January, 2026 — M5Stack, a worldwide chief in modular IoT and embedded growth platforms, at present launched StackChan, the primary community-co-created open-source AI desktop robotic, constructed on a confirmed ESP32 platform and designed to be endlessly hackable by makers worldwide.
In contrast to closed, concept-driven AI robots, StackChan exposes its {hardware}, firmware, and interplay logic from day one — turning a playful desktop companion into an actual growth platform.
StackChan is now reside on Kickstarter with a $65 Tremendous Early Hen provide obtainable for the primary 72 hours.
From Neighborhood to the Globe: How StackChan Was Born
Earlier than its official launch by M5Stack, StackChan had already existed as a community-driven undertaking since 2021. Constructed on M5Stack normal controller, Core collection, it started as a private open-source undertaking by maker Shinya Ishikawa, sustained and formed by way of ongoing neighborhood contributions.
As extra lovers joined the undertaking, contributors like Takao, who helped popularize the DIY kits, and Robo8080, who launched AI capabilities, performed key roles in increasing StackChan past its authentic kind.
Impressed by StackChan’s expandability and artistic potential, M5Stack formally introduced the undertaking to life as its first ready-to-play but endlessly hackable desktop robotic—whereas holding its community-driven spirit on the core.
What Stays: Core Computing & Interplay Capabilities
As with the unique model, StackChan continues to use the M5Stack flagship Core Collection (CoreS3) as its most important controller. CoreS3 is powered by an ESP32-S3 SoC with a 240 MHz dual-core processor, 16 MB Flash, and eight MB PSRAM, and helps each Wi-Fi and BLE connectivity.
To allow richer interactions, the primary unit integrates a 2.0-inch capacitive contact show, a 0.3 MP digicam, a proximity sensor, a 9-axis IMU (accelerometer + gyroscope + magnetometer). It additionally features a microSD card slot, a 1W speaker, twin microphones, and energy/reset buttons. Collectively, these {hardware} parts kind a strong basis for StackChan’s audio-visual interactive experiences.
For extra technical particulars, please seek advice from the StackChan documentation: https://docs.m5stack.com/en/StackChan
What’s New: Prepared-to-Play Capabilities Powered by Superior {Hardware}
For the robotic physique, a number of developments have been made to make it simpler to get hands-on and enhance the out-of-box expertise. It options:
Energy & connectivity: A USB-C interface for each energy and knowledge, paired with a built-in 700 mAh battery.
Motion system: 2 suggestions servos supporting 360° steady rotation on the horizontal axis and 90° vertical tilt—enabling expressive actions with real-time place suggestions.
Visible suggestions: 2 rows totaling 12 RGB LEDs for expressive system and interplay suggestions.
Sensors & interplay: Infrared transmission and reception, a three-zone contact panel, and a full-featured NFC module enabling touch- and identity-based interactions.
On the software program facet, StackChan is ready-to-play for starters with no coding required. The pre-installed manufacturing facility firmware delivers:
Expressive faces and motions: Preloaded with vivid facial expressions and coordinated actions that carry persona and liveliness to StackChan.
Constructed-in AI agent: Integrates an AI agent for pure voice-based interplay and conversational experiences.
App-based distant interplay: Helps official iOS app for video calls, distant avatar management, and real-time interplay with StackChan.
Chan-to-Chan Buddies Map: Allows discovery of close by StackChan units, unlocking playful multi-device and social interplay eventualities.
Open for personalisation: Whereas beginner-friendly by default, the firmware helps additional growth by way of Arduino and UiFlow2, making it simple to create customized functions.
100% Open-Supply: Constructed to Be Personalized and Prolonged
In an period stuffed with closed, concept-driven “AI robotic” merchandise, StackChan stands out with its open-source core. From firmware and {hardware} interfaces to growth instruments, each layer is designed to be explored, modified, and prolonged by customers.
Past code, StackChan additionally encourages bodily customization. With 3D printing and artistic equipment, customers can personalize their StackChan’s look and switch it into a novel desktop companion.
Open-source repository: https://github.com/m5stack/StackChan
Enjoyable with International Neighborhood: Share, Prolong, and Evolve Collectively
Since its beginning, StackChan has grown right into a vibrant international neighborhood of makers, builders, and lovers. From sharing initiatives and supply code on-line to internet hosting meetups and anniversary occasions offline, the neighborhood continues to develop what StackChan may be.
Proudly owning a StackChan isn’t just about constructing a robotic—it’s about being a part of an open ecosystem the place concepts and creativity evolve collectively.
StackChan isn’t constructed to its finish at launch. It’s constructed to develop—by way of open expertise, inventive experimentation, and a worldwide neighborhood that continues to redefine what a desktop robotic may be.
Uncover your StackChan on Kickstarter now: https://www.kickstarter.com/initiatives/m5stack/stackchan-the-first-co-created-open-source-ai-desktop-robot?ref=d5iznw&utm_source=PR
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