Seeed Studio has introduced the XIAO Vision AI camera, a smart vision device with edge AI applications. The device combines the company’s Grove Vision AI V2 module, XIAO ESP32-C3 microcontroller, and an OV5647 camera sensor, all integrated into a custom 3D-printed enclosure.
The OV5647 is a is a 5-megapixel CMOS image sensor with a MIPI CSI-2 interface. It has a 62° field-of-view and can record 30 FPS videos at 1080p resolution or 60 FPS videos at 720p resolution.
At the heart of the imaging device is the Himax WiseEye2 HX6538 platform, featuring a dual-core Arm Cortex-M55 processor and an integrated Ethos-U55 neural processing unit (NPU). This architecture enables on-device machine learning as it supports both TensorFlow and PyTorch frameworks, which are widely used for developing and deploying deep learning models efficiently across various platforms. The camera connects via Wi-Fi and is programmable through the Arduino IDE, making it accessible to both hobbyists and seasoned developers.
The module is powered using 5 Volts via USB Type‑C which can be supplied either to the Grove Vision AI module or the ESP32-C3 board. 3D files of the hardware are hosted on Thingiverse so users can also design their own by gathering the parts.
One of the standout features is its integration with Seeed’s SenseCraft AI platform. SenseCraft AI allows users to train and deploy vision models without writing a line of code. Pre-trained options such as Mobilenet, EfficientNet‑Lite and YOLO are available for ease of use. Users can also choose to upload their own datasets for customized training. Training models can be deployed to the device with just a single click, and results can be viewed in real time through a web interface.
The XIAO Vision AI Camera can act as an IP camera with AI detection built-in. After flashing ESPHome firmware, it can integrate with Home Assistant and can notify the user when motion or object is detected. Seeed has also provided a helpful guide to connect Grove Vision AI V2 to Home Assistant.
According to the company’s internal benchmarks, the Vision AI V2 module outperforms its previous vision AI offerings such as the Grove Vision AI and the XIAO ESP32S3 Sense. The new camera moduel consumes less power than the previous models and also achieves up to 30.30 FPS.
Over the past year, compact vision AI solutions have become a hot trend, with boards like Arduino Nicla Vision, Sony’s Spresense, and Espressif’s ESP32-S3-EYE targeting similar use cases. While many competitors offer edge AI capabilities, Seeed Studio’s no-code approach with its SenseCraft AI platform and direct Home Assistant integration lowers the barrier to entry for rapid prototyping and deployment. The gadget is currently on sale as Seeed’s offical website for USD $24.90.
Also read: This Meshtastic Device uses ESP32S3 and SX1262 LoRa Transceiver for Off-Grid Messaging
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