Kevin Bates Releases AI-Powered Digital Candle

The 10-inch open-source device uses an AI model to simulate flames and is available for purchase now.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Consumer Electronics

Bold vector editorial illustration of a minimalist ten-inch cylindrical hardware device with a glowing amber core, set against a dark desk surface. — Kevin Bates has launched an open-source digital candle, a 10-inch desktop hardware device that uses generative AI to simulate organic flame flicker patterns. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Kevin Bates has released a new digital candle, an open-source hardware device that uses an AI model to simulate flame flicker. The 10-inch desktop unit is available for purchase now and operates via a USB-C power connection.

Why it matters

The device represents a shift toward using generative AI for specialized ambient hardware, offering an open-source platform that allows users to replace the factory software with their own custom programs.

The device features 144 amber-colored LEDs arranged in a 9 by 16 grid, controlled by an Espressif ESP32-S3 microcontroller. It draws power exclusively through a USB-C port, as the unit does not contain an internal rechargeable battery.

The players

Kevin Bates

An independent hardware developer known for designing open-source electronics like the Arduboy handheld gaming system.

Espressif Systems

The semiconductor company that produces the ESP32-S3 chip used to power the device's LED array and AI model.

The details

The device runs an AI model trained on footage of real-world flames to generate its lighting patterns on the fly, creating a dynamic simulation rather than a pre-rendered loop. Because the hardware is open source, users can bypass the stock AI software to run alternative programs on the ESP32-S3 architecture. This microcontroller, a system-on-a-chip with integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, is commonly used in hobbyist electronics to manage low-latency sensor or display tasks.

October 29, 2026: The digital candle became available for purchase.

The Tech Race

This release follows the design philosophy established by the developer's earlier Arduboy handheld, transitioning the open-source hardware approach from portable gaming into ambient home electronics. The shift signals an effort to standardize hobbyist-friendly microcontrollers like the ESP32 in decorative appliance markets.

The unit is available for purchase now for $149, though users will need to provide their own USB-C power source as the device lacks a battery. Enthusiasts and developers can modify the device's output by accessing its open-source code, which is compatible with the ESP32-S3 ecosystem.

The takeaway

This device marks a transition for hobbyist-grade hardware into the home decor market by applying real-time AI generation to ambient lighting. Potential buyers should watch for community-developed firmware updates that may extend the device's display capabilities beyond the default candle simulation.