The ESP32Tag Works Similarly to Apple's AirTag

Eric Nam designed an AirTag-like device based on an Espressif ESP32.

3 years ago • Sensors / Wearables / Communication

Last year, Apple had released the AirTags to the market. Eric Nam from That Projects thinks that it was a great product by Apple with hardware and software support and subsequently he made a similar project called ESP32Tag for fun.

What are AirTags?

An AirTag is a small and elegantly designed accessory that helps keep track of and find the items that matter most with Apple’s Find My app. Whether attached to a handbag, keys, backpack, or other items, AirTag taps into the vast, global Find My network and can help locate a lost item, all while keeping location data private and anonymous with end-to-end encryption. AirTag can be purchased in one and four packs for just $29 and $99, respectively.

A simple setup magically connects AirTag with iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. (📷: Apple)

Project background

"It's impossible to get the Ultra Wide Band (UWB) chip that Apple made. The UWB product that can be purchased personally is the DW1000. Along with this, I tried to make an ESP32Tag that works on ESP32," Nam mentioned in his YouTube video.

How do ESP32Tags work?

Two devices are working as a pair. It consists of one tag and one anchor. The tag device includes a display so you can see how far away from the anchor device is.

An ESP32Tag tag device with LCD to display distance from anchor device.