This repository contains the code and setup instructions for integrating the Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32S3 Sense with a face recognition AI model.
The project is based on the Instructables tutorial by Limengdu and serves as a foundation for experimenting with edge AI and computer vision on the ESP32 platform.
The goal of this project is to:
- Capture images using the onboard ESP32-S3 camera.
- Perform face detection and recognition using an AI model running locally or through a connected service.
- Explore real-time inference on low-power edge devices.
This repo currently focuses on setting up the camera and running the base face recognition system. Future updates will include custom model integration and cloud sync.
- Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32S3 Sense (or compatible ESP32-S3 board)
- Camera Module (OV2640)
- USB-C cable
- MicroSD card (optional, for image logging)
- Arduino IDE (latest version)
- ESP32 board package installed
- Libraries used:
esp_camera.hWiFi.h- (optional)
FS.h/SD_MMC.hif saving to SD card
-
Install ESP32 Support in Arduino IDE
- Go to File → Preferences and add this URL to Additional Board Manager URLs:
https://dl.espressif.com/dl/package_esp32_index.json - Then go to Tools → Board → Boards Manager and search for ESP32.
- Go to File → Preferences and add this URL to Additional Board Manager URLs:
-
Select Your Board
- Choose:
Seeed XIAO ESP32S3(or equivalent). - Set proper COM port and Upload Speed (usually 921600).
- Choose:
-
Configure the Camera Pins
- Pin definitions are included in
board_config.h(based on the Instructables setup).
- Pin definitions are included in
-
Upload the Code
- Open the
.inosketch and update your Wi-Fi credentials:const char* ssid = "YOUR_WIFI_SSID"; const char* password = "YOUR_WIFI_PASSWORD";
- Compile and upload the sketch to your board.
- Open the
-
Access the Web Server
- After upload, open the Serial Monitor at
115200 baud. - Note the IP address printed in the terminal.
- Visit that IP address in your browser to see the live camera feed and face recognition interface.
- After upload, open the Serial Monitor at