NextPCB is excited to launch its latest Accelerator Campaign, centered on custom ESP32 designs. Developers, makers, and researchers can now access free PCB manufacturing and assembly for their prototypes, making hardware innovation more accessible than ever.

Looking to delve into embedded AI with ESP32-S3? Be sure to take part in NextPCB’s Accelerator campaign. Just 20 projects will be chosen for sponsorship, so act fast and showcase your ideas!

Up to $500 in Free Parts & Assembly

Learn More About the ESP32-S3 NextPCB Accelerator

While large AI models dominate the headlines, artificial intelligence is quietly revolutionizing distributed embedded systems, driven by open-source tools and expanding software support.

One family of modules that have rapidly gained attention for embedded AI applications are the ESP SoC modules from Espressif Systems, particularly Expressif’s ESP32-S3 series thanks to powerful dual-core processors, integrated AI and ML accelerators, low-power consumption, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity options, ample support and low-cost. This makes them ideal for applications in facial recognition, voice recognition and sensor function.

In addition to being fully compatible with TensorFlow Lite, Expressif also supports developers with a dedicated AI framework designed to work seamlessly with ESP SoCs, giving developers ample options and support.

To support the growing embedded AI ecosystem, NextPCB are offering innovators experimenting with this revolutionary SoC with free PCBA prototypes.

By lowering the barrier to entry for hardware prototyping, NextPCB aims to empower the visionary minds of the ESP community to fully explore solutions employing machine learning, computer vision, predictive analytics, and other cutting-edge AI solutions with ESP32-S3.

Custom ESP32 Sensor Board by Peter Dalmaris

This board by Peter Dalmaris, founder of Tech Explorations, is a great example of hardware ready to be enriched with AI and machine learning capabilities.

Compact, Sensor-Packed Board for AI Applications by Peter Dalmaris, sponsored by NextPCB

This ESP32-based board is brimming with an array of sensors, precision circuitry, and a compact design—perfect for running local inference, classification, and decision-making algorithms. Thanks to the dual-core processing power of the ESP32 and its built-in Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity, this board is designed to accelerate the next wave of smart, connected devices. Whether you’re building an intelligent home assistant or a precision agricultural monitor, this platform can handle real-time inference, classification, and decision-making right at the edge—no cloud required.

Potential Applications

Smart Home Monitoring

Use temperature and humidity sensors combined with machine learning to detect anomalies (e.g., a sudden spike in temperature) and issue real-time alerts to keep your home safe and comfortable.

Environmental Data Analysis

Collect and analyze air quality metrics on the board itself, classifying different pollution levels for real-time alerts and insights, reducing reliance on remote servers.

Activity Recognition

Use sound and light sensors and AI models to recognize human activities or patterns, enabling intelligent automation (e.g., turning off lights when rooms are unoccupied).

Predictive Maintenance

Incorporate vibration or current sensors to monitor industrial machinery, then use classification algorithms on the ESP32 to detect early signs of wear or malfunction.

Smart Security Systems

Combine sensor data (motion, light, sound) with AI to recognize suspicious patterns or detect intruders, triggering alarms or notifications without relying on the cloud.