FireBeetle 2 ESP32-S3 IoT Microcontroller with Camera

The FireBeetle is a line of prime IoT microcontrollers for Makers to tinker and create your own IoT projects. Communications have always been an important part of human society, and cameras are used more than ever in video conferences and security systems. Many creatives Makers have become interested in the use of AI integration for image recognition and other fun applications. This FireBeetle 2 ESP32-S3 is specially designed with the OV2640 camera onboard for smart home devices that intelligently identify and react to what they’re seeing.

The FireBeetle is an Internet of Things MCU developed by DFRobot to offer Bluetooth and WiFi at an ultra-low power consumption of around 80mA on average. The FireBeetle 2 is built around the Dual-Core ESP32-S3-WROOM-1-N16R8 module and especially includes an onboard camera, which opens up endless possibilities. The camera offers 2MP and up to 1600x1200 resolution, granting a clear image on any added display. The powerful ESP32-S3 chip is fantastic for AI Acceleration, supporting a new direction to take your next IoT project. The applications for the FireBeetle 2 range from capturing image recognition and complex AIoT-related projects using its WiFi and Bluetooth dual-communications.

Similar to the original FireBeetle, the FireBeetle 2 ESP32-S3 features ample storage space and user-friendly features for every scenario. It integrates a Dual-Core ESP32-S3-WROOM module with dual-communications methods, 512KB of SRAM, 16Mb of Flash memory, as well as support for Arduino IDE, ESP-IDF, and MicroPython. The board can also be powered via Li-Ion Battery or USB-C as well, allowing the board to be portable or be placed with a permanent power source. This can then be complemented with solar power, as the ultra-low consumption enables it to use very low incoming power from Solar Panels, while charging the battery with the excess power for extended life once the sun goes down. And finally, as an extra benefit, these low-power modules work really well in conjunction with Solar Panels and Solar Management Modules that stock, and enable you to free your projects from the power-grid and give them portability like never before.

Please Note: This board is not designed to be beginner-friendly, and is targeted more towards experienced Makers who want more capabilities than what Arduino Boards typically offer. As such, the FireBeetle 2 ESP32-S3 MCU may require some extra learning to get working just right, but this is a small price to pay for the amazing features that these boards offer.

Additional Resources:

• The DFRobot Official Wiki Page for this product, with board layout, schematics and specifications.
• The DFRobot Official Blog features a Comparison between the FireBeetle models for you to make an informed decision for which is best for your next IoT project.

As self-proclaimed “Robo-holics”, DFRobot is a company comprised of over 100 staff members, of which 30% are engineers who love to build robots. It was started in 2008 with the goal of embracing and promoting open-source hardware, with a core focus on Arduino, Raspberry Pi and their very own LattePanda development boards. Since then, DFRobot have manufactured over 1300 unique modules, sensors and components that all work together and complement each other, allowing users like us to enjoy a full spectrum of cutting edge robotics and electronics without having to pay premium prices.

With the primary goal of developing and manufacturing great quality products, while making them accessible to as many people as possible, DFRobot are rapidly becoming one of the most common-place brands in the world of open-source robotics and electronics. With more than 1300 products developed in-house, and an impressive range of different categories and specialisations, there are few brands in the world who can compete in terms of quality, accessibility and genuine innovation.