Tobor robotics platform with pen plotter toolhead

Tobor open-source, modular robotic arm features two ESP32 modules (Crowdfunding)

Tobor (robot spelled in reverse) is a modular and open-source robotic arm platform powered by the ESP32-WROVER-I and ESP32-WROOM-32 (FluidNC CNC Controller core) modules. It is described as a “fully-featured robotic system that can fit on your desktop and is capable of helping you automate your workflow.” Tobor is billed as a customizable assistant for complex tasks such as assembly line help, CNC design, and rapid prototyping. The Tobor ecosystem includes several open-source components, including robotic arms, motion platforms, sensors, and actuators, that can be combined to create a unique system for “almost any desktop automation.” The Tobor Robot Arm supports multiple toolhead options such as the pen plotter toolhead, z-stage toolhead with 4th axis and suction cup, and the pick and place expansion pack. We have seen other open-source robotic platforms such as the SO-ARM100 AI robotic arm kit, CYOBot v2, and MIKRIK V2 Robot Car. Tobor Robot Arm […]

SmartPrintCoreH7x Open Source 3D Printer Mainboard

STM32H7-powered open-source hardware 3D printer mainboard supports up to 6 stepper drivers

Designed by Boltz R&D, the SmartPrintCoreH7x 3D printer mainboard is an open-source mainboard built around an STM32H7 microcontroller and designed to work with 3D printers from Creality, Anet, and Voron. It supports up to 6 stepper drivers (5 standard drivers plus 1 dedicated driver) and can be expanded further using the “SmartPrintCore Extravaganza” module for additional stepper drivers. Key features of this motherboard include a jumper-less setup, automatic power source switching, and support for both 12V and 24V power supplies. It uses high-efficiency TI buck converters to provide power for multiple fan and servo ports, and there is a dedicated power supply for peripherals, SBCs, and Wi-Fi modules. The board is equipped with a variety of connectors, including Molex, Ultra-Fit, Mini-Lock, and JST-GH for power, motors, and peripherals. SmartPrintCoreH7x specifications: MCU – STMicro STM32H723 Arm Cortex-M7 32-bit core @ 550 MHz with 1MB Flash, 564 KB RAM, FPU, DSP, Ethernet, USB […]

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HackCable ESP32 and RP2040 Keystroke Injection

HackCable is a wireless-enabled, USB-C keystroke injection cable powered by ESP32 or RP2040 (Crowdfunding)

HackCable is a wireless-enabled USB-C keystroke injection cable described as the “ultimate tool for cybersecurity enthusiasts and ethical hackers.” powered by the ESP32-S3 or the Raspberry Pi RP2040. The ESP32-S3 version is described as the Wi-Fi Version and offers a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, remote operation, and master-slave configuration for multiple cables. The Normal Version is a cheaper variant powered by the Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller and built for focused, offline tasks where wireless control isn’t needed. The HackCable promises hardware keylogging, remote control, and master-slave synchronization for multiple cables. We have covered other USB penetration testing tools like the Diabolic Drive and Pendrive S3, but those were USB dongles while the HackCable looks like a standard USB Type-A to USB Type-C cable. There is very little information about the product, other than the microcontrollers that power it. It is likely running SuperWiFiDuck or some other USB rubber ducky program. It […]

BANDIT RP2350 computer

BANDIT PC32 standalone ColorForth keyboard computer is powered by the Raspberry Pi RP2350 microcontroller

BANDIT PC32 is a Raspberry Pi RP2350-powered keyboard computer that runs a graphically-oriented version of the ColorForth programming environment. The BANDIT PC32 is primarily aimed at on-the-go use for programming video games. The custom, 32-key split keyboard takes up most of the build, with a 3.2-inch 320 x 240 capacitive display in the center. It also features an HDMI port for connecting a larger external display. The 48-pin GPIO is divided into two female headers and can be used to interface with other devices directly. This is the second version of the Bandit standalone computer, building on an early prototype based on the RP2040 microcontroller. We have seen several interesting RP2350-based products like the Inky Frame 7.3”, 4D Systems display modules, and Jumperless V5 programmable breadboard. However, this is the first RP2350 standalone computer we have come across. It shares some similarities with the ESP32 Rainbow. BANDIT PC32 ColorForth specifications: […]

60 GHz Radar Module Presence Detection

Home Assistant-compatible 60GHz mmWave radar sensor features a built-in IR blaster (Crowdfunding)

The eMotion Ultra is a Home Assistant-compatible 60GHz mmWave radar presence sensor with a built-in IR blaster with a 15-meter range, a brightness sensor, and a temperature/humidity sensor. It is powered by an Armv8-M KM4 microcontroller with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and is targeted at simplifying complex smart home setups. The eMotion Ultra 60GHz mmWave radar presence sensor module is reported to be able to “cover up to 40 square meters (430 square feet) using just one device.” It can be configured for up to 4 zones with personalized automations for each zone. The exact Armv8-M KM4 module used isn’t named but is likely based on a Realtek RTL8720CM wireless SoC or other Realtek Ameba microcontroller. Potential applications include security management, lighting automation, home climate control, energy management, and rental property management. We have seen similar presence sensors such as the RoomSense IQ, Seeed Studio’s mmWave fall detection kit, SONOFF SNZB-06P, […]

SeeedStudio XIAO Plus Series

Seeed Studio XIAO Plus series adds more GPIOs through castellated holes

In response to community feedback for more I/O options, Seeed Studio has recently launched the Seeed Studio XIAO Plus series with 23 castellated mounting pins (20 GPIOs, 3 power pins) and improved back solder points, improving compatibility with carrier boards for complex projects. The new series includes the XIAO ESP32S3 Plus, XIAO nRF52840 Plus, and XIAO nRF52840 Sense Plus which are direct upgrades of the XIAO ESP32S3, XIAO nRF52840 BLE, and XIAO nRF52840 Sense boards. The new design allows for easier assembly and scalable production, with double the I/O options. XIAO ESP32S3 Plus The Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32S3 Plus is a compact development board with a total of 23 pins on the board out of which 11 are through-hole GPIO pins 9 additional SMD castellations GPIO pins and 3 through-hole are power pins. The board is built around an ESP32-S3 MCU so it has 2.4GHz WiFi and BLE 5.0 connectivity. Other […]

Rockchip RK3568, RK3588 and Intel x86 SBCs and SoMs in 2025
Tactility devices with logo

Tactility “operating system” for the ESP32 microcontroller family supports built-in and external applications

Tactility is an operating system that runs on the ESP32 microcontroller series. Created by Dutch software developer, Ken Van Hoeylandt (also known as ByteWelder), Tactility is a project one year in the making inspired by the Flipper Zero and its application platform. The ESP32 operating system can run built-in apps and helper services from flash storage as well as external applications from an SD card. It leverages the Espressif ELF(Executable and Linkable Format) loader to load ELF files from external storage to the executable memory area. Tactility is built to run on any ESP32-based device with a touchscreen since drivers (display, touch, and SD card) can be implemented for any hardware. ESP32-S3 devices are “the best option” due to their performance and larger memory. The LILYGO T-Deck series is highly recommended for its onboard keyboard and sizable display. Preset configurations are available for the LILYGO T-Deck Plus, LILYGO T-Deck, M5Stack […]

WisMesh TAP

WisMesh TAP is a battery-powered Meshtastic client with a touchcreen display housed in an IP65-rated enclosure

RAKwireless’ WisMesh TAP is a battery-powered Meshtastic client with an integrated TFT touchscreen display and an IP65-rated enclosure making it suitable for outdoor use. The device supports 800 and 900 MHz Meshtastic networks and includes a GNSS module and motion sensor to provide location information through the network, besides offering off-grid messaging without a smartphone thanks to an on-screen keyboard. WisMesh TAP specifications: Core module (likely RAK4631 WisBlock Core module?) Wireless SoC – Nordic Semi nRF52840 MCU with BLE 5.0 LoRa transceiver – Semtech SX126x series with support for Meshtastic 8xx and 9xx MHz networks 800 MHz – RU864/ IN865/ EU868 900 MHz – US915/ AU915/ KR920/ AS923 Display – 320×240 TFT touchscreen display with on-screen keyboard GNSS – RAK12500 module with u-blox ZOE-M8Q GNSS location module Sensor – RAK1904 module with STMicroelectronics LIS3DH 3-axis acceleration sensor Misc Power Button 2dBi external antenna for LoRa Internal antennas for BLE and […]

Boardcon MINI1126B-P AI vision system-on-module wit Rockchip RV1126B-P SoC