Bringing AI and Connectivity to School and Enterprises: TinyML & Meshtastic Workshops February Recap
Introduction This month has been an exciting journey as we continue to bring emerging technologies to both educational institutions and businesses. Our focus for March was on introducing TinyML to vocational school students and Meshtastic to companies looking to improve their communication systems. Through hands-on workshops, we engaged with participants eager to explore the power of machine learning on microcontrollers and long-range wireless networking. Here’s a recap of our activities and key takeaways!
TinyML Workshop for SMK Islamic Village (January 21st 2025)
Our first workshop of the month took place at SMK Islamic Village, where we introduced TinyML to vocational school students. The session started with an overview of machine learning fundamentals and how it applies to embedded systems. Students learned how to:
- Collect Image data using Xiao ESP32S3 and Sensecraft Platform
- Train and deploy a simple AI model on an XIAO ESP32S3.
- Analyze real-world applications of TinyML, such as predictive maintenance and environmental monitoring.
By the end of the workshop, students successfully deployed their own models and demonstrated their understanding of AI on microcontrollers.
Meshtastic Workshop at SMK Islamic Village (January 22nd)
The following day, I went to SMK Islamic Village to introduce students to Meshtastic and LoRa-based mesh networking. This session was particularly engaging as students explored how LoRa technology can be used for off-grid communication. The hands-on activities covered:
- The basics of LoRa and mesh networking.
- Setting up a Meshtastic network using XIAO ESP32S3, Sensecap T-1000 E, Sensecap Indicator.
- Practical applications in disaster response, outdoor adventures, and rural communication.
The students were fascinated by the ability to send messages without internet or cellular networks, sparking discussions about potential real-world applications in their communities.
TinyML Workshop for PT. TechThinkHub (February 8th 2025)
As part of our industry outreach, we conducted a TinyML workshop for PT. TechThinkHub, focusing on how AI at the edge can improve business operations. The participants, mainly engineers and developers, explored:
- Deploying AI models on microcontrollers to optimize industrial processes.
- Real-world case studies on predictive maintenance and anomaly detection.
- Using TinyML for energy-efficient AI solutions.
This workshop reinforced the practical benefits of TinyML in industry, showing how businesses can leverage AI in low-power, embedded environments.
TinyML Workshop for SMKN 3 Kota Tangerang (February 25th 2025)
I then brought TinyML to another vocational school, SMKN 3 Kota Tangerang, where students dived deeper into AI and embedded systems. The session emphasized:
- Hands-on experience with sensor data collection.
- Training ML models with Sensecraft Platform and deploying them to microcontrollers.
- The potential of TinyML in the future Industry.
Students enjoyed experimenting with different models and understanding how AI can be implemented in small, efficient hardware.
Translation Testimonial from the participant:
“we already try ESP32 before but didn’t that it has much capability as an Machine Learning device. The sensecraft platform is really is for us to use and create our own custom data model”.
Meshtastic Workshop for PT. Harapan Energie Indonesia (March 7th 2025)
To begin the month, I held a Meshtastic workshop for PT. Harapan Energie Indonesia, a company exploring off-grid communication solutions. The participants, consisting of field engineers and IT professionals, learned about:
- The importance of LoRa mesh networks in industrial environments.
- Deploying Meshtastic nodes for secure, long-range communication.
- How LoRaWAN and Meshtastic compare for different use cases.
By the end of the session, PT. Harapan Energie Indonesia had a functional Meshtastic network prototype, demonstrating the potential for improving communication in remote and industrial settings. and the have plans to test this with their next project
Key Takeaways
- TinyML is an exciting skill for students and professionals, equipping them with future-ready knowledge in AI and embedded systems.
- Meshtastic provides a robust alternative for long-range communication, proving valuable for various industries.
- Hands-on learning is the best approach – Participants enjoyed working directly with hardware and seeing real-time results.
As we move forward, we plan to expand these workshops, reaching more schools and businesses to empower them with cutting-edge technology. Stay tuned for our next activities, and if you’re interested in hosting a workshop, feel free to reach out!
That’s it for this month’s recap! Looking forward to another month of tech exploration and community engagement!
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