SwitchBot has introduced a new smart home product called the AI Hub, aiming to expand automation capabilities through local artificial intelligence rather than relying solely on cloud-based systems. The device is now available to order for $259 with a limited-time discount, as the company targets users seeking greater control and privacy in their smart home setups.
The AI Hub is built around a Vision Language Model (VLM), enabling on-device analysis of live camera feeds. According to SwitchBot, the system supports features such as face, pet and object recognition, allowing users to trigger automations based on what the hub detects. “Local VLM automations are also supported,” the company said, citing examples such as switching on lights when a person is recognised lying on a couch.
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Despite the emphasis on local processing, SwitchBot said subscription fees will apply after a one-month trial period, meaning the AI Hub does not fully eliminate ongoing costs. The device is rated at 6 trillion operations per second (TOPS) of AI performance, a figure that is lower than the neural processing units integrated into many recent PC chipsets but sufficient for basic vision-based tasks.
SwitchBot has positioned the AI Hub as a flexible option for advanced users, offering local API access and compatibility with platforms such as Home Assistant, Matter over Bridge and MQTT. These integrations allow the hub to be incorporated into broader smart home ecosystems beyond SwitchBot’s own products.
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The hub can manage up to eight 2K cameras simultaneously, with video storage supported via microSD cards or external hard drives. SwitchBot said the combination of local processing and open integrations is intended to give users more control over how data is handled within their smart homes.
Source: SwitchBot