Open-source PCB converts Echo Dot into a local Home Assistant hub

AAElectronics has created the LocalDot, an open-source replacement mainboard that transforms a 3rd-generation Amazon Echo Dot into a local voice assistant compatible with Home Assistant. The board swaps out one of the device's original PCBs while reusing the existing microphones, speaker, buttons, LEDs, and enclosure. It combines an ESP32-S3 for Wi-Fi and control with an ESP32-P4 for audio processing, supporting the original four-microphone array with beamforming and on-device wake-word detection.

For engineers and smart home enthusiasts, this project represents a significant hardware hack that liberates a popular device from cloud dependency. It allows the Echo Dot to function as a fully local voice assistant, processing commands through Home Assistant without needing an internet connection for core functions. The installation requires no soldering or enclosure modifications, making it accessible to tinkerers. This clever repurposing demonstrates how open-source hardware can breathe new life into existing consumer electronics, giving users full control over their smart home devices.