cathy Fang

Build Your Own WatchThis

Interested in building your own WatchThis wearable? Explore the open-source hardware and software components on GitHub and start creating today! Check out their paper below for full details.

End Note

Hey community, we’re curating a monthly newsletter centering around the beloved Seeed Studio XIAO. If you want to stay up-to-date with:

🤖 Cool Projects from the Community to get inspiration and tutorials
📰 Product Updates: firmware update, new product spoiler
📖 Wiki Updates: new wikis + wiki contribution
📣 News: events, contests, and other community stuff

Please click the image below👇 to subscribe now!

The post WatchThis: A Wearable Point-and-Ask Interface Powered by Vision-Language Models and XIAO ESP32S3 Sense appeared first on Latest Open Tech From Seeed.

Important Update: ZBT-1 USB Device Free Replacement Program

By: Rachel
18 October 2024 at 16:21

ZBT-1 USB Device Now Available! We are pleased to announce that we have received the latest batch of quality-approved ZBT-1 USB devices from Nabu Casa.
Updated on October 23


You may have heard about Nabu Casa’s announcement regarding a non-conforming part in the ZBT-1 USB device. As a partner of Nabu Casa, Seeed Studio is committed to quickly addressing this issue. We are working closely with the official team to provide effective after-sales support. Once we receive your returned product, we will arrange for a replacement device to be shipped to you at no additional cost or offer you a refund.

Replacement Program Details:

Eligibility:
To qualify for the replacement program, please ensure the following:
● Your order was placed directly through the Seeed Studio online store.
● The order was made before October 1; any devices ordered after this date are unaffected, as the issue has already been resolved.
● The product in question is the Home Assistant ZBT-1, and not the Home Assistant SkyConnect.

SkyConnect (left) and ZBT-1 (right) branded devices, SkyConnect are unaffected by this issue.

All ZBT-1 branded devices produced, as of October 2024, are believed to have this fault. You can tell if your device is a ZBT-1 by checking the white label on the back for “ZBT-1”. There is no need to test if your device is affected by this fault.

Replacement Process:

If you wish to participate in the replacement program, kindly reach out to us by emailing techsupport@seeed.io.

  • Please include a photo of your product along with your order number in your email. This will help our team confirm if your product is part of the affected batch.
  • After confirmation, you will need to return the original ZBT-1 unit to us and Seeed Studio will cover all associated costs. Please note that you only need to return the blue USB device; there’s no need to return any other accessories or packaging.
  • Once we receive your returned product, we will arrange for a replacement device to be shipped to you at no additional cost or offer you a refund. However, due to customs policies, you may need to cover any applicable duties or taxes associated with the replacement. To support you, we will provide a coupon as compensation.

Extended Replacement Period:

Because the issues caused by the non-conforming part may only arise in certain setups, Nabu Casa will offer the replacement program for 60 months. This allows users who are currently using their ZBT-1 without problems to have peace of mind, knowing they can replace their affected device free of charge at any time within the next 60 months.

For more details, please refer to Nabu Casa’s official announcement here:Home Assistant Blog

Thank you for your understanding and continued support. We are here to assist you every step of the way!

The post Important Update: ZBT-1 USB Device Free Replacement Program appeared first on Latest Open Tech From Seeed.

MFSZ24 Factory Hi Tour: Step into the future of Shenzhen manufacturing

18 October 2024 at 15:17

Last year, we launched the Hi Tour Shenzhen Manufacturing Journey for the first time, and every participant returned with a wealth of knowledge! This year, we will continue this tradition to enable more friends to personally experience the intelligence, digitalization, and efficiency of modern factories!

In the upcoming Hi Tour, we will guide participants to closely observe the practical operations in manufacturing processes, production efficiency, and quality control, allowing you to experience the charm of high-tech equipment and smart manufacturing technologies firsthand. Meanwhile, we will also provide professional commentary to help you gain deeper insights into modern manufacturing operations and the future prospects of “Made in China”.

Event Name: Hi Tour

Event Date: November 18, 2024

Event Type: Factory Tour

Organizer: Seeed Fusion Team

Whether you’re a maker or an industry professional, we hope the Hi Tour will inspire new ideas and help you discover the endless possibilities behind technology!

Agenda

  • 8:30 Gathering in Design Commune, Vanke Cloud City, Xili Street, Nanshan District, Shenzhen
  • 9:30-12:00 Visit Seeed Agile Manufacturing Center
  • 12:30-14:00 Lunch
  • 15:00-17:00 Explore 3D Printing Factory/PCB Manufacturing Factory/Molding Factory/HQB Electronic Market/Shuibei Jewelry Factory (We offer open choices, so pick a destination you’d like to visit! We’ll customize the itinerary based on user preferences!)
  • 18:00 Return to Gathering Point

Registration Period: October 16 – November 8, 2024

Date of Event: November 18

Pick-up and Drop-off Location:

Design Commune, Vanke Cloud City, Xili Street, Nanshan District, Shenzhen

Cost: $35 per person (excluding lunch) / $43 (including lunch)

Capacity: 40 participants

*Spaces are limited, and once you complete your registration, you’ll be notified separately if you’re selected.

Event Highlights

  • Seeed Agile Manufacturing Center

The Seeed Agile Manufacturing Center provides comprehensive and professional production management services for global customers through efficient production manufacturing, professional warehousing operations, and an advanced wind tunnel laboratory.

Seeed Fusion Produce turns designs into solid products from 1 to 10,000+! With expertise in electronics, mechanical engineering, packaging, and certification, we ensure top-notch quality at every step in the supply chain and manufacturing. Whether it’s a small or large-scale production, we offer efficient fulfillment to bring your vision to life and exceed your expectations.

Highlights:

  • Agile, Professional, and Flexible Manufacturing: The factory focuses on cellular manufacturing to meet diverse product requirements. The cellular manufacturing model enables agile switching and adjustment with greater flexibility to meet varied market demands.
  • Wind Tunnel Laboratory: Equipped with advanced tools and technology for various wind tunnel experiments, including wind speed, wind direction, and structural fluid dynamics experiments, and allows for simulation tests to evaluate and verify product performance.
  • Digital Production Management: The Seeed Factory embraces digitalization and adopts digital production management systems to enhance capacity and efficiency. By integrating sensors and automation equipment, it monitors various metrics in real-time throughout production, ensuring stable data transmission and the prompt detection and resolution of anomalies.
  • Multifunctional Testing: Through mold testing demonstrations, you can observe technicians operating various equipment for testing and evaluation, deepening your understanding of our jig testing processes for better insights into product quality and production efficiency.
  • 3-in-1 Factory: 3D Printing/Moulding/CNC Cutting

Highlights:

  • Advanced Equipment: Explore different types of 3D printing, Moulding, and CNC Cutting equipment, understanding their operating principles and applicable materials.
  • Production Line Management: Learn how we adopt different production methods based on our customers’ needs. Tour the complete production process, from printing, pre-processing and post-processing to final quality inspection, gaining insights into each stage’s craftsmanship.
  • Custom Production: Learn how to achieve desired products through 3D printing and moulding, explore how Seeed Fusion’s customization services integrate with 3D printing.
  • Post-processing and Quality Control: Observe the post-processing steps after product production, with introductions to the factory’s quality control system and management processes, ensuring excellent surface precision and material strength and toughness.
  • Co-create Star Project Showcase

Seeed Fusion offers a series of hardware customization services, from prototype to produce and promote. Since its establishment in 2009, Fusion has been serving thousands of clients with roughly ten thousand orders per month. Dedicated to helping clients achieve leaps from 0 to 100 and beyond, Fusion collaborates for co-create and growth! This tour will feature special showcases of popular Co-create projects, illustrating how Seeed Fusion assists users from initial production to mass customization, and promotion.

Through this Hi Tour, you will gain:

  • A close understanding of Shenzhen’s manufacturing technologies, experiencing the operation of advanced equipment.
  • Insight into the operation of smart factories in Shenzhen, learning how data and technology enhances production and management efficiency.
  • Opportunities to interact with participants worldwide, catching up with the latest developments and trends in the manufacturing industry, and possibly expanding collaboration opportunities.
  • Enhanced technical and industrial knowledge through hands-on visits and experiential learning.

Seeed Studio Fusion is a global one-stop online platform for PCB manufacturing & assembly, and hardware customization. Whether you need prototyping, mass production, custom solutions for open-source products, or the transformation of your creative ideas into profitable products, Seeed Studio Fusion can meet your requirements.

 

Contact us by fusion@seeed.io, follow our Twitter channel to explore more latest news and projects.

The post MFSZ24 Factory Hi Tour: Step into the future of Shenzhen manufacturing appeared first on Latest Open Tech From Seeed.

Seeed Studio Sponsors MakeUC 2024 to Empower Innovation

By: Ellie Cai
18 October 2024 at 09:40

We are thrilled to announce that Seeed Studio is a proud sponsor of MakeUC 2024, the premier hackathon hosted by IEEE at the University of Cincinnati. Since its inception, MakeUC has grown significantly, fostering collaboration and innovation among students and professionals alike. This year, the event will take place on November 9th and November 10th, both online and in-person, bringing together students from diverse backgrounds.

企业微信截图_17291321751090
(Image source: https://makeuc.io/)

At Seeed Studio, we are passionate about empowering the next generation of innovators. By sponsoring MakeUC 2024, we aim to provide participants with access to our advanced hardware and resources, including XIAO series, Expansion Board for XIAO with OLED, 24GHz mmWave Sensor for XIAO, Grove Creator Kit – γ, Grove Smart IR Gesture Sensor, Grove Vision AI Module V2 kit. Participants will have the opportunity to utilise our products to bring their innovative ideas to life.

What’s MakeUC 2024 All About?

MakeUC 2024 features four exciting tracks for students to choose to use for their project. Projects can be related to more than one track. Here’s a closer look at each track:
1. Green Tech
In the Green Tech track, participants are encouraged to develop projects that are eco-friendly or implement innovative ideas aimed at reducing environmental damage.
2. Education
The Education track focuses on enhancing the accessibility of information and improving students’ learning experiences.
3. Social Issues
Projects in the Social Issues track use technology to raise awareness and find solutions to critical societal challenges, such as discrimination and inequality.
4. Security
The Security track is dedicated to addressing security concerns and implementing solutions to existing vulnerabilities.

Each of these tracks offers a unique opportunity for participants to collaborate, innovate, and make a difference. Whether you’re an experienced hacker or just starting out, MakeUC 2024 welcomes all who are eager to learn and create!

Registration is still open for MakeUC 202. Join now for a weekend of fun activities, workshops, free food, a chance to win amazing prizes, and more. Seeed Studio is excited to support this hackathon and looks forward to the creative ideas and projects that will emerge. Stay tuned for more updates!

The post Seeed Studio Sponsors MakeUC 2024 to Empower Innovation appeared first on Latest Open Tech From Seeed.

Simulate Your XIAO ESP32 Projects with Wokwi NOW

16 October 2024 at 22:48

Hey community, we are excited to announce that three of our powerful XIAO ESP32 development boards are now fully integrated with Wokwi, the popular online electronics simulator! You can now experiment, test, prototype and build projects virtually with the XIAO ESP32C6, XIAO ESP32S3, and XIAO ESP32C3 directly from your browser. A big shout-out to Uri Shaked, Founder and Creator of Wokwi, for making this happen.

Seeed x Wokwi image

What is Wokwi?

Wokwi is an innovative online electronics simulator that supports a wide variety of microcontrollers, sensors, and peripherals. Whether you’re working with an Arduino, ESP32, STM32, or other popular boards, Wokwi gives you a fast and easy way to design and test embedded projects – all from the convenience of your browser.

Key Benefits of Wokwi:

    • Start instantly: No need for downloading complex software or waiting for hardware.
    • Learn by experimenting: Mistakes won’t fry your components – experiment freely without fear!
    • Debug with confidence: With Wokwi’s virtual logic analyzer, WiFi simulation, and GDB debugging, you can tackle both hardware and software challenges.
    • Share your work easily: A simple link to your Wokwi project is all you need to get feedback from the community.
    • Unlimited parts: No more scouring for hardware – use as many virtual components as you need without worrying about cost or availability.

Wokwi is free to use and perfect for beginners and experienced developers alike. For professional users, the Wokwi Club offers access to advanced features and lets you shape the platform’s future.

Integration of 3 XIAO ESP32 Dev Boards on Wokwi

This integration reaffirms our commitment to providing makers and developers with cutting-edge tools that enable rapid prototyping and seamless development. 

With the integration you can simulate your XIAO ESP32-based projects and start coding even without these boards at hand right away. It also allows developers to take full advantage of the flexibility of Wokwi to prototype IoT applications, debug projects, and refine ideas before working with real hardware.

XIAO ESP32C6 img
XIAO ESP32S3 Img
XIAO ESP32C3 img

The XIAO ESP32C6 excels in Matter-compliant smart home applications with its support for various wireless connectivity (2.4GHz Wi-Fi 6, BLE 5.0, Zigbee, and Thread). Encrypted on the chip, XIAO ESP32C6 ensures a desired level of security, streamlined development experience, and swift market entry by integrating easily with major IoT Cloud platforms.

Use Cases: Smart home devices, IoT gateways, and low-latency networking

Explore on Wokwi:

The XIAO ESP32S3 leverages 240MHz Xtensa 32-bit LX7 dual-core processor, supporting both WiFi and BLE 5.0 wireless connectivities, a 2.4GHz Rod antenna, allows for deep sleep mode with power consumption as low as 14μA while supporting lithium battery charging management.

Use Cases: AI-based edge computing, real-time data processing, and robotics.

Explore on Wokwi:

The XIAO ESP32C3 is a compact and affordable development board powered by ESP32-C3. It offers low-power operation and Bluetooth LE support, making it ideal for battery-powered devices and wearable technology.

Use Cases: Smart sensors, fitness trackers, and BLE-based applications.

Explore on Wokwi:

Simulate, Experiment, and Share Your XIAO Projects

It’s time to bring your ideas to life! With the XIAO ESP32C6, XIAO ESP32S3, and XIAO ESP32C3 now available on Wokwi, you have the tools you need to simulate, prototype, and refine your projects – all in a virtual environment

If you think you made something cool, share your projects with us! We’d love to see what you create. Tag us on social media or post your Wokwi project links. Let’s build something amazing together and inspire others in the community.

BTW., these 3 dev boards are just the beginning. We’re working hard together with the team at Wokwi to make more Seeed products available on Wokwi. Feel free to comment to let us know which product you want to see live on Wokwi. 🙂

End Note

Hey community, we’re curating a monthly newsletter centering around the beloved Seeed Studio XIAO. If you want to stay up-to-date with:

🤖 Cool Projects from the Community to get inspiration and tutorials
📰 Product Updates: firmware update, new product spoiler
📖 Wiki Updates: new wikis + wiki contribution
📣 News: events, contests, and other community stuff

Please click the image below👇 to subscribe now!

The post Simulate Your XIAO ESP32 Projects with Wokwi NOW appeared first on Latest Open Tech From Seeed.

Home Assistant Speaker: Enhance Your Smart Home with the Right Devices

16 October 2024 at 16:29

Explore the best smart audio devices and microphones designed for seamless integration with Home Assistant, and partial compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Whether you’re building a voice-activated smart home or a DIY audio project, these products offer high-performance sound capture and voice control.

Why You Need a Smart Speaker for Home Assistant

In a smart home setup, audio devices such as microphones and speakers play a critical role in enhancing voice control and automation. These products integrate seamlessly with Home Assistant, while some may also be compatible with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant through additional setup. Here, we’ll explore the top ReSpeaker and Grove products that enable robust voice interaction and sound management for DIY smart home systems.

Best Smart Speakers for Home Assistant

1.  ReSpeaker Lite with XIAO ESP32S3

The ReSpeaker Lite with XIAO ESP32S3 is a powerful development kit designed for voice interaction and smart home projects. Featuring dual microphones for far-field voice capture and onboard AI algorithms, this kit is ideal for integrating with Home Assistant via ESPHome and works seamlessly with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

Key Features:

  • Pre-soldered XIAO ESP32S3 controller for easy development
  • Dual microphone array for capturing speech up to 3 meters
  • AI NLU algorithms for noise cancellation and echo suppression
  • Compatible with popular platforms such as Arduino, PlatformIO, and MicroPython
  • Onboard RGB LED for visual feedback

Price: Available now for just $29.90.

2.  ReSpeaker 2-Mics Pi HAT

The ReSpeaker 2-Mics Pi HAT is designed for Raspberry Pi projects and features two analog microphones with high-definition voice capture capabilities. It is equipped with Voice Activity Detection and Direction of Arrival algorithms, making it perfect for local voice recognition tasks with Home Assistant and other DIY voice interaction applications.

Key Features:

  • Dual analog microphones and WM8960 Audio Codec for high-quality sound
  • Voice Activity Detection, Direction of Arrival, and Keyword Spotting capabilities
  • RGB LED and programmable button for customized control
  • Simple assembly with Raspberry Pi

Price: Starting at $12.90, get yours today.

3.  Mono Enclosed Speaker

This high-performance speaker is ideal for audio output in various smart home projects. It integrates easily with devices like the ReSpeaker Lite to enhance audio quality for voice commands, notifications, or media playback in Home Assistant setups.

Key Features:

  • Compact, enclosed design for enhanced sound quality
  • Suitable for smart home audio systems, robot voice output, and DIY audio projects
  • Easy to integrate with Home Assistant

Price: Currently priced at $2.00, a budget-friendly option.

4.  ReSpeaker USB Mic Array

The ReSpeaker USB Mic Array is perfect for far-field voice recognition in larger spaces. It includes four microphones and advanced speech algorithms such as Beamforming, Noise Suppression, and Acoustic Echo Cancellation, making it ideal for voice-controlled smart home environments.

Key Features:

Price: Grab it now for only $69.00.

5.  ReSpeaker Mic Array v2.0

An upgrade to the original ReSpeaker Mic Array, the ReSpeaker Mic Array v2.0 is equipped with XMOS’s XVF-3000 chip and supports far-field voice capture. This version improves voice recognition accuracy, making it a robust solution for adding a voice interface to your existing or future smart home products.

Key Features:

  • Far-field voice recognition with four microphones
  • USB Audio Class 1.0 compatibility
  • Includes advanced algorithms like Voice Activity Detection, Direction of Arrival, and Noise Suppression
  • Compatible with all major operating systems

Price: Available at $64.00, offering premium performance.

6.  ReSpeaker Lite

Powered by the XMOS XU316 AI Sound chip, this development board excels in audio processing and speech recognition. With its dual microphone array and support for external power supplies, it is a perfect solution for DIY smart home audio systems or voice-controlled projects.

Key Features:

  • Dual microphone array for far-field voice capture
  • Onboard AI algorithms for noise suppression and echo cancellation
  • Supports I2S and USB connections
  • Compatible with XIAO ESP32S3, Adafruit QT Py, Raspberry Pi, and PC
  • Programmable RGB LED for visual feedback

Price: Now available for $24.90, offering great value.

7.  Grove – Speaker

The Grove – Speaker module is perfect for DIY projects, providing sound amplification and voice output. Its on-board potentiometer allows for loudness control, and it is compatible with Arduino platforms for building custom sound systems or music boxes.

Key Features:

Price: Get it for only $5.90, an excellent choice for simple integrations.

How to Choose the Best Smart Speaker for Home Assistant

When choosing an audio device for your smart home or DIY project, consider the following:

  1. Voice Recognition Capability: Devices like the ReSpeaker USB Mic Array and ReSpeaker Mic Array v2.0 are ideal for far-field voice recognition in noisy environments.
  2. Platform Compatibility: Ensure the product supports the platform you’re using, whether it’s Home Assistant, Amazon Alexa, or Google Assistant. Most of these devices are compatible with ESPHome for Home Assistant integration.
  3. Budget: From the affordable Mono Enclosed Speaker to the feature-rich ReSpeaker Mic Array v2.0, there are options for all budgets.
  4. Customizability: Products like the ReSpeaker Lite offer flexibility for developers, with open-source compatibility and support for multiple programming platforms.

Use Case Ideas for Home Assistant Speakers

  1. Home Automation with Voice Control: Integrate the ReSpeaker Lite with XIAO ESP32S3 with Home Assistant to control smart devices like lights, thermostats, or security systems via voice commands.
  2. Audio Alerts and Notifications: Use the Mono Enclosed Speaker or Grove – Speaker to generate audio alerts for events like door openings or motion detection in your smart home.
  3. Far-Field Voice Recognition: With the ReSpeaker USB Mic Array, capture voice commands from across the room, ideal for large, open living spaces.

Conclusion

These ReSpeaker and Grove products offer robust solutions for building voice-activated smart homes or custom audio systems. While they seamlessly integrate with Home Assistant, some products may also work with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, though additional setup or configurations might be required. These devices provide the flexibility and performance needed to bring your DIY smart home projects to life.

Explore our range of Home Assistant-compatible speakers and take your home automation to the next level!

The post Home Assistant Speaker: Enhance Your Smart Home with the Right Devices appeared first on Latest Open Tech From Seeed.

MONOKEY, The One-Button Bluetooth Keyboard Powered by XIAO ESP32C3

15 October 2024 at 16:19

Tired of all those unused keys collecting dust on your keyboard? Meet MONOKEY, a one-button Bluetooth keyboard designed to simplify your tech experience. Created by Big Bad Cult, MONOKEY is a revolutionary wireless 1% mechanical keyboard that brings utility, fun, and personalization to your daily tasks. Whether you’re looking for a practical key charm, a fidget tool, or a programmable button for macros, MONOKEY offers endless possibilities—all powered by the reliable XIAO ESP32C3 microcontroller.

Source: Big Bad Cult

Hardwares

The MONOKEY project is built using the following hardware components:

Source: Big Bad Cult

How the Project Works

The MONOKEY is a compact and portable one-button Bluetooth keyboard that connects effortlessly to any Bluetooth-enabled device, including smartphones, tablets, and computers. Out-of-the-box Bluetooth connectivity allows it to pair quickly with any compatible device, making it instantly ready for use with just one app for mapping. You can program MONOKEY to perform a wide range of tasks, from executing complex keyboard combinations to controlling media playback or even simplifying repetitive tasks like typing passwords with a single press.

Thanks to its hot-swappable key switches, MONOKEY is customizable—you can easily swap key switches and keycaps to match your personal style and preferences without needing to solder. Additionally, MONOKEY supports Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling advanced users to develop custom firmware using Arduino libraries. This feature opens up endless possibilities for creating custom commands or macros.

MONOKEY is powered by a 100 mAh rechargeable battery, providing long-lasting use. Charging is made simple with a USB-C port, ensuring fast recharges when needed. Its lightweight and compact design make it highly portable, allowing you to carry it with ease and add an extra layer of personalization to your tech setup wherever you go.

Source: Big Bad Cult

Get Your MONOKEY Today!

Interested in simplifying your life, one key at a time? The MONOKEY has been launched on Kickstarter with over 400% funded. You can still order one  today for just $39! Shipping is available worldwide, with a $5 flat rate for the US and Canada. Get your MONOKEY before Christmas and revolutionize your workflow with this practical, customizable one-key Bluetooth keyboard. For more details and to join the community, hop onto their Discord. Click your worries away!

End Note

Hey community, we’re curating a monthly newsletter centering around the beloved Seeed Studio XIAO. If you want to stay up-to-date with:

🤖 Cool Projects from the Community to get inspiration and tutorials
📰 Product Updates: firmware update, new product spoiler
📖 Wiki Updates: new wikis + wiki contribution
📣 News: events, contests, and other community stuff

Please click the image below👇 to subscribe now!

The post MONOKEY, The One-Button Bluetooth Keyboard Powered by XIAO ESP32C3 appeared first on Latest Open Tech From Seeed.

SenseCAP Watcher – El Agente de IA Física para Espacios Inteligentes

14 October 2024 at 17:13

Ver+Escuchar, Comprender y Reaccionar | IA Integrada | ChatGPT / LLM | Interacción por

Voz | Animación | Implementación Privada | HTTP | + Sensores.

un espacio específico; entonces, los LLM podrían entender lo que está sucediendo allí.

Por ejemplo, puede detectar a una persona sosteniendo un Nintendo Switch frente a un

estante o a dos personas con trajes leyendo. Esta capacidad podría desencadenar

automáticamente muchas acciones basadas en las escenas, como sugerir los juegos más

recientes a la persona con el Switch o enviar un mensaje al vendedor para que venga a

ayudar.

Así que, traer los LLMs al mundo físico puede elevar significativamente la inteligencia

en edificios y hogares inteligentes. Sin embargo, ¿cómo añadir esta capacidad a los

sistemas de automatización existentes de manera fácil?

Nuestra solución es SenseCAP Watcher, el primer agente físico LLM del mundo para

espacios inteligentes.

SenseCAP Watcher está construido sobre ESP32S3, incorporando un chip de IA

Himax WiseEye2 HX6538 con Arm Cortex-M55 & Ethos-U55, que sobresale en el

procesamiento de imágenes y datos vectoriales. Equipado con una cámara, micrófono y

altavoz, SenseCAP Watcher puede ver, oír y hablar. Además, con la suite SenseCraft

habilitada por LLM, SenseCAP Watcher entiende tus comandos, percibe su entorno y activa

acciones en consecuencia.

Simplemente PRONUNCIA tu comando

Simplemente habla con Watcher, dile qué observar, y te notificará cuando ocurra el evento

especificado.

Puedes enviar comandos fácilmente presionando para hablar o desde la aplicación

SenseCraft.

Entendiendo lo que vé

Con modelos de IA integrados en el dispositivo, SenseCAP Watcher puede detectar

diferentes cosas: personas, manzanas, mascotas, etc. Sin embargo, la característica más

destacada de Watcher es su integración con LLMs.

Al aprovechar los LLMs, Watcher puede capturar los eventos precisos que especificaste, lo

que significa ir más allá de las simples detecciones de objetivos, ya que analiza

completamente comportamientos y estados. Como “perro + jugando con la pelota, 0

personas + en la habitación”, o “La persona + con uniforme de DHL ha llegado”, etc.

¡Watcher realmente entiende la escena bajo su vigilancia!

Llamar constantemente a los LLMs como ChatGPT genera un costo elevado. Por

lo tanto, utilizamos una arquitectura de IA en el dispositivo + LLMs. El modelo de IA en el

Watcher detecta el objetivo, que luego es analizado por LLM para generar ideas precisas y

accionables.

Con la tarea “dime si el perro está rompiendo papel”, cuando el modelo del dispositivo

detecta perros, esta escena clave se envía al LLM para un análisis más profundo: ¿está

rompiendo papel? Los LLM no se activarán por personas, gatos, ardillas u otros. Esto

reduce enormemente el costo de los LLM.

Responde por voz

Después de detectar el evento especificado, Watcher puede interactuar con los objetivos a

través de la voz. Por ejemplo, puedes configurarlo de la siguiente manera:

Evento especificado: alguien toma el teclado rosa;

Dos reacciones especificadas:

1. una respuesta por voz que diga: ‘¡Buena elección! Esta es nuestra versión más

reciente, inspirada en la máquina de escribir Pink Royal’;

2. la otra reacción es un mensaje de texto a los vendedores: ‘¡Alguien está interesado

en el teclado más reciente! Por favor, vayan al estante lo antes posible’.

Colocar Watcher en diferentes escenarios permite respuestas versátiles. Al ver un perro

rompiendo pañuelos, dile “¡Para, Cooper!”, o si ve a una persona fumando en áreas donde

no está permitido, dile “¡No fumar!”

¿Cómo mejorar tus sistemas? Solo necesitas un complemento

sencillo.

Una vez detectado el evento objetivo, puede activar diferentes acciones, por ejemplo, enviar

mensajes push en la aplicación SenseCraft o hacer que las luces LED de Watcher

parpadeen. Por supuesto, entendemos que quieres ir más allá de las funcionalidades en la

app o el dispositivo. ¡No hay problema! ¡Hay infinitas posibilidades para explorar!

Añade Watcher a Home Assistant.

Conectado a plataformas IoT como Home Assistant, tu Watcher actúa como un

sensor de comportamiento, activando acciones personalizadas en diversos contextos. Por

ejemplo, cuando detecta personas, Watcher analiza la situación y automáticamente

desencadena acciones: luces encendidas para leer y luces apagadas para dormir.

Más que un sensor de visión, Watcher se puede ampliar con otros sensores

para habilitar la detección multimodal. En la parte trasera de Watcher, el I2C está

reservado para acomodar más de 100 sensores Grove. Esta flexibilidad permite queWatcher integre una amplia gama de fuentes de datos para un análisis exhaustivo y

acciones apropiadas. Podrás construir aplicaciones como detectar la temperatura de la

habitación y ajustar el aire acondicionado en consecuencia: cambiarlo a 22°C cuando llevas

traje, o a 26°C cuando estás en shorts.

Añade Watcher a tu flujo de Node-RED

A solo 3 bloques de distancia, puedes transmitir los resultados detectados por tu Watcher a

cualquier lugar en internet a través de Node-RED, ¡tan fácil como hacer clic!

Añade Watcher a tu Arduino | ESP32 y otros sistemas de

hardware.

¿Quieres añadir un agente de IA a los MCU y SBC populares como

Arduino/ESP32/Raspberry Pi? Simplemente conéctalo a Watcher a través de UART, HTTP o

USB, y podrás explorar la nueva frontera de la inteligencia.

Dato curioso: Aquí en Seeed, Watcher tiene el apodo de “Nobody,” simbolizando

un robot sin cuerpo. Esto transmite un mensaje poderoso: ¡Dale a Watcher un cuerpo!

¡Watcher puede ser una cabeza genial para tu robot!

Para los fans de XIAO, ¡tenemos un paquete especial! Apoya a SenseCAP

Watcher y podrás añadir un XIAO ESP32C6 por solo $1.

XIAO ESP32C6 es un MCU compacto, nativo de Matter, para hogares inteligentes. Basado

en ESP32-C6 de Espressif, soporta diversas conectividades inalámbricas: Wi-Fi 6 a 2.4

GHz, BLE 5.0, Zigbee y Thread.

Por ejemplo, puedes hacer un sensor de emociones añadiendo Watcher a XIAO.

Al detectar tu mal humor, florece para animarte.

Dale emociones únicas a tu Watcher

SenseCAP Watcher se adapta a tus comandos con “modos” únicos. Primero ESCUCHA tus

instrucciones, luego cambia al modo de VIGILANCIA para proteger el espacio designado,

etc. ¡Pero la diversión no termina aquí! Puedes subir tus propios diseños de emociones

para darle a tu Watcher una personalidad única. ¡Prepara un archivo PNG y súbelo a

Watcher en segundos! ¡Es tu decisión!

Los emojis predeterminados de Watcher están inspirados en C-3PO, en homenaje a uno de

nuestros mayores ayudantes.

Puedes subir los tuyos fácilmente en formato .PNG

Incluso puedes diseñar una interfaz de usuario (UI) única para tu SenseCAP

Watcher. Nuestra interfaz actual está impulsada por Squareline.

Open Source y despliegue On-Premise.

Como un dispositivo de IA, es fundamental respetar la privacidad. Y adoptamos e

implementamos dos estrategias clave en este ingenioso dispositivo.

1. SenseCAP Watcher es de código abierto, lo que te brinda acceso completo para

entender a fondo cómo funciona.

2. Soporta despliegue on-premise. La columna vertebral de SenseCAP Watcher es la

suite de software SenseCraft, que se utiliza para configurar Watcher, interpretar tus

comandos y acceder a los LLMs. Por lo tanto, todo está almacenado y ejecutándose

de manera privada, garantizando que tus modelos y datos no se envíen a ningún

LLM o nube pública. SenseCraft puede ejecutarse en Windows/MacOS/Linux. Dado

que SenseCraft contiene LLMs, ciertos criterios de rendimiento son necesarios para

la computadora, como se detalla a continuación.

Puedes desplegar SenseCraft en tus computadoras de repuesto. Sin embargo, si

buscas aplicaciones que requieran confiabilidad a nivel comercial y bajo consumo de

energía, la combinación de SenseCAP Watcher + NVIDIA® Jetson AGX Orin™ es perfecta

para ti.

En comparación con las tarjetas gráficas de consumo (como la RTX 4090) para

tareas de IA, NVIDIA® Jetson AGX Orin™ destaca con ventajas clave:

1. Confiabilidad a nivel industrial: Diseñada para aplicaciones industriales y

comerciales, la serie Jetson AGX cuenta con un MTBF (tiempo medio entre fallas)

más largo. Diseñada para operar las 24 horas del día, ofrece una confiabilidad

superior para aplicaciones de funcionamiento continuo, en comparación con las

tarjetas gráficas de consumo.

2. Compacta y de bajo consumo: Con aplicaciones de computación embebida y en el

borde en mente, la serie Jetson AGX está diseñada en un formato más pequeño y

consume más de 3 veces menos energía que las tarjetas gráficas de consumo. Es

adecuada para espacios reducidos, genera menos calor y ayuda a reducir los costos

operativos. Esto es crucial para los sistemas embebidos.

¿Suscripción? ¡Tú decides!

Los Servicios de IA de SenseCraft están diseñados para tus necesidades.

Empieza con Basic, completamente GRATIS para baja frecuencia: 15 minutos/solicitud para

análisis de imágenes, 200 chats/mes con LLMs.

¿Necesitas más? Solo $6.90 para la versión Pro, paga solo por lo que consumes, ¡SIN

compromiso de tarifas recurrentes! Además, ¡cada dispositivo NUEVO incluye un

paquete Pro GRATIS de $6.90! Recarga según sea necesario.

¿Quieres evitar tarifas por completo? Elige On-Premise. Simplemente despliega y usa sin

costos adicionales.

Dos modelos

Soporte para varios métodos de montaje.

Se puede colocar sobre un escritorio o montarlo en paredes como una expansión

inteligente. O también se puede transformar en la cabeza de un robot.

Otros lo usaron como

Personalización – El camino más rápido para construir hardware

con IA.

El próximo dispositivo debería estar impulsado por IA. ¡El hardware con IA incorporada

conectada a LLMs es la tendencia!

Con SenseCAP Watcher, hemos desarrollado un marco revolucionario que lleva potentes

LLMs al borde del mundo físico. Este marco acelera el prototipado de hardware con IA. Con

nuestros servicios de personalización, ¡puedes dar vida a tu hardware de IA más rápido que

nunca!

¡Es hora de aumentar la inteligencia de tu espacio! Estamos en

Discord.

¡Bienvenido a unirte a nuestra comunidad! Si tu prefieres escribirnos, puedes hacerlo por

medio del correo electrónico sensecap@seeed.cc.

Riesgos y desafíos

Hemos realizado pruebas exhaustivas con SenseCAP Watcher, y estamos completamente

comprometidos a entregarlo a tiempo a nuestros patrocinadores, con todo funcionando sinproblemas. No obstante, como sucede con cualquier nuevo producto, existen riesgos

potenciales asociados al lanzamiento.

Sin embargo, como una empresa consolidada con un historial probado de éxito en el

desarrollo de cientos de productos, sabemos cómo superar estos desafíos. Ten la seguridad

de que, si surgen problemas de producción, seremos completamente transparentes con

nuestros patrocinadores y los mantendremos informados durante todo el proceso.

Uso de la IA

Tengo pensado usar contenido generado por IA en mi proyecto.

¿Qué partes de tu proyecto utilizarán contenido generado por IA? Responde con la

mayor precisión posible.

Usaremos contenido generado por IA de MidJourney para crear imágenes que destaquen

las características de nuestro producto y muestran cómo puede ser usado en escenarios

reales. Además, utilizaré ChatGPT para la corrección de estilo de nuestra campaña.

¿Tienes el consentimiento de los propietarios de los trabajos que se usaron (o se

usarán) para producir la parte de tu proyecto generada por IA? Por favor, explica.

Para las imágenes que necesitamos, primero buscaremos en bibliotecas existentes en

Google. Si encontramos imágenes que puedan ser usadas directamente, verificaremos sus

licencias para determinar los pasos apropiados a seguir. Si las imágenes no pueden ser

usadas directamente, generamos nuestras propias imágenes.

The post SenseCAP Watcher – El Agente de IA Física para Espacios Inteligentes appeared first on Latest Open Tech From Seeed.

ReSpeaker Lite Updates: New Firmware, Enclosure Tips and Installation Guide!

14 October 2024 at 10:33

The ReSpeaker Lite Voice Assistant Kit has been available to community for some time, and thanks to your feedback, we’re thrilled to introduce several exciting updates! These enhancements make it even easier for voice assistant enthusiasts and DIYers to build their projects.

We recommend purchasing products from the ReSpeaker Lite Voice Assistant Kit, which includes:

1)ReSpeaker Lite

2) ReSpeaker Lite with XIAO ESP32S3

3)Mono Enclosed Speaker – 4R 5W

4)Acrylic Enclosure for ReSpeaker Lite

You can mix and match as you like.、

Firmware Update for Better Performance

We’ve updated the firmware to boost performance across the board. Be sure to download the latest version that matches your setup:

respeaker_lite_usb_xmos_v2.0.5.bin

respeaker_lite_i2s_xiao_1.0.7.bin

Check out our Firmware Upgrade Guide for step-by-step instructions.

Enclosure Installation Instruction

We’ve also added a detailed, easy-to-follow enclosure installation guide to help you safely assemble your ReSpeaker Lite setup. Watch the video and ensure your device is perfectly housed and ready to use:

Custom Enclosure Design Recommendations

If you’re designing your own enclosure, here are some important guidelines to ensure optimal audio performance:

  1. Ensure that the distance between the speaker and the two microphones is uniform, and minimize the transmission of speaker vibrations to the microphones to maintain audio clarity.
  2. The enclosure should allow human voice to reach each microphone without obstruction, ensuring direct sound (as opposed to reflected sound) can evenly reach both microphones for accurate sound capture.
  3. If you are designing a sealed microphone chamber, avoid creating a resonant cavity that is narrow at both ends and wide in the middle, as this can interfere with front-end signal processing. If a sealed chamber is not feasible, incorporate multiple perforations in the enclosure to prevent sound reflections from bouncing inside before reaching the microphones. This helps to maintain signal integrity.

Beginner Tips for Easier Soldering

For beginners, we recommend using pin headers when soldering components. This makes the process smoother and helps reduce errors—perfect for those just getting started.

Get Involved and Stay Updated

We’re continuously working on more improvements, so stay tuned for future updates! In the meantime, check out our wiki for in-depth technical details. Have questions, suggestions, or ideas for new features or products? Drop them in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!

For hardware customization, bulk orders, or distribution inquiries, please contact us at iot@seeed.cc.

The post ReSpeaker Lite Updates: New Firmware, Enclosure Tips and Installation Guide! appeared first on Latest Open Tech From Seeed.

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