MicroAssistant

ESP32-S3-WROOM-1
Xtensa® 32-bit LX7
Dual-core @ 240 MHz

MICROASSISTANT SERVER v1.0

About the Project

A Paradigm Shift in
Home Automation

MicroAssistant represents a fundamental rethinking of what a smart home system can be. Rather than relying on cloud services, expensive hub hardware, or dedicated computers, MicroAssistant runs its entire server stack on an ESP32 S3 microcontroller — a chip smaller than a postage stamp, yet powerful enough to coordinate your entire home.

This groundbreaking approach eliminates cloud service fees, dramatically reduces infrastructure costs, and results in exceptionally low maintenance and operational expenses. By keeping all processing local, MicroAssistant enhances privacy and data security, addressing the most common concerns associated with cloud-based smart home systems. Your data never leaves your home.

The platform's sophisticated automation engine allows for the creation of complex, multi-conditional scenarios, enabling users to orchestrate intricate interactions between devices, environmental sensors, weather data, and time-based triggers. From simple light scheduling to advanced climate control algorithms — the possibilities are virtually unlimited.

ESP32-S3 Zigbee ESPHome ESPNOW Mesh Local-First RSA-256 Low-Power Open DIY

Core Features

Everything You Need.
Nothing You Don't.

MicroAssistant ships as a complete all-in-one solution. Install the software, add your devices, and you're running a fully functional smart home — no additional servers, no cloud accounts, no monthly fees.

RSA-256 Encrypted Mesh

Every packet transmitted across the proprietary ESPNOW mesh network is secured with RSA-256 encryption. Your smart home communications are protected against eavesdropping, replay attacks, and unauthorized access — delivering enterprise-grade security at the embedded level.

1 KM+ Mesh Network

The proprietary mesh network built on the ESPNOW protocol supports over 100 connected devices with a combined network range exceeding one kilometer. Each node extends coverage by approximately 20 meters, creating a self-healing, scalable wireless backbone that outperforms traditional Wi-Fi systems.

Ultra-Low Power

Running on an ESP32 S3 microcontroller, MicroAssistant consumes an average of just 1-2 watts — roughly 100x less than a typical home server. This translates to annual energy costs measured in cents, not dollars, while maintaining high performance and instant responsiveness across all operations.

Customizable Dashboard

Build personalized dashboards featuring switches, sensor readings, charts, and status indicators. Design a unique control panel for each room or create custom views tailored to specific scenarios. The drag-and-drop interface makes it intuitive for beginners while offering deep customization for power users.

Advanced Automations

Create sophisticated automation rules triggered by time schedules, sensor data, device states, weather conditions, sun position, or any combination of conditions. Multi-step workflows with conditional logic, delays, and parallel execution give you virtually unlimited control over how your home responds to the world around it.

Zigbee & ESPHome Support

Native integration with both Zigbee and ESPHome protocols means compatibility with thousands of commercially available smart home products. This dual-protocol support ensures you're never locked into a single brand ecosystem and can freely mix devices from different manufacturers.

Embedded Database

An integrated, self-cleaning database stores historical sensor data, enabling advanced charting and analytics over extended time periods. Monitor temperature trends, energy usage patterns, and environmental changes — all without worrying about storage limitations or database maintenance.

Weather & Sun Integration

Connect to weather and solar position APIs to incorporate real-time environmental data into your automations. Automatically adjust blinds based on sun angle, activate irrigation when rain probability drops, or trigger heating systems based on incoming cold fronts.

Built-in REST API

A comprehensive REST API enables external applications and services to read device states and send control commands. Integrate MicroAssistant with custom scripts, third-party dashboards, voice assistants, or any HTTP-capable platform to extend your smart home's capabilities.

MicroAssistant Dashboard — Living Room

Temperature — Last 24h

Energy Usage — Last 7 Days

Live Automations

Active Automation Rules

Below is a sample of the kinds of automation rules you can create — from simple schedules to complex multi-condition workflows.

Morning Wake-Up

TIME: 06:30

→ Lights 30%, Blinds Open, Coffee ON

Climate Control

TEMP > 25°C

→ AC ON, Fan Speed 2, Blinds Close

Sunset Routine

SUN: SUNSET

→ Outdoor Lights ON, Garden OFF

Rain Protection

WEATHER: RAIN > 70%

→ Close Windows, Retract Awning

Night Security

TIME: 23:00

→ Lock Doors, Alarm ARM, Lights OFF

Humidity Guard

HUMID > 65%

→ Dehumidifier ON, Vent Open

Communication Protocols

Three Protocols.
One Unified System.

MicroAssistant natively supports three distinct communication protocols, each serving a specific purpose — giving you the flexibility to choose the right technology for every device and scenario in your smart home.

Proprietary

ESPNOW Mesh

MicroAssistant's proprietary mesh protocol built on Espressif's ESPNOW technology. This is the backbone of the system — enabling direct device-to-device communication without Wi-Fi dependency. Each node relays messages to extend range across your entire property.

Perfect for DIY sensors, custom actuators, and any scenario where you need reliable, encrypted communication beyond Wi-Fi range. The protocol supports over 100 devices with automatic route discovery and self-healing topology.

Range~20m/node, 1km+ total

Max Devices100+

EncryptionRSA-256

TopologyMesh (self-healing)

DIY SupportFull

Standard

Zigbee 3.0

Full Zigbee coordinator support enables compatibility with thousands of commercially available smart home products from brands like Aqara, IKEA TRÅDFRI, Philips Hue, Sonoff, and many others. Simply pair your Zigbee device and it appears in your dashboard.

Zigbee's low-power mesh networking complements the ESPNOW mesh, giving you access to a vast ecosystem of off-the-shelf sensors, switches, bulbs, plugs, and actuators without any soldering or programming required.

Range10-30m (mesh)

Frequency2.4 GHz

BrandsAqara, IKEA, Sonoff+

PairingAuto-discovery

DIY SupportVia Zigbee modules

Integration

ESPHome

Native ESPHome integration means you can connect any device running ESPHome firmware directly to MicroAssistant. This opens up a massive library of community-built device configurations and sensor definitions, from simple temperature probes to complex climate controllers.

For advanced DIY users, ESPHome provides a YAML-based configuration language that makes building custom sensor nodes and actuators accessible without deep embedded programming knowledge. Devices auto-discover on your network.

ConnectionWi-Fi / Native API

ConfigYAML-based

DiscoverymDNS / Auto

OTA UpdatesSupported

Community1000+ configs

Aqara Temperature Sensor

IKEA TRÅDFRI Bulb

Sonoff SNZB-02

Philips Hue Motion

Tuya Smart Plug

ESP32 Custom Relay

BME280 Sensor Node

Xiaomi Door Sensor

Sonoff Zigbee Bridge

ESPHome Climate Ctrl

Aqara Water Leak

Custom PIR Sensor

IKEA FYRTUR Blinds

Soil Moisture ESP32

Aqara Temperature Sensor

IKEA TRÅDFRI Bulb

Sonoff SNZB-02

Philips Hue Motion

Tuya Smart Plug

ESP32 Custom Relay

BME280 Sensor Node

Xiaomi Door Sensor

Sonoff Zigbee Bridge

ESPHome Climate Ctrl

Aqara Water Leak

Custom PIR Sensor

IKEA FYRTUR Blinds

Soil Moisture ESP32

Technical Specifications

Built on Proven Hardware

MicroAssistant leverages the ESP32-S3's dual-core Xtensa LX7 processor to deliver remarkable performance from a device that fits in the palm of your hand.

240 MHz Dual-Core Xtensa® 32-bit LX7 processor with ample headroom for complex automation logic

1-2 Watts Power Average power consumption 100x lower than traditional home servers

100+ Devices Maximum number of connected devices across the mesh network

1 KM Mesh Range Combined network reach with approximately 20m per node

How MicroAssistant Compares

See how MicroAssistant stacks up against popular smart home platforms across key criteria that matter most to homeowners and enthusiasts alike.

Criteria	MicroAssistant	Home Assistant	SmartThings	Apple HomeKit
Cloud Required	✕ Fully Local	Optional	Required	Required
Power Consumption	1-2W	15-65W	5-10W	N/A (Hub)
Monthly Subscription	$0 (one-time license)	$0 (opt. cloud)	Free / Premium	$0
Mesh Networking	ESPNOW 1KM+	Via Zigbee/Z-Wave	Zigbee/Z-Wave	Thread
DIY Friendly	✓ Full Support	✓ Extensive	Limited	Very Limited
Dedicated Hardware	ESP32 S3 ($8 DIY / $49.99 ready)	RPi / PC ($35-500+)	Hub ($50-130)	HomePod ($99+)
Encryption	RSA-256	TLS/SSL	AES-128	End-to-End
Embedded Database	✓ Built-in	✓ MariaDB/SQLite	✕	✕

Proprietary Protocol

ESPNOW Mesh Network

A self-healing, encrypted mesh network that extends far beyond the reach of traditional Wi-Fi — connecting over 100 devices across distances exceeding one kilometer without any additional infrastructure.

ESPNOW MESH TOPOLOGY // REAL-TIME

RANGE: 1KM+ // NODES: 100+

How It Works

The ESPNOW mesh protocol enables direct device-to-device communication without requiring a central Wi-Fi access point. Each MicroAssistant node acts as both a sensor/actuator and a network relay, forwarding messages across the mesh to reach devices far beyond the range of a single node.

With an individual node range of approximately 20 meters indoors, a network of 50+ devices can easily span an entire property — including outdoor areas, garages, outbuildings, and multi-story structures. The mesh topology automatically routes around obstacles and failed nodes, ensuring consistent connectivity.

Direct peer-to-peer device communication
Automatic route discovery and self-healing
No Wi-Fi router dependency for mesh traffic
RSA-256 encrypted at every hop

DIY Compatible

The mesh network is designed with makers and DIY enthusiasts in mind. Upload the MicroAssistant device firmware to any compatible ESP32 microcontroller, connect your sensors, relays, or actuators, and configure everything through the friendly web interface — no programming expertise required.

Whether you're adding a custom soil moisture sensor to your garden, building a motorized curtain controller, or creating a multi-zone irrigation system, the mesh network seamlessly integrates your creation into the broader MicroAssistant ecosystem.

Flash firmware via USB or OTA
Web-based device configuration
Support for any ESP32-compatible sensor
Full integration with automations and dashboard

Security & Privacy

Your Data Never
Leaves Your Home.

MicroAssistant was designed from the ground up with a local-first philosophy. Every byte of data — sensor readings, automation logs, device states — is processed and stored on the ESP32 microcontroller inside your home. No cloud servers. No third-party data sharing. No telemetry.

RSA-256 Mesh Encryption

Every single packet transmitted across the ESPNOW mesh network is encrypted using RSA-256 asymmetric cryptography. This prevents eavesdropping, man-in-the-middle attacks, and unauthorized device injection — ensuring that only authenticated devices can participate in your mesh network.

100% Local Processing

Unlike cloud-dependent systems, MicroAssistant processes all data locally on the ESP32 S3. Your automation rules execute on the device, your sensor history is stored on the device, and your dashboard is served from the device. Internet connectivity is completely optional.

No Cloud Dependencies

MicroAssistant operates independently of any external services. If your internet goes down, your smart home continues to function flawlessly. There are no mandatory cloud accounts, no usage tracking, no anonymous analytics — your smart home is truly yours.

Secure Device Pairing

New devices join the mesh network through a secure pairing process that requires physical proximity and authentication. Once paired, each device receives unique encryption keys, preventing rogue devices from intercepting or manipulating network traffic.

Isolated Network Option

MicroAssistant can operate in AP Mode, creating its own wireless network completely isolated from the internet. This is ideal for high-security environments or locations without Wi-Fi infrastructure — your entire smart home runs on an air-gapped private network.

RSA-256Encryption Standard

0Cloud Dependencies

100%Local Processing

0Data Shared Externally

Ecosystem

Two Components.
Infinite Possibilities.

The MicroAssistant ecosystem is built around two complementary software packages, each designed to excel at its specific role while working seamlessly together.

Server Software

The heart of your smart home. The server software runs on the ESP32 S3 and manages every aspect of your automation system — from device discovery and communication to automation execution and data storage.

It hosts a full web server that serves the customizable dashboard, processes automation rules in real-time, coordinates the ESPNOW mesh network, manages Zigbee and ESPHome device integrations, and maintains the embedded historical database. All of this runs on just 1-2 watts of power.

Full web server with responsive dashboard
Real-time automation engine
ESPNOW mesh network coordinator
Zigbee & ESPHome protocol bridges
Embedded time-series database
REST API for third-party integrations

Device Software

The device firmware transforms any compatible ESP32 microcontroller into a smart MicroAssistant node. Each device running this software can host sensors, relays, or other peripherals while simultaneously participating in the mesh network as a relay node.

Configuration is handled entirely through the web interface — no code changes needed. Simply flash the firmware, connect your hardware, and use the intuitive configuration panel to define sensor types, relay behaviors, reporting intervals, and mesh network parameters.

One firmware for all device types
Web-based configuration — no coding
Automatic mesh network joining
Support for digital/analog sensors
Relay and PWM output control
Over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates

Real-World Scenarios

Built for Every
Smart Home Dream.

Whether you're a first-time home automator or a seasoned IoT engineer, MicroAssistant adapts to your needs. Here are just a few ways our users are putting the platform to work.

Whole-Home Climate Control

Deploy temperature and humidity sensors in every room, then create zone-based automations that adjust heating, cooling, and ventilation based on real-time readings, time of day, and occupancy. Integrate weather API data to pre-cool your home before a heatwave hits or pre-heat before a cold front arrives.

Users report energy savings of 15-25% compared to traditional thermostat setups, thanks to MicroAssistant's room-by-room granularity and predictive scheduling capabilities.

BME280 Sensors Zigbee TRVs Smart AC Units Weather API

Intelligent Lighting

Combine Zigbee bulbs, smart switches, and light sensors to build a lighting system that adapts to natural daylight, time of day, and room activity. Automate sunrise simulations, sunset dimming routines, and motion-activated hallway lighting — all running locally with sub-50ms response times.

The sun position integration allows blinds to track the sun's angle throughout the day, automatically maximizing natural light while preventing glare on screens and overheating south-facing rooms.

IKEA Bulbs Aqara Motion Sun API Smart Blinds

Garden & Irrigation

Build custom soil moisture sensors using ESP32 nodes and the ESPNOW mesh to monitor garden beds, planters, and lawn zones. Create automations that trigger irrigation only when soil moisture drops below a threshold and the weather forecast shows no rain in the next 24 hours.

The 1km+ mesh range makes MicroAssistant ideal for properties with large outdoor areas, greenhouses, and detached garden structures that would be impossible to reach with Wi-Fi alone.

Soil Moisture ESP32 Relay Module Weather API Flow Sensor

Home Security & Monitoring

Deploy door/window sensors, PIR motion detectors, and water leak sensors throughout your home. Configure multi-layered security automations — arm the system at night, send alerts on unexpected motion, auto-lock doors at bedtime, and activate deterrent lighting when perimeter sensors trigger.

Because everything runs locally, your security system continues to function even during internet outages — a critical advantage over cloud-dependent security platforms.

Aqara Door Sensor PIR Sensor Smart Lock Zigbee Siren

Environmental Monitoring

Track air quality (CO2, VOC, particulate matter), temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, and light levels across your entire home. The embedded database stores months of historical data, allowing you to visualize trends and correlate environmental conditions with comfort and health.

Use the built-in charting to identify patterns — like how humidity spikes in the bathroom affect neighboring rooms, or how opening a window improves CO2 levels throughout the day.

CCS811 VOC SDS011 PM BME680 BH1750 Lux

Energy Management

Monitor power consumption with smart plugs and current sensors, then automate load shedding during peak hours or when total consumption exceeds a threshold. Track which appliances consume the most energy and create schedules that shift high-draw tasks to off-peak electricity periods.

The historical database and charting make it easy to visualize consumption patterns over weeks and months, helping you make informed decisions about energy usage and identify wasteful appliances.

Smart Plugs CT Clamp Sensor ESP32 Relay Dashboard Charts

Getting Started

Up and Running in Minutes

MicroAssistant is designed as an all-in-one solution — immediately after software installation, you have a fully functional smart home system. Here's how to get started.

Flash the Server

Download the MicroAssistant server firmware and flash it to your ESP32 S3 microcontroller using a USB cable. The process takes less than a minute with our provided tool.

Connect to Wi-Fi

On first boot, MicroAssistant creates a configuration hotspot. Connect to it, enter your Wi-Fi credentials, and the server will join your local network and become accessible from any browser.

Add Your Devices

Use the web dashboard to add mesh devices, pair Zigbee products, connect ESPHome nodes, and integrate weather or sun position APIs. Each device type has its own guided setup flow.

Build & Automate

Design your custom dashboard, create automation rules, and configure alerts. Your fully local, encrypted, ultra-low-power smart home is now operational — no cloud required.

microassistant-server — boot sequence

// MicroAssistant Server v1.0 — Boot Sequence
▸ Initializing ESP32-S3 dual-core @ 240MHz... OK
▸ Loading configuration from NVS... OK
▸ Mounting embedded filesystem... OK [4MB]
▸ Starting ESPNOW mesh coordinator... OK [ch:6, enc:RSA256]
▸ Initializing Zigbee bridge... OK [coordinator mode]
▸ Loading automation engine... OK [24 rules loaded]
▸ Starting embedded database... OK [1,247 records]
▸ Starting HTTP server on port 80... OK
▸ Starting REST API on /api/v1... OK
▸ Discovering mesh devices... OK [17 devices found]
▸ Fetching weather data... OK [22°C, Clear]

✓ MicroAssistant is ready. Dashboard: http://192.168.1.100
Power: 1.2W | Uptime: 47d 12h | Heap: 142KB free | Mesh: 17/100 nodes

Step-by-Step Walkthrough

First Setup — Detailed Guide

Follow these detailed steps to get your MicroAssistant server up and running from the very first power-on.

Step 01

Connect to MicroAssistant Access Point

After flashing the firmware and powering on the ESP32 S3 for the first time, MicroAssistant creates its own Wi-Fi access point. Using your phone or laptop, connect to this access point. The access point will appear as "MicroAssistant" in your available networks list.

Default password: "12345678"

Step 02

Choose Operating Mode

Once connected to the device's access point, open a web browser and navigate to the configuration page. You will be presented with two operating modes to choose from — each suited to a different deployment scenario.

Navigate to: 192.168.4.1

Step 03 — Option A

STA Mode: Join Your Local Network

Select STA Mode to connect MicroAssistant to your existing home Wi-Fi network. The device will scan for nearby networks and present a list. Choose your preferred network, enter your credentials in the popup dialog, and click Connect. This mode allows you to access MicroAssistant from any device on your local network.

Best for: Most home setups with existing Wi-Fi

Step 03 — Option B

AP Mode: Create a Private Network

Select AP Mode to have MicroAssistant create and maintain its own wireless network. This mode is ideal for isolated installations, locations without existing Wi-Fi, or high-security environments where you want your smart home to operate on a completely separate air-gapped network.

Best for: No Wi-Fi locations, security-critical setups

Step 04

Note Your IP Address & Reboot

Upon successful connection, a popup will display your MicroAssistant server's IP address. Write this address down — you'll need it to access the dashboard. Click OK, then reboot the device either through the Reboot option in the interface or by manually power-cycling the ESP32.

Example: http://192.168.1.100

Step 05

Access the Dashboard & Start Building

Open a browser on any device connected to the same network and enter the saved IP address. You'll be greeted by the MicroAssistant dashboard — your command center for adding devices, creating automations, building custom dashboards, and monitoring your entire smart home ecosystem.

Your smart home is now operational!

Cost Comparison

The Most Affordable
Smart Home Platform.

MicroAssistant eliminates the two biggest cost drivers in home automation: expensive hub hardware and ongoing cloud service subscriptions. With a one-time license from $29.99 and zero monthly fees, here's how the total cost of ownership compares over a 3-year period.

Traditional Hub

$250+

3-year total cost of ownership

→ Hub hardware: $50-130
→ Premium subscription: $5-10/mo
→ Cloud storage fees: variable
→ Power consumption: 5-10W (24/7)
→ Vendor lock-in risk
✕ Limited DIY extensibility
✕ Cloud outage vulnerability

$29.99

one-time payment · lifetime license

✓ Software License: $29.99 (one-time)
✓ Or PCB + License: $49.99 (all-in-one)
✓ Lifetime updates & support included
✓ Cloud fees: $0 (fully local)
✓ Power: 1-2W (~$0.50/year)
✓ Zero vendor lock-in
✓ Works offline permanently

Get Started

Server-Based

$150+

3-year total cost of ownership

→ Raspberry Pi / PC: $35-500+
→ SD Card / SSD: $10-50
→ Power supply: $10-20
→ Power: 15-65W (24/7)
→ Maintenance overhead
→ SD card corruption risk
✕ Complex initial setup

$0.50 Annual Energy Cost

8.76 kWh Per Year

97% Less Than RPi Server

0 Recurring Fees

Frequently Asked Questions

Got Questions?
We Have Answers.

You have two options: (1) Software License ($29.99) — buy your own ESP32 S3 board (~$8) and flash the MicroAssistant firmware yourself. Includes lifetime updates, OTA support, and up to 3 device activations. (2) Pre-Programmed PCB Board ($49.99) — get a ready-to-use board with firmware pre-installed and lifetime license included. Just plug in and start automating. Both options include free shipping for hardware and full access to all features, dashboard, automation engine, mesh network, and email support.

No. MicroAssistant operates 100% locally. All data processing, automation execution, and device communication happen on the ESP32 S3 inside your home. Internet is only needed if you choose to enable optional features like weather API integration or sun position tracking. Your smart home continues to function fully during internet outages.

The ESPNOW mesh network supports over 100 connected devices, with a combined range exceeding one kilometer. Additionally, you can connect Zigbee and ESPHome devices on top of the mesh network. The actual limit depends on the complexity of your automations and the amount of sensor data being logged.

Absolutely. MicroAssistant is designed as an all-in-one solution — immediately after installing the firmware, you have a fully functional smart home system with a web-based dashboard. Adding commercially available Zigbee devices is as simple as putting them into pairing mode. For advanced users and DIY enthusiasts, the platform offers deep customization through the mesh network, ESPHome integration, and REST API.

STA Mode connects MicroAssistant to your existing Wi-Fi network, making it accessible from any device on your local network — this is the recommended mode for most users. AP Mode makes MicroAssistant create its own private wireless network, which is ideal for locations without Wi-Fi infrastructure or for security-sensitive installations requiring an air-gapped network.

While both are mesh protocols, they serve different purposes. ESPNOW is MicroAssistant's proprietary backbone — it connects ESP32-based devices with RSA-256 encryption and doesn't require Wi-Fi infrastructure. Zigbee, on the other hand, connects commercial off-the-shelf smart home products. MicroAssistant supports both simultaneously, giving you the flexibility of DIY hardware with the convenience of store-bought devices.

Yes! This is one of MicroAssistant's core strengths. Flash the MicroAssistant device firmware onto any ESP32 microcontroller, connect your sensors (temperature, humidity, motion, soil moisture, light, etc.) or actuators (relays, motors, LEDs), and configure everything through the web interface — no programming required. Your custom device automatically joins the mesh network and becomes available in the dashboard and automation engine.

MicroAssistant includes a built-in, self-cleaning database that stores historical sensor data directly on the ESP32's flash memory. The database automatically manages storage by cleaning older data as needed, so you never have to worry about running out of space. This data powers the charting and analytics features in the dashboard, allowing you to visualize temperature trends, energy usage patterns, and more over extended periods.

MicroAssistant is one of the most secure smart home platforms available. All mesh network communication is encrypted with RSA-256 keys. All data is processed and stored locally — nothing is sent to cloud servers, there are no accounts to hack, and there's no telemetry or analytics data collection. In AP Mode, your smart home can operate on a completely air-gapped network with zero internet exposure.

MICROASSISTANT

A Paradigm Shift inHome Automation

Everything You Need.Nothing You Don't.