M5Stack Stack-chan AI Desktop Robot ESP32-S3

The M5Stack Stack-chan is a compact AI desktop robot developed in collaboration between M5Stack and the open-source community. The main controller is the CoreS3 development board featuring an ESP32-S3 SoC with a dual-core Xtensa LX7 processor running at 240 MHz, 16 MB of flash memory, and 8 MB of PSRAM. The main unit integrates a 2.0-inch IPS capacitive touch display with a resolution of 320 × 240 pixels, a 0.3-MP camera, a proximity and ambient light sensor, and a nine-axis IMU consisting of an accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer. The robot body connects via USB-C and includes a 550-mAh battery, two feedback servos with 360-degree continuous rotation on the horizontal axis and 90-degree movement on the vertical axis, as well as twelve RGB LEDs arranged in two rows. Additionally, it features an infrared transmitter and receiver, a three-zone touch panel on top, and a full NFC module (ST25R3916). Communication is enabled via 2.4-GHz Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n) and Bluetooth 5 LE. The pre-installed firmware includes an AI agent, expressive animations, ESP-NOW remote control, and online app downloads with OTA update support. A mobile app allows users to retrieve camera images and remotely control the avatar. Programming is possible via Arduino IDE, UiFlow2, PlatformIO, and ESP-IDF, with numerous expansions from the M5Stack ecosystem accessible through three Grove interfaces and a microSD card slot. Thanks to its open design and active community, the Stack-chan serves as both an interactive desktop companion and a platform for custom AI and IoT projects.

Recommended Accessories

Features

ESP32-S3 dual-core processor at 240 MHz with 16 MB flash and 8 MB PSRAM forms the powerful foundation of the robot.
Two feedback servos enable 360-degree continuous rotation horizontally and 90-degree tilt vertically.
The 2.0-inch IPS capacitive touch display shows animations and facial expressions in 65,536 colors.
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5 LE, infrared, and NFC provide versatile wireless communication options.
The open firmware supports AI agents, OTA updates, and ESP-NOW remote control.
Programmable via Arduino IDE, UiFlow2, PlatformIO, and ESP-IDF for maximum flexibility.

Use Cases

Interactive AI desktop companion for voice-based questions and answers.
Learning platform for robotics, IoT, and embedded programming with the ESP32-S3.
Voice-controlled smart home controller in combination with additional M5Stack units.
Remote-controlled robot avatar via mobile app with camera image transmission.
Experimental platform for custom AI agents and NFC-based applications.