Retail Shelf Empty Stock Detector Kit with ESP32 + Camera
Detect Empty Retail Shelves Instantly with ESP32 and AI Camera Alerts
Every part needed, pre-tested for compatibility, with an AI build companion trained on this exact project. Shipped from Bengaluru in 3-5 days.
Every minute a shelf sits empty in a retail store, a sale can be lost. This kit lets you build a compact, real-time shelf monitoring device that uses an OV2640 camera on an ESP32-S3 to scan product shelves, run a FOMO object detection model to spot empty slots, and instantly alert store staff via MQTT. It’s a complete pipeline from image capture to dashboard notification — ideal for a Smart India Hackathon prototype or a B.Tech ECE project that solves a genuine retail pain point.
What You'll Build
You’ll assemble a self-contained unit that mounts above a shelf, continuously analyses the camera feed on-device without internet dependency, and sends an MQTT message the moment an empty gap appears. The system includes a WS2812B LED strip that turns red for empty slots and green when restocked, giving immediate visual feedback right on the shelf edge.
What You'll Learn
- Deploy a FOMO model on an ESP32-S3 for real-time edge AI inference
- Connect and calibrate an OV2640 camera to capture consistent shelf images
- Program MQTT communication between the device and a store dashboard
- Integrate addressable LEDs to reflect detected inventory status visually
Kit Contents
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| ESP32-S3 Dev Board | 1 |
| OV2640 Camera Module | 1 |
| WS2812B 8-LED Strip | 1 |
| 470Ω Resistors | 5 |
| 4.7kΩ Resistors | 5 |
| 100nF Capacitors | 10 |
| PCB Prototype Board | 1 |
| M-F Wires | 20 |
| 5V 2A PSU | 1 |
| Soldering Iron | 1 |
| Solder Wire | 1 |
Why Buy This Kit Instead of Sourcing Parts Separately
| Factor | Sourcing Separately | Compoden Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility checks | You verify every part | Pre-tested as a system |
| Build support | Forums and scattered tutorials | AI companion trained on this exact project |
| Time to first working build | Days of debugging | Hours, with step-by-step guidance |
| Shipping coordination | Multiple sellers, multiple delays | One shipment from Bengaluru in 3-5 days |
Who This Kit Is For
This kit is built for CBSE Class 11–12 students exploring AI and IoT, B.Tech ECE/EEE learners working on real-time embedded projects, and teams competing in Smart India Hackathon who need a working prototype fast. It also fits perfectly into ATL Tinkering Lab setups and final-year capstone projects at IIT, NIT, VIT, or BITS campuses — anyone who wants hands-on experience with on-device machine learning and retail automation.
Built and Backed by Compoden
Every Compoden kit ships with an AI build companion trained on this exact project — accessible via a QR code on the box, with WhatsApp and email backup. We've spent 10 years building projects for makers, schools, and institutions across India. If a part fails because of a manufacturing defect, replace it free within 7 days.
What if I get stuck during the build?
Scan the QR code on the box to launch the AI companion, which walks you through every connection and code upload. You can also message us on WhatsApp for human help within 24 hours.
Can the system handle multiple shelves at once?
Yes, the FOMO model can detect empty slots across a two-meter-wide shelf. For broader aisles, simply deploy one unit per shelf and aggregate MQTT messages in your dashboard.
What happens if the camera misses an empty spot?
The model is trained to detect gaps between products. We provide a calibration routine to set the detection threshold based on your shelf layout. If ambient light changes drastically, repositioning the camera or adding a small LED helps maintain accuracy.
Do I need to code the AI model from scratch?
No. The kit includes a pre-trained FOMO model configured for shelf monitoring. You’ll learn to load and run it on the ESP32-S3, but no deep learning expertise is required to start getting alerts.
OV2640 scans shelf. FOMO model on ESP32-S3 detects empty slots and sends MQTT alert to store dashboard.
What's in this kit
- ESP32-S3 Dev Board
- OV2640 Camera Module
- WS2812B 8-LED Strip
- 470Ω Resistors x5
- 4.7kΩ Resistors x5
- 100nF Caps x10
- PCB Prototype Board
- M-F Wires x20
- 5V 2A PSU
- Soldering Iron
- Solder Wire
Choose your assembly option:
- Soldering Kit — 25W soldering iron, 60/40 solder wire, flux, and small perfboard for permanent assembly.
- Breadboard Combo — 800-point full-size breadboard with 65-piece jumper wire pack for solderless prototyping.
Shipping Information
- Prepaid Orders: ₹75 for orders up to ₹999, FREE shipping above ₹999
- COD Orders: ₹125 shipping + ₹50 COD fee = ₹175 total
- Delivery Timeline: Dispatch in 1-2 days, delivery in 2-7 days depending on location
Returns & Warranty
- 7-Day Return: Manufacturing defects only (approval required)
- Warranty: 7 days from delivery
- Non-Returnable: Batteries, consumables, cut wires, clearance items