The main topic is NEW PRODUCTS! And the keywords are LoRaWAN and Vision AI. You would wonder, “your devices has a camera and it is LoRaWAN?” Yes indeed! I know, I know! You would tell me “You can’t send images or videos via LoRaWAN because the ‘message’ is too large”, or someone else would say “Technically you can, but you need to ‘slice’ the large images or videos to send them ‘bit by bit’ and ‘piece them together’ aferward. Then why bother?”
What if I tell you, you don’t have to send the images or videos? Think about it, the goal is to get the results captured by the camera, not tons of irrelevant footage. In this case, as long as you can get the results, there is no need to send large images or videos.
Without further ado, here comes the intro of our main cast of this post – SenseCAP A1102, an IP66-rated LoRaWAN® Vision AI Sensor, ideal for low-power, long-range TinyML Edge AI applications. It comes with 3 pre-deployed models (human detection, people counting, and meter reading) by default. Meanwhile, with SenseCraft AI platform[Note 1], you can use the pre-trained models or train your customized models conveniently within a few clicks. Of course, SenseCAP A1102 also supports TensorFlow Lite and PyTorch.
This Device consists of two main parts: the AI Camera and the LoRaWAN Data Logger. While different technologies are integrated in this nifty device, I would like to highlight 4 key aspects:
Meanwhile, please keep in mind that lighting and distance will affect the performance, which is common for applications that involve cameras. According to our testing, SenseCAP A1102 can achieve 70% confidence for results within 1 ~ 5 meters in normal lighting.
Low-Power Consumption, Long-Range Communication
SenseCAP A1102 is built with Wio E5 Module featuring STM32WLE5JC, ARM Cortex M4 MCU, and Semtech SX126X. This ensures low-power consumption and long-range communication, as in SenseCAP S210X LoRaWAN Environmental sensors. Supporting a wide range of 863MHz – 928MHz frequency, you can order the same device for different stages of your projects in multiple continents, saving time, manpower, and costs in testing, inventory management, and shipment, etc.
SenseCAP A1102 opens up new possibilities to perceive the world. The same hardwarewith different AI models, you have different sensors for detecting “objects” (fruits, poses, and animals) or reading meters (in scale or digits), and many more. With the IP66 rating (waterproof and dustproof), it can endure long-term deployment in outdoor severe environments.
We understand interoperability is important. As a standard LoRaWAN device, SenseCAP A1102 can be used with any standard LoRaWAN gateways. When choosingSenseCAP Outdoor Gateway or SenseCAP M2 Indoor Gateway, it is easier for configuration and provisioning.
At SenseCraft App, you can change settings with simple clicks such as choose the platform, change the frequency for the specific region, change data upload intervals (5 ~ 1440min), or packet policy (2C+1N, 1C, 1N) and other settings.
You can see the live and historical data of your devices on both SenseCraft App and SenseCAP Web Portal easily.
When using SenseCAP Sensors and SenseCAP gateways, you can also choose to use SenseCAP cloud platform, which is free for 6 months for each devices and then it is 0.99usd/device/month, or you can choose to use your own platform or other 3rd-party platforms. We offer API supporting MQTT and HTTP.
Wi-Fi Connectivity for Transmitting Key Frames
Inside the AI Camera part of this device sits a tiny-yet-powerful XIAO ESP32C3, which is powered by new RISC-V architecture. This adds Wi-Fi connectivity to SenseCAP A1102. In the applications, you can get the reference results via LoRaWAN and at the same time get the key frames via Wi-Fi to validate or further analyze.
While we always demonstrate how much we love LoRaWAN for its ultra-low-power consumption and ultra-long-range communication by continuously adding more and more products in the portfolio of our LoRaWAN products family. We also understand some people might prefer other communication protocols. Rest assured, we have options for you. As mentioned above, we value interoperability a lot. Here comes to the intro of another important cast of this post: RS485 Vision AI Camera!
RS485 Vision AI Camera is a robust vision AI sensor that supports MODBUS-RS485 [Note 2] protocol and Wi-Fi Connectivity. Simply put, it is the camera part of the SenseCAP A1102, which adopts the Himax AI Processor for AI performance. Its IP66 rating makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.
You can use RS485 Vision AI Camera with SenseCAP Sensor Hub 4G Data Logger to transmit the reference results via 4G. If your existing devices or systems support MODBUS-RS485, you can connect it with this RS485 Vision AI Camera for your applications.
In this post, we introduced SenseCAP A1102 and RS485 Vision AI Camera. I hope you like them and will get your hands on these devices for your projects soon! I already envision this device used in different applications from smart home, office, and building managetment to smart agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and many others. And we look forward to seeing your applications!
If you’ve been using Seeed products or following our updates, you might have noticed that the expertise of Seeed products and services is in smart sensing and edge computing. While we’ve developed a rich collection of products in (1) sensor networks that collect different real-world data and transmit via different communication protocols, and (2) edge computing that brings computing power and AI capabilities to the edge. I think we can say that Seeed is strong in smart sensing, communication, and edge computing.
There are many more new products on the Seeed roadmap for us to get a deeper perception of the world with AI-powered insight and actions. Stay tuned!
Last but not the least, we understand that you might have requirements in product features, functionalities, or form factors for your specific applications, we offer a wide range of customization services based on the existing standard products. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us, to shareyour experience, your thoughts about new products, wishes for new features, or ideas for cooperation possibilities! Reach us at iot[at]seeed[dot]cc! Thank you!
[Note 1: If you do not know it yet, SenseCraft AI is a web-base platform for AI applications. No-code. Beginner-friendly. I joined the livestream on YouTube with dearest Meilily to introduce this platform last week. If you are interested, check the recording here.]
Seeed Studio is excited to announce a strategic partnership with AtianzaSolutions. This collaboration aims to provide cutting-edge Edge AI solutions to industries across Latin America, advancing innovation and Edge AI solutions in the region.
About Seeed Studio
Seeed Studio, a leading AI hardware partner, has been a leading Open Hardware company since 2008, empowering over half a million direct users to create real-world digital solutions. Through relentless efforts and earned trust, Seeed’s ever-growing product lines now form around emerging AI scenarios like like AI Sensing, AI Robotics, Sensor Networks, and Maker. Seeed provides industrial-ready modules and devices, and open up the capability of prototype development and production. Innovators from different vertical domains co-create with Seeed to make their creations widely available for diversified markets by embracing open source, community building, and integrated vertical industry solutions together with Seeed.
About Atianza
Atianzais a multidisciplinary team based in the heart of Santiago de Chile with more than 10 years of experience in the industry. With a presence in three countries – Chile, Colombia and Spain – Atianza bridges borders to deliver agile and personalized solutions.
Atianza specializes in:
Architecture and Engineering
Design and Usability
Management and Control
At Atianza, innovation, experience and agility come together to create an alliance towards a more connected and efficient future. It is not just about developing software, but about co-creating solutions that transform and enhance business vision.
The Partnership
Seeed and Atianza join forces to deliver comprehensive Edge AI solutions across Latin America. This partnership combines Seeed’s state-of-the-art hardware and Atianza’s tailored analytics expertise to address diverse market needs.
Key Initiatives Include:
Distribution of Seeed Studio’s Edge AI devices and development kits. Including:
NVIDIA Jetson, the leading platform for robotics and embedded edge AI applications, highlights the Seeed Studio reComputer Industrial J3010– Fanless Edge AI Device with Jetson Orin Nano 4GB
2. Industrial Raspberry Pi devices, highlights the reTerminal DM, a Panel PC, HMI, IIoT Gateway all-in-one device powered by Raspberry Pi
Customized video analytics and data analytics solutions tailored for industries in Chile, Colombia, and Spain.
Together, Seeed and Atianza aim to create a more intelligent and efficient future for businesses across the region, leveraging their combined strengths in hardware, software, and integration expertise.
Get in touch at support@atianza.com today for a tailored AI solution designed to accelerate your business growth!
A fellow maker friend invited me to do the tinyML Workshop at one of his workplace. At 1st I thought the participants will be consist of his employees but turned out he invited his other friends from other startup. And for sure I will not waste this chance to introduce Seeed Studio’s among the friends.
This workshop a bit different from before because Sensecraft AI have many new feature. So in this session I also cover the MQTT and training part of the Sensecraft AI using the Xiao ESP32S3 Sense.
After the workshop is done, I shared a little about the Lora Sensecap line of product. It gained interest from the participants and a few of them have plans to implement it their future project.
06 January 2025
Happy New Year! to kick off the spirit of New Year at the recess week of my campus I propose to do the tinyML workshop to a few students.
On Monday January 6th 2025 10 AM, the participants are eagerly waiting at a classroom that I already requested to the campus. Since the participants for this session is still in their 1st semester, I explained the basic tinyML 101. Then 2 hour later they already become a beginner tinyML engineer and has successfully created their own custom classification model the Sensecraft AI.
Sadly I am only allowed to use the classroom for hour, so at 12 AM I wrapped the session by giving them the Seeed Studio sticker and promised them that there will be a follow up workshop from this one.
Wrap Up 2024
Huge thanks to Seeed Studio for making 2024 a very fruitful year. I have done 9 workshops, 2 seminar and 1 mentoring session as A Ranger.
In this new year I hope there will be more places to cover for me to share my knowledge in the community.
As 2024 draws to a close, we at Seeed Studio take pride in reflecting on a transformative year. As your trusted AI Hardware Partner, our journey has been defined by innovation, collaboration, and real-world impact — from launching cutting-edge technologies to empowering communities across the globe.
In our latest livestream, our CEO Eric Pan and Community Manager Ray Huang took us to revisit the highlights that made 2024 a remarkable chapter in Seeed Studio’s story. In this blog, we will dive into the key milestones, innovative projects, and community-driven initiatives that shaped our year.
Technology: Advancing Innovation for All
This year, we expanded our technology portfolio with innovative products and resources, equipping makers, developers, and businesses with the tools to bring their ideas to life. To get a clear look, here is a lineup of key launches and resources that we want you to look back.
AI Sensing
Focusing on making AI-powered sensing accessible to makers and developers, we’ve introduced the ReSpeaker Lite, featuring 2-Mic Array and Mic Array with XIAO ESP32S3, empowering voice assistant development. The powerful reComputer R1000 joined our product lineup, followed by the reComputer R11, further expanding AI capabilities. Additionally, the Raspberry Pi From Zero to Hero program and the Home Assistant Collection Page equipped users to master skill-building.
Each section demonstrates Seeed Studio’s dedication to empowering developers, fostering innovation, and addressing real-world challenges through technology.
Throughout the year, we had hosted 26 livestreams covering AI, Local LLMs, TinyML, Home Assistant, Robotics, Gadgets, Raspberry Pi, Edge AI, Meshtastic, etc., sharing the latest product updates, project demos, and exclusive deals.
Our global Rangers program reached every continent, bringing technology to diverse audiences: 11 Rangers across 7 continents completed over 50 events, focusing on themes like AI, TinyML, and IoT. Contributions from 37 community contributors resulted in 82 impactful tasks, showcasing the power of collective innovation.
Application: Expanding New Frontiers
In 2024, Seeed Studio’s products were at the forefront of technological innovation, boldly exploring new applications and addressing real-world challenges:
Shenzhen: The Beating Heart of AI Hardware Innovation
Shenzhen, the birthplace of Seeed Studio, continued to play a pivotal role in our journey. In January, we hosted our first Maker Camp in Shenzhen program, welcoming 10 participants from MIT and UC Berkeley for a month-long residency, focused on scaling research with mass manufacturing for affordability or unprecedented magnitudes. March saw significant factory upgrades in our Agile Manufacturing Center (AMC), enhancing production efficiency and quality. Our commitment to fostering innovation was further solidified in October with the launch of Si Fund to help solitary innovations take root and flourish. November witnessed a series of impactful events, including Maker Faire Shenzhen 2024, Hi Tour, and Cyberspace Co-creation Camp, connecting global creators with the vibrant Shenzhen maker ecosystem. As a global hub for technology and creativity, Shenzhen continues to be a driving force behind Seeed Studio’s growth and innovation.
Our 2024 achievements were made possible through collaborations with incredible partners.
As we look ahead to 2025, we are excited to continue pushing the boundaries of technology, empowering communities, and shaping a brighter future through innovation and collaboration.
Thank you for being a part of the Seeed Studio journey!
The beloved Seeed Studio XIAO boards, with their surface-mount device (SMD) design and Castellated Mounting Holes, have become popular integrated system modules in countless creative designs, projects, and even commercial products. Their board-to-board soldering capability allows XIAO boards to be easily integrated into carrier boards, enabling faster assembly and scalable production.
Since launching our first XIAO SAMD21 (formerly Seeeduino XIAO)in 2019, we’ve received countless community requests for more than the standard 14 castellated mounting holes on two edges, as these weren’t sufficient for complex projects requiring additional IOs. Now, please meet Seeed Studio XIAO Plus – our response to this community feedback.
Inspired by the cool SMD pins design of the RICK TNY, Seeed Studio XIAO Plus represents a new iteration of our regular XIAO Boards, featuring redesigned 23 castellation pins (20 GPIOs, 3 power pins) and back solder points specifically for projects needing expanded IOs. We’re launching XIAO Plus versions for three models: XIAO ESP32S3 Plus, XIAO nRF52840 Plus, and XIAO nRF52840 Sense Plus, which are all available for instant order at our webstore and AliExpress Store.
While we’d love to upgrade all XIAO boards, the limited pins on some integrated chips (SAMD21, RP2040, RA4M1, ESP32-C3, and ESP32-C6) restrict the IO expansion. These three models were selected based on overwhelming user demand for additional castellated IOs. Moreover, the XIAO ESP32S3 Plus also doubles its Flash memory to 16MB, supporting more complex applications.
XIAO ESP32S3 Plus Pinout
XIAO nRF52840 Sense Plus
What's new with the back solder points?
Previously, XIAO boards lacked uniformity in their back-side solder points and layouts, hampering our ability to develop universal expansion boards. Our latest XIAO boards (RP2350, RA4M1, MG24 and MG24 Sense) share nearly identical back layouts. The XIAO Plus boards follow suit, with aligned batteryanddebugger pads.
This standardization means our upcoming expansion boards (such as the XIAO Clip Board) will work with all seven boards (3 XIAO Plus models, XIAO RP2350, RA4M1, and MG24/Sense). We’re actively working on compatibility solutions for other XIAO boards and will share updates once available.
Is XIAO Plus harder to solder?
The through-holes for 7-pin headers remain unchanged, but the castellated mounting holes are slightly smaller and closer together (13 on the left, 10 on the right). While this does make board-to-board soldering more challenging, our 11-person product team successfully tested it with early samples.
We’ll be honest – it requires more precision, but proper tools make a significant difference. Essential items include a brass sponge, water-soluble flux pen, tweezers, acid brush, and rubbing alcohol. For detailed guidance, check out SparkFun’s excellent tutorial on How to Solder: Castellated Mounting Holes.
Join Seeed Studio XIAO Adopter Program
Ready to showcase your soldering skills? Share your XIAO Plus project ideas in the comments! I’ll select three winners to receive their chosen XIAO Plus board (via coupon). Winners will be announced on January 10, 2025. Share now! To assist developers in adapting their projects to the XIAO Plus quickly, we’re adding all the XIAO Plus Boards to the Seeed Studio XIAO Adopter Program. If you’re an author or maintainer of a popular open-source project on GitHub, or an influencer on platforms like YouTube or Tiktok or Instagram, make sure your users can run your code on the XIAO Plus. Join to receive 2 free boards and technical support to make your code compatible with these exciting new boards.
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
Application: Abnormal Detection in Production Line
Industrial: Pharmaceutical
Deployment Location: Norway
A global pharmaceutical company sought to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of its production process by integrating advanced AI technologies. Their challenge was to detect anomalies, such as tipped vials on conveyor belts, without disrupting existing workflows or requiring extensive reconfiguration of equipment. That’s how the whole solution got started, combining Seeed reServer Industrial J4012 edge device with NeuroSYS AI software platform together to deliver an innovative solution, transforming their production monitoring with an AI-enabled camera system.
Background
Pharmaceutical production lines often handle vials of varying materials (plastic and glass) and capacities (7 to 100 ml), totaling seven distinct types. Traditionally, the process relied on manual tuning of sensors and equipment reconfiguration for each vial type. These limitations resulted in inefficiencies and downtime, especially when tipped vials reached the filling machine.
The company required a versatile solution to address this challenge—one capable of real-time anomaly detection and performance monitoring while minimizing physical intervention.
Initial Challenge
The key challenges included:
Detecting tipped vials on a moving conveyor belt.
Minimizing false alarms caused by obstructions or unanticipated scenarios.
Ensuring the system can adapt to various vial types without retooling machinery.
Developing a scalable, non-intrusive solution that could integrate seamlessly with existing workflows.
Solution
The whole system implemented an advanced vision AI pipeline leveraging a combination of industrial hardware and AI-driven software.
Components
Hardware: An industrial-grade camera integrated with the reServer industrial J4012 edge computing unit, powered by NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX 16GB.
Software: Machine learning models trained on production data to detect anomalies and gather insights.
Dashboard: Custom visualizations for real-time monitoring and historical analysis.
Implementation Process
Optimized Setup:
The camera and lens were calibrated to capture high-quality images of vials as they moved along the conveyor belt.
During the Proof of Concept (PoC) stage, the system operated behind a plastic curtain to validate functionality without disrupting production.
Real-Time Analysis:
Frames captured by the camera were processed on the reServer Jetson device in real-time using convolutional neural networks (CNNs).
The system determined vial positions (standing or tipped) and triggered alerts for anomalies.
Data Processing and Visualization:
Data was stored in a local database and visualized on dashboards, providing insights into machine performance.
A vial counting module tracked both standing and tipped vials for statistical analysis.
Enhanced Alert Mechanisms:
Detection of a tipped vial activated a signal tower with visual (light) and auditory (buzzer) alerts.
Challenges Encountered During Implementation
During implementation, the system faced challenges to meet the specific deployment scenarios. for example, there could be some false alarms happening which are caused by operator hands entering the camera’s field of view, it’s finally optimized by retraining the machine learning model with additional obstructed images which includes obstructions. Sometimes the vials getting stuck or tipped at curved conveyor segments could be misclassified, and the dataset gaps that overlooked scenarios involving occlusions and bends. These issues were all addressed by enriching the dataset to improve robustness, ensuring accurate performance in diverse conditions.
Results and Achievements
The system delivered remarkable results, transforming the client’s production process:
Anomaly Detection: Achieved 99.89% accuracy in detecting tipped vials, regardless of material or capacity.
Downtime Monitoring: Enabled precise downtime tracking, counting delays after 10 seconds of no vial movement.
Statistical Insights:
Counted tipped vials for quality monitoring and standing vials to assess machine efficiency.
Provided metrics for machine cycle optimization.
Scalability:
The same hardware setup was enhanced with new functionalities, requiring only software updates.
Features like snapshot saving of anomalies allowed for deeper analysis of system performance and false positives.
Additional Benefits
Flexibility: Eliminated the need for retooling and physical modifications by enabling remote software updates.
Future-Proofing: New scenarios and events can be incorporated into the model as they occur, ensuring continuous improvement.
Scalable Solution: With minimal hardware adjustments, the system can evolve to handle additional tasks or integrate with advanced analytics platforms.
This project showcases the transformative potential of AI in industrial automation, setting the stage for smarter and more efficient manufacturing processes. The reServer Jetson edge device not only addressed the pharmaceutical company’s immediate challenges but also provided a robust platform for continuous innovation. By leveraging the Jetson edge vision AI technology, the client gained real-time anomaly detection, improved machine efficiency, and actionable insights into their production process—all while reducing manual intervention and hardware dependency.
By implementing this solution, the client not only resolved their immediate challenges but also gained a robust and scalable system for ongoing innovation and operational excellence.
Seeed NVIDIA Jetson Ecosystem
Seeed is an Elite partner for edge AI in the NVIDIA Partner Network. Explore more carrier boards, full system devices, customization services, use cases, and developer tools on Seeed’s NVIDIA Jetson ecosystem page.
Join the forefront of AI innovation with us! Harness the power of cutting-edge hardware and technology to revolutionize the deployment of machine learning in the real world across industries. Be a part of our mission to provide developers and enterprises with the best ML solutions available. Check out our successful case study catalog to discover more edge AI possibilities!
Discover infinite computer vision application possibilities through our vision AI resource hub!
Take the first step and send us an email at edgeai@seeed.cc to become a part of this exciting journey!
Download our latest Jetson Catalog to find one option that suits you well. If you can’t find the off-the-shelf Jetson hardware solution for your needs, please check out our customization services, and submit a new product inquiry to us at odm@seeed.cc for evaluation.
At Seeed Studio, we strive to make technology accessible to everyone. Our core strengths are AI hardware design, research and development, and agile manufacturing. However, our greatest passion is building a global network of makers, innovators, and tinkerers. We believe that, through collaboration and openness, technology can create new opportunities for communities worldwide.
This belief drives us to support the Seeed Ranger Program. The program empowers change-makers who inspire innovation and connect like-minded individuals in the maker community. One year later, as we look back, we feel immense gratitude for our Rangers and their impact.
Rangers are not just ambassadors; they share their expertise and spark fresh ideas as catalysts for the next wave of tech pioneers. The program now supports even more developers, educators, and creators worldwide. It has been a year of growth, learning, and connection. We are so proud to say “We made it because of you!”
Summarize of 2024
This year, 13 passionate Rangers led 50+ events in Italy, India, Vietnam, UAE, Cameroon, France, Colombia, Indonesia, the US, and China. These events—from workshops and hackathons to exhibitions and symposiums—brought together over 2,000 participants, they are passionate about exploring topics like TinyML, AI, IoT, Edge Computing, Meshtastic, LoRaWAN, robotics, and more.
Participants have made incredible strides in applying technology to solve local challenges, from learning the fundamentals of TinyML to developing real-world solutions with AI and IoT. We’ve seen firsthand how the tools and knowledge shared through the Ranger Program have empowered people to create meaningful projects—whether it’s a smart health monitor, a sustainable agriculture solution, or a community-driven initiative to tackle environmental issues.
TinyML: Easy to Get Hands On
Rangers serve as vital connectors within their local communities. After the guidance, mentoring, and inspiration, we saw plenty of ideas turn into impactful, real-world projects.
The XIAO ESP32S3 Sense has become a game-changer for TinyML projects. This compact and powerful device, equipped with built-in sensors and sufficient processing power, allows developers to prototype efficiently. Whether for wearable health monitoring, smart home automation, automatic pet feeders, or just bird chirp recognition, this experimentation for idea verification is really interesting. Rangers and their communities have used it to push the boundaries of possibility, empowering makers in India’s MakerGram community, Bharat Institute of Skill Development, FOSSASIA in Vietnam, and Fablab Bali in Indonesia.
Collaborations with platforms like Edge Impulse have further simplified the journey into TinyML. Rangers have supported participants with data collection, model training, and deployment. In regions such as Manizales, San José Educational Institution, and CHEC Grupo EPM, these small-scale projects have demonstrated significant impact, addressing energy efficiency and community health challenges.
AI: Opening Doors to New Possibilities
To meet the growing demand for AI education, we’ve enhanced our training courses to make machine learning more accessible and practical for everyone. With tools like Grove Vision AI V2 and XIAO, Rangers has delivered hands-on, easy-to-follow lessons in AI. Participants have explored key aspects such as model design, data preprocessing, and deploying AI projects with real-world applications in healthcare, manufacturing, and civil engineering industries.
One of our proudest achievements has been witnessing the impact of these AI workshops. In places like the UAE, Germany, and Colombia, students and professionals have learned to harness AI for diverse applications. These range from optimizing data collection in civil engineering to building smarter, more efficient cities.
IoT: Pushing Boundaries
In addition to our XIAO and Grove series, our SenseCAPseries product also helps to push the boundaries and make people learn and use IoT much easier. By integrating IoT technology with artificial intelligence, participants to explore optimized data-gathering processes of their territory. This innovation has opened the door to smarter and more efficient solutions for infrastructure development.
Collaborating Beyond Boundaries
What sets the Ranger Program apart is its ability to go beyond traditional tech communities. It brings together people from diverse fields—biologists, entrepreneurs, environmentalists, and engineers—who share a common goal of using technology to create positive change. Rangers have partnered with organizations like BRIN and Corporación Escuela Ambiental Malibú to explore how AI hardware can be applied across various sectors, including environmental protection, agriculture, and education.
When technology is made accessible to people from all backgrounds, the outcomes are not just innovative—they’re transformative. This year, the program has achieved remarkable progress in fostering cross-disciplinary collaborations. These efforts have empowered local communities and sparked fresh, groundbreaking ideas.
As we reflect on 2024, we are deeply moved by the support, enthusiasm, and passion of everyone in the open source community. From makers sharing their projects to participants embracing new technologies, your creativity and resilience continue to inspire us.
Looking ahead, we are eager to expand the Ranger Program further, inviting more makers worldwide to join us in building a more connected, open, and sustainable tech ecosystem. We will create more opportunities for hands-on learning and collaboration while updating our event map to help anyone easily host or attend events and connect with their local community.
We’re excited to see where this journey leads in 2025. Here’s to another year of growth, innovation, and making the world a better place—one project at a time. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. See you in the new year!
We are thrilled to introduce our latest collection of Co-create products, launched to enhance user experience and foster creativity. This new collection brings together a diverse range of items, each designed in collaboration with our partners. By incorporating valuable insights and ideas directly from our community, we have created a line-up that truly reflects the needs and desires of our users.
Loko is an advanced, ultra-compact offline GPS tracking system utilizing LoRa (Long Range) radio technology for extended-range communication without cellular infrastructure dependency. This dual-unit system comprises a compact transmitter (30 x 22 mm, 14g) and a receiver, offering precise geolocation services with a 15+ km operational radius.
Independent Operation: No cellular signal or internet is required, allowing for offline functionality and navigation using pre-downloaded OpenStreetMap areas.
Comprehensive Tracking Features: Offers accurate metrics such as latitude, longitude, altitude, and speed, with real-time GPS tracking and data logging capabilities.
Multi-Device and Long-Range Support: Capable of tracking up to 30 air units per ground unit over a tested range of 15+ km, with a battery life of up to a year on a single charge.
Developer-Friendly and Secure: Open-source design with customizable features, supporting LoRaWAN and LoRa P2P communication, along with AES128 encryption for secure data transmission.
Durable and Versatile Applications: Rugged, water-resistant design suitable for various uses such as drone recovery, wildlife tracking, and outdoor adventure sports.
XIAO PowerBread is a compact, high-power breadboard supply with built-in monitoring. It offers stable 3.3V and 5V outputs and real-time tracking of voltage, current, and power on its LCD display. Fully compatible with Seeed Studio XIAO dev boards and breadboards, it’s perfect for prototyping with visibility. Fully open-source and actively maintained by the designer, with easy-to-use documentation and customizable code.
Key Features
Real-Time Monitoring: Integrated LCD display provides instant access to voltage, current, and power metrics, no multimeter needed.
High-Current Output: Supplies up to 1.5A of stable 3.3V power, making it suitable for a variety of breadboard electronics projects.
Plug-and-Play Design: Easily connects to standard breadboards for quick prototyping without additional setup.
Accurate Sensing and Monitoring: Features dual-channel voltage and current sensing, along with precise temperature and humidity readings, ideal for detailed power supply analysis and data logging.
This little hat add-on for XIAO incorporates a Sensirion SHT40 temperature and humidity sensor, the BH1750 ambient light sensor, a PCF8563 real-time clock for accurate timekeeping, and an enableable voltage divider to keep track of the battery voltage.
Key Features
Compact Design: The device has a tiny footprint, making it compatible with all Seeed Studio XIAO microcontroller boards, ideal for space-constrained projects.
Low Power Consumption: GPIO-powered sensors enable a no-power sleep mode, with the always-on RTC consuming less than 1 µA, suitable for battery-operated data loggers.
I2C Communication: Supports easy programming using existing libraries and allows for the addition of multiple sensors on the same I2C bus.
On-Board RTC: Features the PCF8563 chip for accurate timekeeping, essential for long-term data logging, with programmable interrupts for waking from deep sleep.
Accurate Monitoring and Battery Management: The SHT40 sensor offers precise temperature and humidity readings, while the system allows safe monitoring of battery status through a voltage divider connected to the lithium-ion battery.
The Smart Citizen Kit 2.3 allows people to easily collect environmental data such as air and noise pollution, visualize it, and share it with the world through the Smart Citizen platform. All this while being completely open source and customizable to your needs. Built by communities for communities.
Key Features
Multi-Sensor Capabilities: The new SCK2.3 is compatible with the previous SCK2.1. It brings new sensors, more customization, and exciting features that allow anyone to accurately measure and collect better quality data, including UV readings, an improved PM sensor to better measure air quality, along with the classic sensors from the previous SCK2.1: temperature, humidity, noise and light pollution.
User-Friendly Interface: The SCK2.3 is designed to allow anyone to start measuring in no time, making it accessible for beginners,educators, and researchers alike.
Open Source Hardware with Customization Options: As with previous versions, the SCK2.3 is fully open source, allowing users to modify and customize its hardware and firmware, tailoring the SCK to meet their specific needs. In addition, Fab Lab Barcelona has a wide range of open-source designs that allow users to 3D print and build their enclosures, recycling them when they are done, and saving some industrial plastic manufacturing in the process.
Data Sharing and Visualization: Collected data can be uploaded to the Smart Citizen Platform, where users can visualize their findings through easy-to-read graphs. The Smart Citizen Platform is completely open for people to access, making it easy for anyone to play, experiment, and work with environmental data!
Various data-logging options: The SCK2.3 is designed to publish data using your home or office Wi-Fi and can store data in CSV format on a MicroSD. It also includes an internal memory to store more than a month’s worth of data in case the device loses its Wi-Fi connection. Data is published automatically when the connection is recovered.
Mech_hexpod is a hexapod robot developed based on Arduino nano. It uses Atmel328p chip as the main control. It is remote controlled via Bluetooth communication using a mobile phone app/joystick. Mech_hexpod can realise 3 types of modes: Dance, Walk, Stance, and at the same time, each type of mode has 8 different styles.
Key Features
Arduino-Compatible: Powered by the Atmel328p chip, it supports Arduino programming, allowing easy customization and learning.
Bluetooth Control: Controlled via a mobile app or external controller using Bluetooth, providing convenient and user-friendly operation.
Multiple Modes: Offers Dance, Walking, and Combat modes, each featuring various gaits, dance poses, and combat moves for diverse gameplay experiences.
Durable Servos: Features 12 all-metal MG90S servos, with 2 per leg, ensuring reliable and robust movement stability.
Expandable and Customizable: Supports UART for easy integration of additional modules, such as voice or image recognition, enhancing expandability and customization options.
The Mech_hexpod is already list on Taobao and will be soon available at the Seeed Studio Bazaar.
Upcoming product: Louder ESP32
Louder-ESP32 combines ubiquitous ESP32 with an I2S DAC with built-in D-class amplifier capable of driving full-size speakers. This combination provides your compact ESP32 module with the necessary memory and RAM capabilities to develop Hi-Fi products.
Key Features
Powerful Audio Output: Integrates an I2S DAC with a built-in D-class amplifier, capable of driving full-size speakers for high-quality sound.
Hi-Fi Product Development: Combines the ESP32’s processing power with enhanced memory and RAM, making it suitable for developing Hi-Fi audio applications.
Compact Design: The Louder-ESP32 maintains a compact form factor while providing robust audio capabilities, ideal for space-constrained projects.
Versatile Compatibility: Works seamlessly with various ESP32 projects, allowing for easy integration into existing setups.
It’s worth mentioning that the Louder ESP32 is not only a popular selling product on Tindie but will also soon be available at the Seeed Studio Bazaar.
Co-create with Seeed Fusion
As we celebrate the launch of our new collection of Co-create products, we invite you to join us in this exciting journey. Your insights, creativity, and feedback are invaluable in shaping the future of our offerings. Together, we can create products that truly meet the needs of our community.
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!
Let’s work together to innovate and develop solutions that resonate with all of us.
Visit here to learn more about how you can participate in the Co-create! Your voice matters, let’s turn ideas into reality!
It’s been four months since our tiny AI superstar, reCamera, first stepped into the spotlight among our developer community. From its humble beginnings to the milestones we’ve achieved together, reCamera has become the trusted companion, continually inspiring creativity and innovation in edge AI and robotics. Now, as we look back at the journey so far, it’s the perfect moment to revisit how it all started, celebrate the progress we’ve made, and explore the exciting possibilities that await in the next chapter!
Have you heard about reCamera? What makes it unique?
reCamera comes with its processor and camera sensor. It’s the first open-source, tiny AI camera, programmable and customized, powered by an RISC-V SoC, delivering 1TOPS AI performance with video encoding 5MP@30fps. The modular hardware design gives you freedom to change various camera sensors and diverse interfaces baseboard as requirement, offering the most versitile platform for developers tackling vision AI systems.
Core board: CPU, RAM, 8GB/64GB eMMC, and wireless module as customized antenna on-board
Sensor board: currently compatible with OV5647/IMX335/SC130GS camera sensor, and continuously supporting more on the list, along with other sensors: mic, speaker, actuator, LED.
Base board: determines the communication ports at reCamera’s bottom, we have USB2.0, ethernet, and serial port by default, open to be customized as you want – PoE/CAN/RS485/Display/Gyro/Type-C/vertical Type-C, etc.
Core board covering by metal mainframe, along with the rubber ring wrapped inside the grooves for waterproofing and excellent temperature maintainance below 50℃.
OS & Dashboard
Well, the very first and important impression you should get from reCamera is that it’s already a computer. We set up the build root system, a lightweight customized Linux system in multi-thread, running all tasks without worrying about the conflicts. It supports Python and Node.js directly from console. You can also easily deploy the compiled executive files from C/Rust, so, very programming-friendly.
Just in case you’d prefer to forget about all programming scripts and complex configurations we’ve pre-built Node-RED integration for you, to build up your whole workflow in NO-CODE. It’s completely simple to start by choosing the customized nodes for reCamera pipeline, linking each other to call the camera API, and using the NPU to load AI models directly onto the device. Finally, a web UI or mobile dashboard could show up seamlessly and help verify results effortlessly.
So far, what we’ve done
Ultralytics & reCamera
Besides the standard reCamera as a standalone device only with hardware combination and Node-RED integration, we also provide you another option that can be more seamless to build your vision AI project – reCamera pre-installed with Ultralytics YOLO11 model (YOLO11n)! It comes with the native support and licensing for Ultralytics YOLO, offering real-world solutions such as object counting, heatmap, blurring, and security systems, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in diverse industries.
Application demos
1. reCamera voice control gimbal: we used Llama3 and LLaVA deployed on reComputer Jetson Orin. The whole setup is fully local, reading live video streamed from reCamera to get the basic perception of the current situation, and delivering instructions through Jetson “brain” thinking. Now, you can ask reCamera to turn left to check how many people are there and describe what it sees!
2. reCamera with Wi-Fi HaLow: We’ve tested reCamera with Wi-Fi HaLow long-range connectivity, linear distance could be up to 1km in stable!
3. Live-check reCamera detecting results through any browser: With pre-built Node-RED for on-device workflow configuration, you can quickly build and modify your applications on it, and check out video streams with various platforms.
4.reCamera with LeRobot arm: We used reCamera to scan ArUco markers to identify specific objects and utilized the ROS architecture to control the robotic arm.
Based on insights from the Alpha test and feedback during the official product launch, we’ve gained invaluable input from our developer community. Many of you have voiced specific requests, such as waterproofing the entire device, integrating NIR infrared, thermal imaging, and night vision camera sensors with reCamera. These features are crucial, and we’re committed to diving deeper into their development to bring them to life. Your enthusiasm and support mean the world to us—thank you for being part of this journey.
Some adorable moments~
In addition, we’ve selected four Alpha testers to explore fresh ideas and contribute to hardware iterations by trying out the reCamera gimbal. Stay tuned for our updates, and continue to join us as we embark on this exciting path of growth and innovation!
Why pre-soldered? Simple! No more fiddling with soldering irons on such tiny soldering pads- just unbox and start creating. These boards are ready to work with all XIAO add-ons (sensors, connectivity modules, actuators, and Grove Expansions) in a quick snap, perfect for breadboard prototyping or direct project integration.
Take our XIAO Starter Kit, for example. Just snap your pre-soldered XIAO onto the Expansion Board, and you’ve instantly got access to over 300 Grove modules plug and play. Perfect for education, rapid prototyping, or anyone who wants to jump straight into their project!
What’s your favorite XIAO board? Which pre-soldered XIAO will you try first? We’d love to hear about your project ideas with these new updates. Comment below to let us know!
P.S. This update comes straight from your feedback through the Seeed Studio XIAO Open Roadmap on GitHub, an open collaborative platform on GitHub where the community decides what we build next (explore more details here). Have more ideas for the XIAO ecosystem? Join the discussion on our open roadmap – we’re always listening!
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
As an Elite partner of the NVIDIA Partner Network, Seeed is excited to announce the release of the NVIDIA Jetson Orin Super Developer Kit. Delivering up to 67 TOPS of AI performance—a 1.7x improvement over its predecessor—this compact platform enables seamless execution of generative AI models, including vision transformers, large language models (LLMs), and vision-language models.
Generative AI is transforming industries, but significant challenges remain:
High costs for cutting-edge hardware.
Cloud dependency with escalating fees.
Software optimization complexities.
At just $249, Orin Nano Super Developer Ki provides developers, students, and makers with the most affordable and accessible platform with the support of the NVIDIA AI software and a broad AI software ecosystem to democratize generative AI at the edge.
Existing Orin Nano Developer Kit users can unlock this performance boost with a simple software upgrade, enabling everyone to explore new possibilities with generative AI. Orin Nano Super Developer Kit is an exceptional platform for AI-powered robotics. Its compact size and robust performance make it ideal for state-of-the-art diffusion models, end-to-end robotic control systems, and applications such as autonomous navigation, object detection, and real-time sensor processing. Developers can leverage the NVIDIA Isaac robotics platform to streamline robotics workflows and build intelligent machines capable of operating in complex environments, unlocking innovations across industries of logistics, healthcare, and agriculture.
Jetson runs the NVIDIA AI software stack, providing access to powerful frameworks tailored to specific use cases:
NVIDIA Isaac: Robotics applications.
NVIDIA Metropolis: Vision AI development.
NVIDIA Holoscan: Real-time sensor processing.
NVIDIA Omniverse Replicator: Synthetic data generation.
NVIDIA TAO Toolkit: Fine-tuning pre-trained AI models from the NGC catalog.
With the support of a robust software ecosystem, including NVIDIA’s TRT- LLM, developers benefit from accelerated inferencing, reduced latency, and enhanced efficiency.
The reference carrier board supports all Orin Nano and Orin NX modules, offering a versatile platform for various edge AI applications. Rich I/O options, including 2x MIPI CSI-2 connectors, M.2 expansion slots, and USB 3.2 ports, make it ideal for prototyping robotics, vision AI, and more.
The Jetson Orin Nano Super Developer Kit provides an affordable, high-performance alternative to cloud-based solutions, empowering developers to explore generative AI without recurring costs.
Technical Highlights
AI Performance
67 INT8 TOPS
GPU
NVIDIA Ampere architecture with 1024 CUDA cores and 32 tensor cores
As an Elite Partner in the NVIDIA Jetson Ecosystem, Seeed ensures developers have access to:
Cutting-edge hardware platforms tailored to the Jetson Orin Nano Super Developer Kit.
Expert support for cameras, sensors, and custom carrier boards.
A global network of AI-focused partners to accelerate your journey from prototype to product.
Seeed’s partnership with NVIDIA reflects our commitment to empowering developers with tools, support, and guidance for innovation in edge AI and generative AI.
Unlock Your Generative AI Playground
From robotics to video analytics and beyond, the Jetson Orin Nano Super Developer Kit is the ultimate platform for exploring the potential of generative AI. Whether you’re a student, maker, or developer, this solution makes innovation more accessible than ever before.
Seeed is a global leader in open hardware innovation and an NVIDIA Elite Partner, We specialize in cutting-edge open hardware platforms.We aim to democratize technology through IoT and AI, empowering developers worldwide to break barriers in hardware innovation.
Home Assistant has announced a significant upgrade to its Yellow platform with Compute Module 5 (CM5) support in HAOS 14. This expansion brings enhanced capabilities while maintaining strong support for existing CM4 users.
Home Assistant Yellow now supports CM5 (Compute Module 5)
Support will be available in the HAOS 14 release
CM5 Advantages:
Higher performance, up to 3x faster for ESPHome compilation
Better local speech-to-text processing
Suitable for power users’ needs
HAOS 14 Additional Updates:
Added support for Hailo-8 AI accelerator
AI capabilities for Pi 5
This update reinforces Home Assistant’s commitment to providing users with scalable, future-proof smart home solutions. While CM5 offers significant performance benefits for power users, CM4 remains a viable option for standard installations, demonstrating Home Assistant’s balanced approach to hardware evolution. Apart from that, CM4 production will continue and Raspberry Pi commits to support CM4 until 2034.
How to Install HAOS on CM5
Note: It’s necessary to use the latest version of rpiboot when installing Home Assistant OS for CM5. Download the latest Version.
From November 23rd to 24th, 2024, the 2nd UIC TrainRail Hackathon Asia-Pacific Regional Competition took place at Southwest Jiaotong University in China. The event attracted over 200 talented students from across the Asia-Pacific region, forming 42 teams to explore solutions for the future of the railway industry. With themes centered on enhancing passenger experience, strengthening freight capacity, and optimizing operational efficiency, the competition brought fresh perspectives and innovative technologies to the sector.
Committed to nurturing innovation and driving industry progress, Seeed Studio was thrilled to support the competition, together with other institutions such as Khon Kaen University in Thailand and Yamanashi University in Japan.
We were happy to provide comprehensive support throughout the competition, including pre-competition technical guidance and a wide range of hardware resources such as XIAO series, Grove sensors, Arduino kits, LoRa E5 modules, and Raspberry Pi modules, etc, empowering participants to rapidly prototype their ideas and overcome technical challenges.
Teams from Southwest Jiaotong University and Shijiazhuang Railway University claimed the top prizes for their exceptional projects. They will represent the Asia-Pacific region at the global finals in April 2025.
Highlights of Winning Projects
Participants showcased a range of innovative projects that directly addressed real-world railway challenges. Notable projects included:
Railway Wind and Snow Disaster Early Warning and Response System: This system provides real-time monitoring and early warnings for railway operations under adverse weather conditions, enhancing safety and efficiency.
Automated Barrier-Free Platform System: Designed to improve accessibility for passengers with disabilities, this intelligent platform solution optimizes barrier-free services in railway transportation.
Contact Network Arc Intelligent Monitoring System: Employing vision and sensor technologies, this system offers an intelligent solution for railway equipment maintenance, significantly improving efficiency and accuracy.
AI-Powered Real-time Rail Defect Detection: Using AI models to analyze rail conditions in real-time for enhanced safety monitoring.
Smoke Purification Device for Trains: Improving air quality within train cabins for a more comfortable passenger experience.
Vibration-Based Railway Construction Personnel Monitoring: Employing vibration wave technology to monitor the dynamic changes in construction environments and enhance worker safety.
Real-time Monitoring of Load Distribution in Freight Trains: Ensuring the smooth operation and safety of freight trains by monitoring load distribution during transit.
Computer Vision-Based Pantograph Modal Analysis: Optimizing pantograph monitoring through visual technology to improve the efficiency of electrified railway operations.
The hackathon underscores the vital connection between education, international collaboration, and industry development. Seeed Studio is proud to have been a part of this event and is committed to empowering young innovators to drive the digital transformation of the railway industry.
Congratulation to all participants for their hard work and creativity!
Recently in Shenzhen China, Dessap Loic one of our Seeed’s Rangers had the privilege of participating at Maker Faire Shenzhen held from November 16-17, selected by Chailo Maker Space, MakerFaire Shenzhen and Seeedstudio. He proudly exhibited RobotSave Education, Robotsave bot projects, and various related activities at the event.
RobotSave Education is a STEM-focused organisation committed to enhancing quality education and promoting community inclusion by:
Hosting Free AI-IOT, STEM Robotics and drone workshops: By uniting future STEM leaders through dynamic collaborative national and international robotics competitions. Our mission is to highlight STEM education’s importance, excitement, and real-world application.
Providing Stem kits, and IoT tools: These kits empower young changemakers and innovators, equipping them with essential skills like critical thinking, creativity, confidence, and technological expertise to drive impactful change with Tech4Good initiatives.
Robotsave bot is an innovative farm bot designed to optimize agricultural processes. It uses advanced sensors to gather essential soil and weather data from Seeed’s Groove and SenseCap industrial sensors, which are transmitted via LoRaWAN for real-time analysis and actionable insights. Key features include:
Predicting crop yield potential based on soil conditions and precise location,
Real-time fertility assessments with recommendations for water and natural fertilizer use.
Easy access to insights through a user-friendly mobile and PC application.
Showcasing Our Tools and Activities
At Maker Faire Shenzhen, we also demonstrated the tools and technologies that support our activities, including:
Seeed Studio SenseCap and Xiao series,
TmeEducation Arduino boards,
LoRaWan-based IoT projects, and workshops conducted in Cameroon and France.
A memorable Experience
We had the pleasure of meeting Seeed Studio’s Ceo Eric Pan, Alison Yang and Meilily li along with the other director manager. We also toured Seeed Studio’s prototyping factories and headquarters, receiving a warm and welcoming experience.
We are deeply grateful to MakerFaireShenzhen, Digikey, Chaihuo Maker Space, Seeed Studio, Tmeeducation and Maker Faire Rome, Italy for their support, sponsorship, and the incredible opportunities they provided. Special thanks to everyone who visited our booth and engaged with our projects.
In recent years, the growing concern over environmental issues such as air pollution, climate change, and urbanization has led to a heightened awareness of the importance of monitoring our surroundings. With the advancement of technology and the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), individuals and communities now have the power to gather and analyze environmental data more easily than ever before. One innovative solution that embodies this shift is the Smart Citizen Kit by Fab Lab Barcelona, Seeed Studio, IAAC, and the European Commission. It is an open-source tool that allows anyone to monitor their environment, understand it, and contribute data through the Smart Citizen Platform. Since the launch of the first Smart Citizen Kit in 2012, Fab Lab Barcelona has been committed to empowering communities to better understand their surroundings by developing open tools for environmental monitoring.
Designed to empower citizen scientists, researchers, educators, and environmentally-conscious individuals, this comprehensive tool enables users to monitor various environmental parameters while providing a complete platform and tools to foster open data collection and community engagement. Smart Citizen provides a unique ecosystem of sensor kits, software platforms, and tools that enable communities to make sense of their environment and take action.
Introducing the SCK2.3: More Advanced Than Ever
Seeed Studio and Fab Lab Barcelona proudly introduce the latest version of the Smart Citizen Kit: the SCK2.3. The new SCK collects environmental data more accurately and it’s easier to use. Likewise, it introduces new sensors and a more robust firmware loaded with features, while maintaining everything that made the previous versions great!
Key Features
Multi-Sensor Capabilities: The new SCK2.3 is compatible with the previous SCK2.1. It brings new sensors, more customization, and exciting features that allow anyone to accurately measure and collect better quality data, including UV readings, an improved PM sensor to better measure air quality, along with the classic sensors from the previous SCK2.1: temperature, humidity, noise and light pollution.
User-Friendly Interface: TheSCK2.3 is designed to allow anyone to start measuring in no time, making it accessible for beginners, educators, and researchers alike. Its straightforward setup process and intuitive interface allow users to easily start collecting data without needing advanced technical skills.
Open Source Hardware with Customization Options: As with previous versions, the SCK2.3is fully open source, allowing users to modify and customize its hardware and firmware, tailoring the SCK to meet their specific needs. For example, users can add a diverse selection of new sensors to measure additional metrics for indoor and outdoor air quality, and water and soil measurements. In addition, Fab Lab Barcelona has a wide range of open-source designs that allow users to 3D print and build their enclosures, recycling them when they are done, and saving some industrial plastic manufacturing in the process.
Data Sharing and Visualization: Collected data can be uploaded to the Smart Citizen Platform, where users can visualize their findings through easy-to-read graphs. The Smart Citizen Platform is completely open for people to access, making it easy for anyone to play, experiment, and work with environmental data!
Various data-logging options: The SCK2.3 is designed to publish data using your home or office Wi-Fi and can store data in CSV format on a MicroSD. It also includes an internal memory to store more than a month’s worth of data in case the device loses its Wi-Fi connection. Data is published automatically when the connection is recovered.
Flexible Power Options: Similar to previous versions, the SCK2.3can be powered via micro USB, and it also comes with a 2000mAh LiPo battery. The battery is meant to be a complete power option for short-term measurements (from days to a week) and a backup solution when the SCK is used for longer periods. It is also compatible with various other charging options, including battery packs, or solar panels for off-the-grid deployments.
Brought to Market by Fusion Co-Create Services
Since 2014, Seeed Studio has collaborated with Fab Lab Barcelona to promote the Smart Citizen Kit, making it more accessible for anyone to use. We’re proud to announce the latest SCK2.3, now available for Pre-order on our official store!
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!
Through our collaboration with Fab Lab Barcelona, we provided essential support in the following areas:
Help develop the prototype: Help develop the prototype and facilitate development by providing test units and custom parts to better improve the SCK2.3.
Components supply: Supply the necessary components for producing the Smart Citizen Kit.
Supply chain optimization: Optimize the supply chain locally to find the best suppliers and reduce costs.
Batch manufacturing: Commit to manufacturing to ensure that the kit is available in sufficient quantities for users.
Product launch: Understand the market and launch the product on our official website, making it easily accessible to the public.
Marketing support: Leverage our extensive marketing channels to promote the product, ensuring it reaches a wider audience.
Unlocking potential: Help Fab Lab Barcelona understand where to go next, and explore potential synergies with Seeed products.
Use the code Smartcitizento enjoy this exclusive discount NOW as it’s a limited offer that expires on December 20, 2024.
If you’re interested in bringing this amazing invention to your community or country, please feel free to reach out to us at maker@seeed.cc. Moreover, our Fusion Co-Create Program is dedicated to enabling more developers and teams like Fab Lab Barcelona to scale up their impactful designs, while providing them with a licensing fee for each piece sold. If you also have a cool Seeed-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 Fab Lab Barcelona Team at Our Livestream
Tune in onDecember 20th when we will be hosting a livestream in collaboration with the Fab Lab Barcelona team to provide a more intuitive demonstration of how Smart Citizen works.Be the first to know the story behind the Smart Citizen Kit 2.3. This is also a great opportunity for you to ask them any questions you may have about the product!
Get a sneak peek into the development process and learn how Fusion Co-Create brought this product to life.
As many of you know, Seeed has always been committed to providing makers with easy-to-use and innovative products, services, and solutions. Over the past year, our partnership with Flux.ai has grown stronger than ever!
This partnership has already empowered developers to bring their innovative ideas to life. By combining our expertise, we’ve been able to deliver exceptional results and generate significant visibility for these projects. You can check them on our organization page at Flux!
We hope that our small support will bring significant changes to the areas and causes in need. Inspired by these projects? You’ll love what’s coming next!
LED Remix: Design the Next Generation
In order to invite more developers to co-create with us, we kickstart a campaign called LED Remix: Design the Next Generation!
How to Apply?
Step 1: Please fill out the formto submit your bravo project!
Each participant is limited to two PCBA boards 100% completely FREE for one design, including PCB fabrication, the cost of parts, assembly, and shipping.
Free usage of Flux.ai for 2 months
The project must include a LED design and a Xiao module, and use Flux.ai as the design tool
Step 2: After submitting your application, our team will promptly assess your design. Kindly await our team’s contact.
Duration: 12th Dec. 2024- 12th Mar. 2025
By participating in this event, you agree to review your experience with us and allow us to share it and the design with the community on our social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, blog, etc.).
If you’re currently short on ideas, don’t worry, we’re here to help!
To provide you with some inspiration, we’ve invited Goku to design two mother projects below, which are designed by Flux.ai and manufactured at Seeed Studio Fusion.
Feel free to build upon these projects and create your unique designs!
It’s inspired by the character Destined One from “Black Myth: Wukong.” For this project, Goku uses 37 tiny pixel LEDs along with the Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32-C3 microcontroller, which will program with WLED.
Ready to turn your Xiao ESP32-S3 into a smart lighting controller? WLED is the perfect tool for the job. This open-source web server lets you control both digital and analog LED strips, and even integrate with smart home platforms like Alexa and Google Assistant. Let’s get started!
Tips: You can find most of the components needed at Flux. If there are any questions during the design process, you can ask for help using the co-pilot. You can also go to Goku’s project file to view his designs, and it is possible to clone his project and make your own changes. We are ready to illuminate and spread your ideas coupled with projects anytime!
Combining Flux’s AI-driven Auto-Layout with Seeed’s example projects makes it easy to create something uniquely yours quickly. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Clone the Project
Start with a Seeed example project in Flux to avoid designing from scratch.
Step 2: Customize the Design
Use Flux’s editor and part library to customize the design, swap components, or add new functionality.
Step 3: Run the Auto-Layout
Let Flux’s AI optimize the placement and routing of components, ensuring your design is manufacturable and ready to go.
Auto-Layout uses AI to optimize component placement and routing while considering your design constraints. This ensures the layout is both functional and ready for manufacturing. Whether you’re adjusting an LED configuration or refining a component layout, Auto-Layout simplifies the process, allowing you to focus on your design.
Scale up your Creation with Seeed Studio Co-Create Program!
We will invite well-received LED Remix projects to the Seeed Studio Co-Create Program, where your products can be listed, sold and shipped directly by Seeed on the Seeed Studio Bazaar. We will also support designers to reach thousands of like-minded customers and distributors with Seeed’s global sales channels and social media presence.
Don’t hesitate! It’s a great chance to show off your ideas and skills. Join and fuel your passion now!
With the rapid growth of the smart home market, devices and brands are becoming increasingly diverse. The key to an efficient and seamless smart home experience lies in how these devices communicate effectively and reliably. Among the many communication protocols, Matter, Zigbee, and Thread are the current mainstream options.
It’s important to understand the distinction between protocols and standards in this context. Communication protocols are the underlying technical specifications that define how devices communicate with each other. They outline the rules, formats, and procedures for data exchange. In contrast, standards provide a common framework to ensure interoperability between devices, often by leveraging one or more underlying protocols.
This article will introduce Matter, Zigbee, and Thread, three key technology options in the smart home domain. Matter is an emerging communication standard, while Zigbee and Thread are underlying communication protocols. We will delve into their respective characteristics and provide recommendations for your selection.
Core Parameter Comparison: Matter, Zigbee, and Thread
This table highlights the key differences between Matter, Zigbee, and Thread. It’s worth noting that Zigbee and Thread are underlying communication protocols, while Matter is a cross-platform standard that can utilize technologies like Thread and Wi-Fi.
Key Factors
Zigbee
Thread
Matter
Protocol Base
IEEE 802.15.4 (Low Power, Mesh Network)
IPv6 (Low Power, Mesh Network)
Relies on Thread, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet for transport
Network Topology
Mesh
Mesh
Mesh
Internet Integration
Requires a bridge for IP communication
Requires a border router for internet and cloud integration
Uses Thread and Wi-Fi for internet and cloud integration
Latency
Moderate
Low
Low
Security
AES-128 encryption, Zigbee Alliance standards
Self-healing Mesh Network, IPv6 authentication
Enhanced device authentication, encryption, and privacy protection
Market Adoption
High—widely used in traditional smart home devices
Growing—gaining traction in IoT devices
Emerging—strong cross-platform compatibility and rapid adoption
Power Consumption
Low
Extremely low
Varies by protocol base
Zigbee: The Classic Choice for Traditional Smart Home Devices
Zigbee is a mature wireless communication protocol designed for applications requiring low power and low data transmission. It is based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard and typically operates in the 2.4 GHz band. In some regions, it also supports 868 MHz (Europe) and 915 MHz (US) frequencies, making it versatile for various use cases.
Advantages of Zigbee
Low Power Consumption: Extends device battery life, making it ideal for sensors, lighting, and other long-running devices.
Mesh Networking: Allows devices to relay signals to each other, ensuring wide coverage and reliable connectivity.
Strong Security: Utilizes AES-128 encryption to safeguard data communication.
Use Cases
Suitable for small local networks within a home, without complex internet integration.
Ideal for users who already own a significant number of Zigbee devices.
Home Assistant Yellow：Pre-integrated Zigbee support, ready out of the box. Perfect for managing Zigbee devices without extra adapters.
reComputer R Series：Multi-protocol support (4G, LoRa®, Wi-Fi/BLE, Zigbee) with M.2 slots for storage or AI acceleration. Great for advanced developers.
Tiny Matter-Native Board for Smart Home – XIAO ESP32C6：A versatile microcontroller optimized for Zigbee applications, offering low-power communication. Suitable for developers exploring Zigbee, Thread, or Matter-based smart devices.
Thread: The Communication Protocol for the Future
Thread is a next-generation wireless protocol backed by tech giants like Google, Apple, and Amazon. Built on IPv6, it provides efficient internet connectivity for smart home and IoT devices while supporting self-healing Mesh networks.
Advantages of Thread
Low Latency, High Reliability: Performs well in real-time applications such as voice assistants and live monitoring.
Self-Healing Mesh Network: Automatically reroutes signals in case of device failure, ensuring network stability.
IPv6-Based Local Network: Enables seamless device-to-device communication within a local area network. However, internet access requires a border router.
Use Cases
Suitable for fast-response applications, such as smart speakers and smart locks, that require stable and low-latency communication.
Ideal for building localized smart home networks where reliability and security are priorities.
Matter, developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), aims to solve compatibility issues among smart home devices with a unified standard. It not only supports Thread but is also compatible with Wi-Fi and Ethernet, enabling seamless cross-brand collaboration.
Advantages of Matter
Cross-Platform Compatibility: Allows devices from different brands to interoperate effortlessly.
Enhanced Security: Features upgraded device authentication and encryption mechanisms for privacy protection.
Simplified Setup: Reduces connection and configuration complexity with standardized protocols.
Use Cases
Perfect for building smart home ecosystems that integrate devices from multiple brands, enabling unified control through Matter.
Ideal for developers creating smart devices like lighting systems or smart plugs that seamlessly operate across platforms (e.g., Google Nest, Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa).
Recommended Devices
Seeed Studio XIAO MG24：A compact, low-power microcontroller for Matter over Thread and BLE. Ideal for battery-operated IoT devices.
Based on Espressif’s ESP-IDF (IoT Development Framework), the XIAO ESP32 Series supports Matter device development using robust ESP32 microcontrollers. This series is optimized for IoT development and provides a powerful platform for exploring Matter’s potential. Perfect for developers aiming to create Matter-enabled devices leveraging Wi-Fi, BLE, or Thread capabilities while enjoying the flexibility of ESP-IDF.
How to Choose: Zigbee, Thread, or Matter?
Choose Zigbee:
If you already own many Zigbee devices and don’t need internet integration.
Perfect for smart lighting systems or a home sensor network where devices communicate directly within a closed local environment.
Choose Thread:
If you need low-latency, highly reliable devices connected directly to the internet.
Ideal for smart locks, real-time cameras, or voice assistants requiring fast responses and stable communication.
Choose Matter:
If you need a future-proof, cross-platform solution with seamless integration.
Best for those building a smart home ecosystem from scratch or looking to unify devices from different manufacturers under one protocol.
Future Trends: Will Matter Become the Mainstream?
With growing support from tech giants like Google, Apple, and Amazon, Matter’s ecosystem is expanding rapidly. While Matter’s cross-platform compatibility is a significant advantage, Zigbee and Thread’s established ecosystems will continue to play vital roles in specific scenarios. In the future, these three protocols may coexist, excelling in different applications.
Summary
Zigbee: Ideal for traditional smart home devices with low power consumption and high stability.
Thread: A modern, IP-compatible solution suitable for IoT applications.
Matter: The future standard for solving compatibility issues across platforms.
In summary, Zigbee and Thread are underlying communication protocols, while Matter is a higher-level interoperability standard. In practical applications, we need to choose the appropriate underlying protocol based on specific requirements and ensure it supports the Matter standard, in order to achieve a cross-brand smart home ecosystem.
Visit Seeed Studio Bazaar now to explore high-quality hardware supporting Matter, Zigbee, and Thread, and build your ideal smart home effortlessly!
Meshtastic is an open-source project that leverages LoRa, a long-range radio protocol that is widely available in most regions and does not require additional licenses or certifications, unlike HAM radio. Utilizing inexpensive LoRa radios, Meshtastic provides a FREE, long-range, off-grid communication solution for areas without reliable or existing communication infrastructure.
In a simpler way, Meshtastic is a free and easy-to-use tool that lets you send messages without internet or mobile networks. It connects small, specialized devices to create a network where you can communicate over long distances, making it perfect for outdoor adventures, emergencies, or communication in remote areas. You can share short text messages, GPS locations, and even voice messages (coming soon)with others. It’s easy to set up, works on various devices, and has a supportive community if you need help.
(Image credit: meshtastic.org)
What Can Meshtastic Do?
In today’s tech-focused world, it’s hard to picture a day without a steady network connection. But if you’ve ever gone hiking in a remote area and lost signal, or attended a big event where the network was too crowded to use, you know the struggle. During natural disasters like typhoons or floods, communication networks might fail, making it tough to call for help or connect with loved ones. I hope you don’t face these challenges, but it’s worth thinking about potential solutions if you do. What would you want to have in place?
This is where Meshtastic comes into play, offering a potential Plan A for those rare yet crucial instances: an emergency response solution.
Why Meshtastic?
There are also many other options, such as the more well-known LoRa-based solutions like LoRaWAN® and Sidewalk, or the commonly used 4G/5G, and even Starlink developed by SpaceX. So, why Meshtastic?
Differences Between LoRaWAN®, Sidewalk, and Meshtastic
As shown below, I have listed the biggest differences between the three. Meshtastic is decentralized and doesn’t require gateways, making it better suited for flexible, independent, peer-to-peer communication scenarios, while LoRaWAN®is ideal for large-scale, centrally managed IoT applications. Amazon Sidewalk, is designed to extend the connectivity range of smart home devices using low-power, community-based networking.
Differences Between 4G/5G and Meshtastic
Most of us rely on 4G/5G networks in our daily lives, so how does Meshtastic compare to them? The main differences are outlined below. Simply put, Meshtastic is ideal for situations where there is no cellular signal, no infrastructure, or limited power availability, such as outdoor activities, survival scenarios, or rescue operations. On the other hand, cellular network coverage is primarily concentrated in areas with high levels of human activity, such as cities and urban regions.
Differences Between Starlink and Meshtastic
Starlink and Meshtastic are two different communication solutions, each with its own strengths. Starlink is ideal for those who need constant online connectivity and high-speed internet access, even in remote areas. However, if you need a more affordable, portable solution for offline communication, especially when power and infrastructure are limited, Meshtastic is the better choice.
Last but not least, Meshtastic is free to use—once you purchase a compatible device, you can start enjoying the free mesh network with your friends!
Typical Meshtastic Applications
So, what are the typical applications of Meshtatsic? Here are some common usages shared by passionate community members on Reddit about “What do you use Meshtastic for?”.
calinet6: “Making new friends nearby who are equally nerdy by virtue of opting into this.”
Jcw122: “‘Talking’ with friends at big festivals”
spotcheck001: “We use it for family to communicate when we camp. Works out great.”
Stroniu44: “Combined with ATAK to localise and communicate during exercise with other tanks from my platoon, especially exchange kmz data”
jp_bennett: “Vehicle tracking across town, as well as emergency comms for emergency situations.”
AnderlAnduel: “I share weather station data between home automation sytems with my neighbors (mqtt2mqtt bridge). This way we are independent of Internet services.”
What they’re sharing are exactly the applications that I suggest you to start your Meshtastic journey.
Outdoor Adventures
Whether you enjoy hiking, camping, survival skills, mountaineering, cycling, off-road driving, or skiing, it’s common to encounter areas with no 4G/5G during these outdoor activities. Using Meshtastic allows team members to stay in touch all the time during outdoor adventures, even in remote areas.
Crowded Events and Festivals
If you love big events like Burning Man, Coachella, or Midi Music Festival, you’ve probably dealt with weak signals and lost connections because of overloaded networks. With Meshtastic, you can easily and affordably create a portable, reliable, and self-controlled network infrastructure to stay connected with friends.
Search and Rescue
When disasters strike and signal or power infrastructure fails, Meshtastic can be a vital tool for emergency response, supporting search and rescue operations. A Meshtastic tracker, capable of precisely identifying the location of those in distress and maintaining communication with them, is an excellent choice for equipping rescue teams or ensuring everyday emergency preparedness.
Meshtastic Limitations
Text messages only at the moment: Meshtastic uses LoRa, which focuses on long-range and low power. This limits bandwidth, so it can only send text—no images, videos, or large files.
Short messages: You can only send messages with 228 characters or fewer due to LoRa’s packet size limit, which isn’t enough for detailed or complex information.
For those new to Meshtastic, a common question is how to select the right product from the wide range of Meshtastic-compatible options, which include everything from development boards to ready-to-use devices. In the following, I will share some of the most popular Meshtastic devices with you.
Popular Meshtastic-compatible Products: A Comparison
Different products excel in different scenarios. To help you find the best fit, I’ve put together some simple recommendations based on popular products and their ideal use cases. I hope you find this helpful!
Suitable for the Beginning of Building a Mesh Network
– DIY enthusiasts, smart home, smart city
A mesh network allows for decentralized, long-range communication between devices without relying on cellular networks. For those just starting, it’s essential to select devices that are easy to use, flexible, and expandable for various applications. Here are some great starter kits that are ideal for beginners who want to build their first mesh network.
Solar Panel Support: Ideal for outdoor use, ensuring continuous operation without frequent battery recharges.
Highly Expandable: Can be connected to a variety of modules to monitor various environmental factors.
Considerations:
Basic Coding Skills Required: You may need some basic coding experience to get the most out of it. However, tutorials and documentation can help guide you.
No Enclosure Included: Requires some assembly and case installation before use.
4. A go-to device with a 18650 battery holder: T-Beam
Features:
Easily Powered: Equipped with a 18650 battery holder, compatible with any standard rechargeable 18650 battery
Optional OLED Combination: Pre-soldered and separated OLED for your choice.
Considerations:
Limited Customization: Less flexibility for adding extra sensors or modules.
No Enclosure Included: Requires some assembly and case installation before use.
Suitable for Remote Outdoor Activities
– Outdoor Activities, Remote Parties, Hiking, Backpacking, and Wilderness Exploration
When outdoor activities or exploring remote areas, staying connected and tracking your location is important for safety and coordination. However, cellular coverage is often lacking in these remote areas. The following devices are ideal for maintaining communication and location tracking over long distances without relying on cellular signals, also, having a case and small size are important.
Compact and Portable: Lightweight and easy to carry, making it perfect for long hikes and outdoor adventures.
IP65 Waterproof Rating: Withstands rain, dust, and harsh weather conditions.
Built-in GPS: Provides precise location tracking, essential for navigation in remote areas.
Built-in Sensors: Built-in Temperature, Light, and 3-Axis Accelerometer.
Considerations:
No Screen: Unable to display messages directly on the device; messages must be checked through connected devices or apps.
Limited Scalability: Cannot be easily expanded with additional sensors or modules for customized applications.
2. A standalone device with a touchscreen, keyboard, and long battery life: T-Deck Plus
Features:
Fully Functional Engineering Platform: Features a 2.8″ IPS touchscreen, keyboard, microphone, and speaker, offering versatile functionality similar to a mobile device.
Long Battery Life: Powered by a 2000mAh battery, ideal for extended trips with frequent communication needs.
Considerations:
Bulkier Design: Larger and heavier than other models, which may affect portability, particularly on long treks.
Price side: The price is relatively higher than other products.
Suitable for Search and Emergencies
– Power outages, natural disasters, emergencies
When disaster strikes, traditional communication and power infrastructure can often collapse, leaving rescue teams and those affected without means to communicate. Whether for search and rescue operations, disaster relief coordination, or daily emergency preparedness, these devices provide an effective way to stay connected when traditional networks fail.
Compact and Portable: The T1000-E is lightweight and easy to carry, whether it’s on a search mission or during daily emergency preparedness.
GPS Integration: Integrated GPS tracking allows both rescuers and those needing assistance to be located accurately.
IP65 Waterproof Rating: This makes it resistant to harsh weather conditions, including rain, dust, and snow, ensuring that it continues to operate reliably in the field.
Considerations:
No Screen: Unable to display messages directly on the device; messages must be checked through connected devices or apps.
2. A device with an attractive enclosure that supports multiple RF technologies: T-Echo
Features:
Low Power Consumption: With a power efficiency and reliability nRF52840 chip.
Multi Wireless Connectivity: Support BLE5.0, Bluetooth Mesh, ANT, Zigbee,NFC.
Backlit E-Ink Screen: Providing excellent outdoor readability in bright sunlight and ensuring that critical messages and information can be easily accessed in the field.
GPS integration: Allowing for real-time tracking of both rescuers and people in distress.
Considerations:
Limited Customization: If you’re looking for more flexibility or future expansion, other devices might offer more modularity.
No Wi-Fi: It may limit your application in MQTT or other areas.
Suitable for Aviation Usage/SoftRF
If you are also an enthusiast of other projects like SoftRF, APRS, and so on, the following devices can support you in exploring diverse experiences.
For example, SoftRF is an open-source collision avoidance solution for aircraft. The following devices can receive and transmit aviation signals to help pilots understand surrounding traffic information and improve flight safety.
Recommended Devices:
SenseCAP T1000-E
T-Echo
T-Beam
For more product details, you can check out the Google Doc or simply refer to the image below.
While many excellent Meshtastic-compatible products are available on the market, the ones listed above are perfect for beginners. They offer a friendly introduction to Meshtastic, and you can always explore more options on the official Meshtastic website here.
About Frequency
When choosing a Meshtastic-compatible product, make sure to select the one that supports the frequency band for your region. Below are some personal points for your reference:
Local regulations and frequency restrictions: Different countries or regions allow different frequency bands. Common bands include 433MHz, 868MHz (Europe), and 915MHz (USA and some other regions). Check your local regulations before buying.
Usage scenario: Lower frequencies (like 433MHz) offer better range and penetration but slower speeds. Higher frequencies (like 915MHz) provide faster data transfer but shorter range.
Device compatibility: Ensure the device and module are compatible with the frequency band you need, as some devices only support specific frequencies.
Always check the product specifications and follow local laws to avoid using restricted frequencies.
About Antenna
Antennas play a vital role in Meshtastic devices, though I won’t go into too much detail here. In short, they can be categorized into three types: onboard, rod, and fiberglass. Onboard and rod antennas typically provide a communication range of 2-5 km, making them well-suited for portable nodes. Fiberglass antennas, by contrast, offer a longer range of 5-10 km, making them more appropriate for base stations or fixed nodes. The choice of antenna should be tailored to the specific device and use case.
Some Useful Resources
Here are some resources I believe will help you better understand Meshtastic that I want to share with you:
Article/Blog/Community Posts:
Official Documentation: Everything about Meshtastic, including an intro, supported devices, software, etc.
Reddit Explanation: A beginner-friendly explanation of Meshtastic by the community.
Top Meshtastic Devices: A Comprehensive Guide by Adrelien: Reviews of popular Meshtastic devices like Seeed Studio SenseCAP Card Tracker T1000-E, RAK WisBlock Meshtastic Starter Kit, Heltec LoRa 32 V3, LILYGO T-Echo, LILYGO T-Beam.
1. Do I need technical knowledge to use Meshtastic?
No, anyone can use Meshtastic. A basic understanding of wireless communication, hardware devices, or open-source projects can help but is not required. New users can easily learn from the documentation provided.
2. Is Meshtastic free?
Yes, Meshtastic is a free and open-source project. You only need to buy Meshtastic-powered hardware devices. Software, firmware, and official documentation are all free. If you enjoy using Meshtastic, you can support the developers by making a donation.
3. Which operating systems are supported by Meshtastic apps?
Meshtastic provides official applications for Android and iOS etc. You can download the apps here.
4. What hardware devices are supported by Meshtastic?
Check the current list of supported devices on the official website. For the latest product releases, check popular vendors such as Seeed Studio, RAK, Heltec, and Lilygo.
5. Can Meshtastic send pictures or large files?
No, Meshtastic is not suitable for large data transmissions like images, videos, or files due to LoRa’s low bandwidth (a few hundred bytes per second). It is designed for short text messages and simple data transmission.
6. What is the communication range of Meshtastic?
The communication range depends on the environment and hardware configuration:
Urban areas (with obstacles): 1-5 km
Open areas (e.g., outdoors): Up to 10 km or more
By using the mesh network, the range can be extended by relaying messages through intermediate nodes.
7. Why can’t my devices communicate with each other?
Common reasons for communication issues include:
Differing channel settings (channel name and encryption key must match).
Devices are out of range (exceeded LoRa signal coverage).
Firmware version incompatibility (ensure all devices use the same version).
8. How does the Meshtastic mesh network work?
Meshtastic uses a Mesh Network (LoRa-based), where every device(also called node) acts as both a transmitter and a repeater. Messages are automatically routed through multiple nodes until they reach their destination. Even if a node is out of direct communication range, other nodes in the mesh can relay messages and extend the coverage.
Our Seeed Studio XIAO ecosystem has been growing steadily with tap-on accessories like Grove Expansion Boards, Sensors, Connectivity Modules, and Actuators to complement our thumb-sized dev boards. But one thing kept coming up in our XIAO Open Roadmap – you wanted more relays! Well, we heard you, and here’s our answer: the new Seeed Studio 2-Channel AC Wi-Fi Relay.
Powered by our thumb-sized XIAO ESP32C3, this Home Assistant-native relay device lets you control two independent 100-240V AC loads – perfect for lights, appliances, and motorized facilities. We’ve pre-flashed it with ESPHome firmware and built in a power meter, so you can track both real-time and historical power consumption right from your Home Assistant dashboard.
All the above-mentioned features make it particularly suited for applications that need both remote control and power monitoring of household electrical devices through a smart home automation system.
Want to know what’s under the hood? We’ve packed in two 10A/250VAC high-power latching relays (HF3F-L), giving you control over two loads on a 50-60 Hz AC carrier signal. Here’s a sneak peek at the internals – and don’t worry, we’ll be open-sourcing all schematics on our Wiki soon!
Oh, and one more thing! The relay comes in a white 3D-printed enclosure (which you can download and customize from Thingiverse for free). And for all you makers and developers who want to DIY with your existing XIAO boards – stay tuned! We’re working on a universal Relay Add-on that’ll be compatible with all XIAO dev boards.
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
Recently in Italy, Dessap Loic one of our Seeed’s Rangers, was selected by MakerFaire Rome to showcase his project Robotsave bot and its various activities from October 25-27, 2024.
Maker Faire Rome the European Edition #MFR2024 is a large event that regroups makers from all around the world who share in common, imagination and creativity that becomes a reality, making innovation simple by showcasing various projects in electronics, artificial intelligence, robotics, virtual and augmented reality, gaming, music, art, education and much more
Robotsave is an innovative farm bot embedded with advanced sensors that collect essential soil and weather data. These sensor data are transmitted via LoRaWan to a server for quick analysis and predictions.
The system provides valuable insights into crop yield potential based on specific soil conditions and the precise locations or areas.
It also delivers real-time fertility assessments, recommending optimal water requirements and suitable natural fertilisers, all accessible through an intuitive mobile and Pc application.
In addition to RobotSave, he showcased the TmeEducation Arduino board, Seeed Studio SenseCap series, XIAO series, Vison AI and various STEM activities, IoT projects, and workshops we are conducting in Cameroon.
Violet Su was present to assist by performing a live demonstration of the Xiao esp32 Ai vision together with SensCap watcher, she also SeeedStudio’s various products and Academic support,
It was such an amazing opportunity and beautiful experience to be selected to exhibit our project among more than 100 exhibitors with other tech gadgets at Maker Faire Rome.
We had such amazing feedback and made new contacts with visitors and other exhibitors who would like to test our product for their projects.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Makerfaire Rome-The European Edition, Seeed Studio, TmeEducation, Alison Yang and Robotsave Education for their support, sponsorship, and the opportunity they provided. A special thanks to all the visitors who stopped by my booth, Q9
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we’ve pre-built Node-RED integration for you, to build up your whole workflow in NO-CODE. It’s completely simple to start by choosing the customized nodes for reCamera pipeline, linking each other to call the camera API, and using the NPU to load AI models directly onto the device. Finally, a web UI or mobile dashboard could show up seamlessly and help verify results effortlessly.
How to Apply?
Duration: 12th Dec. 2024- 12th Mar. 2025
If you’re currently short on ideas, don’t worry, we’re here to help! 
Clone at Flux:
