Seeed Studio has recently launched the OpenUC2 10x AI portable microscope built around the XIAO ESP32-S3 Sense module. Designed for educational, environmental research, health monitoring, and prototyping applications this microscope features an OV2640 camera with a 10x magnification with precise motorized focusing, high-resolution imaging, and real-time TinyML processing for image handling. The microscope is modular and open-source making it easy to customize and expand its features using 3D-printed parts, motorized stages, and additional sensors. It supports Wi-Fi connectivity with a durable body, uses USB-C for power and swappable objectives make it usable in various applications.
Previously we have written about similar portable microscopes like the ioLight microscope and the KoPa W5 Wi-Fi Microscope, and Jean-Luc also tested a cheap USB microscope to read part number of components. Feel free to check those out if you are looking for a cheap microscope.
OpenUC2 10x specifications:
- Wireless MCU – Espressif Systems ESP32-S3
- CPU – Dual-core Tensilica LX7 @ up to 240 MHz with vector instructions for AI acceleration
- Memory – 512KB SRAM and 8MB PSRAM on-chip
- Storage – 384KB ROM
- Camera – OV2640 camera sensor for high-resolution microscopic imaging
- Optics – 10x, 0.3 NA objective lens
- Resolution – 4µm (0.004 mm)
- Focusing – Motorized micrometer-precision focusing supports focus stacking
- Networking
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi with hotspot mode that supports app control
- Bluetooth 5.0, Bluetooth Mesh
- USB – 1x USB Type-C port for power and programming
- Expansion interfaces
- USART
- I2C
- SPI
- 11x GPIO (PWM)
- 4x ADC
- Misc
- Reset and Boot buttons
- AI capabilities with TinyML
- Swappable optical components
- Power – 5V input (USB-C)
- Dimensions – 150 x 100 x 50 mm
- Temperature Range – -40°C to 85°C
The company mentions that the microscope combines Matchboxscope Firmware and the UC2 modular system which lets users customize the microscope with various optical elements and modules, such as lenses, mirrors, and motorized stages. This module setup allows for greater flexibility and adaptability.
Seeed Studio also has a wiki page for the OpenUC2 10x microscope – also called “openUC2 XIAO Microscope” – where they provide a getting started guide along with various experiment examples you can try. Additionally, it includes instructions for connecting multiple OpenUC2 microscopes, adding motorized focusing, stage scanning, and much more.
The OpenUC2 ESP32-S3-powered AI portable microscope is priced at $109 on Seeed Studio’s store.
Debashis Das is a technical content writer and embedded engineer with over five years of experience in the industry. With expertise in Embedded C, PCB Design, and SEO optimization, he effectively blends difficult technical topics with clear communication
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