Elatoai
Elatoai - Realtime Voice AI with 100+ Models on Arduino ESP32 with Secure Websockets and Edge Functions for AI Toys, Companions, and Devices
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What is Elatoai?
Elatoai is an open-source voice AI platform that brings personal AI characters to life through a compact hardware device that clips onto any toy or plushie. The Elato AI Device is a fully assembled gadget (4.5cm x 3.8cm x 1.9cm) that enables real-time voice conversations with 100+ AI characters, each with unique personalities ranging from Ted the Teddy to Iron Man, Gandalf, and Sherlock Holmes. Users can create custom AI characters with any voice and bespoke personality.
Key features include low-latency conversational AI powered by OpenAI Realtime API, Secure WebSockets, and Deno Edge Functions, supporting uninterrupted conversations exceeding 10 minutes. The platform supports 5 major model providers (OpenAI GPT-Realtime, Gemini Live API, Grok Voice Agents, Eleven Labs Voice clones, and Hume AI EVI-4). The device offers 4+ days standby battery life, 6 hours active use, Bluetooth 2.4 GHz and Wi-Fi + Hotspot connectivity. It includes a NextJS frontend, Supabase backend for storing users/devices/voices/personalities/conversations, and is fully open-source under MIT License.
Elato AI is designed for AI enthusiasts, developers building IoT/toy projects, parents wanting interactive toys for kids, language learners, and anyone seeking personalized AI companionship. The Kickstarter pre-launch offers the device at $69 (early bird) vs $129 regular price, with deliveries beginning September 2025. The DIY Dev Kit is also available for developers who want to build their own voice AI hardware.
Elatoai pricing
Pricing model: Freemium
The Elato AI Device has Kickstarter pre-launch pricing: Early Bird at $69 (regular price $129, saving $60). Deliveries begin September 2025. The package includes the Elato AI Device, USB Type-C Charging Cable, and 2 Silicone Straps. A DIY AI Dev Kit is also available for developers. The platform uses open-source software (MIT License) but requires paid API credits from model providers (OpenAI, Gemini, Grok, Eleven Labs, Hume AI) for voice conversations. Transactions show HEYHADDOCK on statements (Elato DBA as HeyHaddock Inc).
Elatoai pros
- Compact 4.5cm x 3.8cm x 1.9cm device fits any toy or plushie
- 100+ unique AI characters with distinct personalities available
- Fully open-source under MIT License for developers
- Real-time low-latency voice conversations with 3-4s cold start
- Supports 5 major AI model providers (OpenAI, Gemini, Grok, Eleven Labs, Hume)
- Extended conversations exceeding 10 minutes tested up to 17 minutes
- 4+ days standby battery life with 6 hours active use
- Create custom AI characters with any voice and bespoke personality
- Bluetooth 2.4 GHz and Wi-Fi + Hotspot connectivity options
- Supabase backend stores users, devices, voices, personalities, conversations
- NextJS frontend with easy login and device management
- PlatformIO and Arduino IDE support for firmware development
- Kickstarter early bird pricing at $69 (save $60 vs $129 regular)
- Trusted by OpenAI engineers and AI companies
- Accessible via hardware device or web platform at elatoai.com
Elatoai cons
- 3-4 second cold start time when connecting to edge server
- Edge server stops when wall clock hits certain time (limitation)
- Requires API keys from multiple providers (OpenAI, Gemini, Eleven Labs, etc.)
- Needs Docker Desktop and Supabase CLI for local setup
- Requires technical knowledge for Dev Kit firmware development
- 6 hours active use battery life may be limited for heavy users
- Internet connectivity required for cloud AI model access
- Fully local AI home toys still coming soon (not yet available)
Frequently asked questions about Elatoai
What is Elato AI?
Elato AI is an open-source voice AI platform that turns personal development into an adventure through AI characters. It offers a compact hardware device (4.5cm x 3.8cm x 1.9cm) that clips onto any toy or plushie, bringing it to life with AI voices and real-time conversations. The platform includes 100+ AI characters with unique personalities like Ted the Teddy, Iron Man, Gandalf, and Sherlock, plus the ability to create custom characters.
How does the Elato AI Device work?
The Elato AI Device uses Bluetooth 2.4 GHz and Wi-Fi + Hotspot connectivity to access AI characters from the Elato platform. It leverages OpenAI Realtime API, Secure WebSockets, and Deno Edge Functions for low-latency conversations. The device has 4+ days standby battery and 6 hours active use. Users clip it onto a toy, access the NextJS frontend, and start voice conversations with any AI character.
What AI models does Elato support?
Elato supports 5 major model providers: OpenAI GPT-Realtime multimodal models, Gemini Live API models, Grok Voice Agents, Eleven Labs Voice clones, and Hume AI's expressive EVI-4. Users can plug and play these model providers within seconds after setup, and Elato supports 100+ models total.
Can I create my own AI character?
Yes, Elato allows you to create your own AI character with any voice and a bespoke personality. The platform includes Supabase backend to store custom voices, personalities, and conversations. You can upload a picture and bring toys to life through the smart device with your custom character settings.
Is Elato AI open-source?
Yes, ElatoAI is fully open-source under MIT License. The repository is available on GitHub at github.com/akdeb/ElatoAI with 1.7K+ stars. It includes the NextJS frontend, Deno edge server, and ESP32 firmware. Developers can clone the repository, set up Supabase locally, and build their own voice AI hardware projects.
What is included in the Elato AI Device package?
The package includes: (1) The Elato AI Device, (2) USB Type-C Charging Cable, and (3) 2 Silicone Straps for attaching to toys. The device dimensions are 4.5cm x 3.8cm x 1.9cm, with Bluetooth 2.4 GHz, Wi-Fi + Hotspot connectivity, and access to all AI characters from Elato.
How do I set up Elato AI for development?
Setup involves 6 steps: (1) Clone the GitHub repository, (2) Start Supabase locally using Docker Desktop, (3) Set up NextJS frontend with npm install and environment variables, (4) Run Deno edge server locally at port 8000, (5) Set up firmware dev environment using PlatformIO or Arduino IDE, (6) Configure API keys for OpenAI, Gemini, Eleven Labs, Hume, and XAI. Local development login uses [email protected] with password admin.
What is the battery life of the Elato device?
The Elato AI Device has 4+ days of standby battery life and 6 hours of active use. This allows for extended conversational sessions with AI characters throughout the day, with standby mode preserving battery when not actively conversing.
When will Elato be available for purchase?
Elato is in Kickstarter pre-launch with Early Bird pricing at $69 (regular $129). Deliveries begin September 2025. The pre-order locks in the Kickstarter early-bird price. You can pre-order through the Elato website at elatoai.com/products.
Can kids use Elato AI safely?
Elato offers family-friendly AI characters like Rudy the Christmas reindeer and various educational characters (Fitness Coach, Master Chef, Math Wiz, Geo Guide). The platform is trusted by parents - one user noted 'Kids really enjoying it' and praised 'foreign language skills.' However, some characters like Ted the Inappropriate Teddy have adult content, so parents should select age-appropriate characters for children.