XIAO Vision AI Camera combines ESP32-C3 and WiseEye2 HX6538 AI MCU with 5MP camera, supports SenseCraft no-code platform

Seeed Studio has recently released the XIAO Vision AI Camera, a compact, open-source smart ESP32-C3 AI Camera that integrates the Grove Vision AI Module V2, a XIAO ESP32C3 module, and an OV5647 5MP camera in a custom 3D-printed PLA case.

One of the key components of the camera module is the WiseEye2 HX6538 chip, which features dual-core Arm Cortex-M55 processors and an Ethos-U55 NPU for edge AI computing. It also comes with Wi-Fi connectivity, turning it into an intelligent IP camera that easily integrates with Home Assistant for closed-loop automation (e.g., object detection triggering lights or alerts). Its 5MP OV5647 camera can record 1080p@30fps video and has adjustable focus. These features make this camera useful for industrial automation, smart cities, transportation monitoring, intelligent agriculture, and mobile IoT devices.

XIAO Vision AI Camera Specifications

• Main MCU module  – XIAO ESP32C3
  • SoC – Expressif Systems ESP32-C3
    • CPU – Single-core RISC-V microcontroller @ 160 MHz
    • Memory – 400KB SRAM
    • Storage – 384KB ROM
    • Wireless Wi-Fi 4 & Bluetooth LE 5.0 connectivity
  • Storage – 4MB flash
  • USB – 1x USB Type-C port for power and firmware flashing (via CH343)
  • Antenna – External u.FL antenna
• Vision AI Processor – Grove Vision AI Module V2
  • Himax WiseEye2 HX6538 SoC
    • Arm Cortex-M55  @ 400 MHz
    • Arm Cortex-M55 @ 150 MHz
  • AI accelerator – Arm Ethos-U55 microNPU @ 400 MHz
  • Memory – Up to 2432KB SRAM
  • Storage – 64KB boot ROM
  • CSI camera connector
  • Grove interfaces: I²C, UART, SPI
  • PDM microphone
• Storage
  • 16MB flash for firmware
  • MicroSD card slot supporting DS mode up to 25 MHz(on the Grove Vision AI Module V2)
• Camera Module – OV5647
  • 5MP CMOS image sensor
  • Resolution – 2592 × 1944
  • Video output
    • 1080p @ 30 fps
    • 720p @ 60 fps
  • Field of View – 62°
  • Pixel size – 1.4 µm × 1.4 µm
  • Focal length – 3.4 mm (adjustable)
  • Aperture – f/2.8
  • CMOS size – 1/4″
• Expansion – Grove I2C connector
• Power Supply – 5V via USB Type-C ports on XIAO ESP32C3
• Dimensions – 49 x 32 x 31 mm (3D printed housing)
• Operating temperature – -20°C to +70°C

To simplify AI model development, this camera module supports no-code/low-code AI model deployment through the SenseCraft AI platform, so that users can quickly and easily train and deploy models without writing a single line of code. Users can select from a wide range of built-in models, including MobileNet V1/V2, EfficientNet-Lite, and YOLO v5/v8, or upload their datasets for training using either “Quick Training” or “Image Collection Training” methods. Once trained, the models can be deployed to the device with a single click, and inference results are visualized in real time through a web interface.

You also have the option to integrate this camera with Home Assistant for building Smart Home automation solutions. After flashing ESPHome firmware onto the XIAO ESP32C3 and deploying a model via SenseCraft AI, you can link the camera to Home Assistant. Within its automation editor, various actions, such as triggering smart devices or sending alerts, can be programmed based on detection events like object recognition or fall detection, enabling a fully local, closed-loop smart system.

While reviewing the documentation, I also noticed support for TensorFlow Lite and PyTorch, ensuring compatibility with a broader range of machine learning frameworks, and the Arduino IDE is also supported for more flexibility.

The software is completely open source, with all code, schematics, and design files available on the company’s GitHub repository. Additional documentation, like the 3D-printed foldable holder and datasheet for HX6538, is also available on the products page.

Previously, we have written about various MCU-class edge AI camera boards, including the ultra-low-power OpenMV N6 and AE3 AI camera boards, which can run on battery for years, Seeed Studio’s Modbus Vision RS485 and SenseCAP A1102 (with LoRaWAN) ESP32-based outdoor Edge AI cameras built around the Himax WiseEye2 HX6538 microcontroller, and Sipeed’s MaixCAM-Pro AI camera devkit equipped with the SOPHGO SG2002 RISC-V SoC with a 1 TOPS NPU.

At the time of writing, the XIAO Vision AI Camera is available for pre-order from the Seeed Studio’s store for $24.90, with a discount of $23.50 for 10 units or more. Shipping from the Chinese Warehouse is expected to start from June 3, 2025. It should also soon be listed on the company’s AliExpress store.

Support CNX Software! Donate via cryptocurrencies, become a Patron on Patreon, or purchase goods on Amazon or Aliexpress. We also use affiliate links in articles to earn commissions if you make a purchase after clicking on those links.