StackChan is a “co-creative” open source AI desktop robot from M5Stack. Originally an open source project developed by Japanese engineer Shishikawa (@meganetaaan), StackChan has gained fans around the world for its overwhelming cuteness and scalability. Finally, M5Stack has released it as an official product (a set of chassis and board).
Summary of latest information, user reviews and improvement points
The basic structure of the product is based on the “CoreS3” with the latest powerful ESP32-S3 microcontroller as the brain, and two servo motors to realize pan (horizontal) and tilt (vertical) pivoting movements. Its greatest feature is that it is not just a “moving toy,” but has unlimited possibilities depending on users’ ideas, such as seamlessly linking with large-scale language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT, following users with its built-in camera, or becoming a smart home operation terminal.
As the name of the development concept “Co-creation (Co-creation)” implies, users around the world continue to write their own code and add new expressions and functions. This allows the robot to evolve into a robot with a completely different personality and functions by updating its software even after purchase.
Summary of key points (bulleted)
- What is StackChan? StackChan is a next-generation, customizable AI desktop partner born from an open source project originating in Japan.
- Good point:
- The overwhelmingly lovable and richly expressive 2.0-inch screen.
- High affinity with AI (LLM) such as ChatGPT.
- High expandability with camera, microphone, and various sensors as standard equipment.
- An active user community around the world that can be counted on in times of need.
- Points of concern:
- A certain amount of IT knowledge and setup work is required to use the many functions from the initial unpacking state.
- The operating noise of servo motors may be bothersome in quiet offices or bedrooms.
- Due to its worldwide popularity, the official store inventory is prone to instability.
- Users who may be suitable:
- People who like to be exposed to the latest gadgets and AI technology.
- People who enjoy programming (JavaScript, Arduino, etc.) as a hobby or for work.
- People who want to develop “their own AI assistant” that is not available off-the-shelf.
rough conclusion
The ultimate desktop companion that grows with you, tinted in your own colors, with a sophisticated blend of technology and charm.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the price?
- What can you do?
- What operating systems are supported?
- Are there any disadvantages?
- Are there any software updates?
What is the price?
The official store (M5Stack Shop) usually sells them for around $99. Converted to Japanese yen, the approximate cost is about 15,000 to 18,000 yen, although the exchange rate is affected by the exchange rate. Note, however, that shipping and customs fees will be charged separately for international shipments.
If you want to get one quickly in Japan, you should consider “pre-assembled and pre-configured models” sold by authorized distributors such as Switch Science or certain companies. In this case, the price is generally in the 20,000 to 40,000 yen range, including support and added value.
What can you do?
Even in its default state, you can enjoy its facial expression changes and reactions to surrounding sounds, but the real value lies in “adding skills”. For example, you can ask for advice on daily problems by linking with ChatGPT, have it read out stock prices and weather forecasts in real time, or sync with Google Calendar and have it tell you “It’s time for your next meeting! and have it tell you “It’s time for the next meeting!
You can also use the built-in camera to create advanced scripts, such as “only react specially when it spots a particular person’s face.
What operating systems are supported?
To rewrite StackChan’s brain (firmware), a PC with Windows, Mac, or Linux is required. Even beginners can complete the basic setup in a few clicks, as the official tool “M5Burner” is available to easily install the software from a browser, without having to build a particularly specialized environment. In addition, once set up, daily operations can be performed via Wi-Fi from a smartphone browser or other devices.
Are there any disadvantages?
The most important thing to be aware of is the learning cost and configuration effort. It is not a product like a smartphone that you can “just turn it on, log in, and all functions are available,” but requires a process of obtaining your own API key (e.g., OpenAI), configuring it, and then selecting and writing your preferred program.
In addition, due to the priority placed on miniaturization, the continuous operation time with a battery alone is only a few hours. If the device is to be kept nearby at all times, a constant power supply via a USB Type-C cable is recommended.
Are there any software updates?
It couldn’t be more active. StackChan follows the spirit of open source, and new code is released daily on GitHub and other platforms by the developer, Shishikawa, and other volunteers around the world.
It is not unusual for a new OS (firmware) to be released every few months, so you can enjoy the excitement of being able to do today what you could not do yesterday for a long period of time.
Specifications Summary
| (data) item | Detailed specifications |
| Product name | StackChan: Kawaii Co-Created Open-Source AI Robot |
| main microcontroller | ESP32-S3 (Dual-core, 240MHz, with AI instruction accelerator) |
| display | 2.0″ IPS LCD high-definition touch screen |
| camera | Front 0.3MP (640×480) image sensor on board |
| sensor | 9-axis IMU, proximity sensor, dual microphones, NFC (card recognition) |
| battery | Built-in 700mAh lithium polymer battery |
| External interface | USB Type-C, Grove port, microSD card slot |
| Size | 54.0 × 70.0 × 62.0 mm (compact design that fits in the palm of the hand) |
| weight | Approx. 186g |
| manufacturer | M5Stack (production), Mr. Shishikawa (original development and supervision) |
Reviews (Word of mouth)
Good Reviews
“Finally got my official kit, and even though I don’t have a 3D printer, it’s great to have this quality stackchang on my desk, and when I connect it to ChatGPT, it really comes to life and gets the job done.”
Source: Reddit r/M5Stack
Anyway, it has a lot of facial expressions, and its shy reaction when you pet it is adorable. Since it is open source, I enjoy being able to write my own code to add more functions. The community is very active, so if I have a problem, someone is there to help me.”
Source: NotEnoughTech
The essence of Stuck Chan is the combination with VUI (voice control). The microphone performance has been improved with CoreS3, so it can also function as a practical smart speaker. The atmosphere of my desk has changed dramatically with this single device.”
Source: GitHub Discussions / stack-chan
Mid-term and dissatisfaction reviews
The servo motors are a bit loud and may be noticeable in a quiet office. It makes a constant jiggle, jiggle sound, so I sometimes turn it off when I want to concentrate. However, I understand the opinion that the sound, including the noise, makes it sound like a ‘mechanical life form’ and makes me feel attached to it…”
Source: Reddit r/kickstarter
The hardware is great, but the official documentation is mainly in English and Chinese, which makes some situations a little tough for beginners with no programming experience. I found it difficult to master the many functions without referring to Japanese personal blogs, Qiita articles, Discord servers, and so on. It will test your ‘research skills’ to fully master it.”
Source: M5Stack Community Forum
Battery life is not very good. If you want it to talk all the time, you need a USB power supply. However, since it is a desktop robot, it is basically fine to leave it plugged in. If you want to move it around, you need a mobile battery.”
Source: X (formerly Twitter) #StackChan
comprehensive evaluation
StackChan is a product that combines the “fun of making” and the “healing experience of being together” at the highest level. It is an “advanced toy for adults” that allows you to enjoy the process of adding and updating functions with your own hands, rather than simply consuming a finished appliance.
It may be a bit of a rough road at first for those with zero programming knowledge, but the excitement is palpable when they overcome this obstacle and start speaking in their own language. For creators and engineers who want to create their own AI characters, this is definitely one of the “best base models” available today.
Comparison with the talking cat-shaped robot “Mia
| Comparison items | StackChan (M5Stack version) | Mia |
| Appearance and Features | Square body, digital look, mechanical | Friendly appearance with cat-shaped form, knit material, etc. |
| Price | Approx. 15,000 yen and up (excluding shipping costs, depending on expansion) | From 9,800 yen (tax included) |
| Main applications | Development, Customization, Gadgets, Learning | Healing, daily companion, warm dialogue in dialect |
| operation | Physical pivoting (moves up, down, left, right) | Fixed installation type (specializing in words and facial expressions rather than movement) |
| Personality & Dialogue | User-defined AI (can be assigned a personality) | Friendly personality setting, speaking the dialect of each of the 47 prefectures |
| setup | Healing, a daily companion, warm dialogue in dialect | Easy setup via smartphone app, ready for immediate conversation |
| longevity | Assumed to be functionality added and developed by the user | Long-lasting family members due to personality changes and dialects. |
Key points of comparison: Mia emphasizes “warmth that accompanies daily life. With its unique Japanese dialect of speech and affordable price of less than 10,000 yen, it is a suitable choice for those who want to easily incorporate everyday healing and familiarity into their daily lives.
👇 Talking cat-shaped robot “Mia” that speaks 47 dialects nationwide
summary
StackChan is ultimately suited for all those who wish to “put their own little intelligence on their desk and complete it with their own hands. Due to its open source nature, the wisdom of engineers from all over the world is concentrated in this little box.
A single line of code you write breathes new life into StackChan. Why not transform your desk from a mere work area into a “lab” with an intelligent partner?
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