Kentucky-Made IoT Sensors Meet Official Home Assistant Hardware
We're excited to share that Apollo Automation, an authorized Home Assistant reseller, is now shipping in Canada, bringing together our locally-manufactured, privacy-first IoT sensors with official Home Assistant hardware. Starting today, Canadian customers can purchase the Home Assistant Green and Home Assistant Voice Preview Edition directly from us, with USA and Australia availability coming soon.
This partnership represents everything we believe in: local control, open-source innovation, and putting users first. Just like our Apollo sensors are designed and manufactured in Versailles, Kentucky, Home Assistant hardware is built with the same commitment to quality, privacy, and community-driven development.
Why This Matters for the Home Assistant Community
For years, Apollo Automation has focused on creating high-performance sensors that integrate seamlessly with Home Assistant. Every product we design, from the AIR-1 air quality monitor to the MSR-2 presence sensor, is built with ESPHome compatibility and "Made for Home Assistant" certification. Now, by offering official Home Assistant hardware, we're able to provide the complete ecosystem: the brain (Home Assistant Green), the voice (Voice Preview Edition), and the sensors (Apollo's full product line).
What Makes This Partnership Natural
Both Apollo Automation and Home Assistant share core values:
- Privacy-first design - Your data stays local, in your home
- Open-source commitment - All firmware, hardware designs, and documentation freely available
- No cloud dependency - Everything runs on your network, even during internet outages
- Community-driven - Built by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts
- Quality over quantity - Thoughtfully designed products that last
Home Assistant Green: Your Smart Home Foundation
What is Home Assistant Green?
Home Assistant Green is a plug-and-play smart home hub that serves as the easiest way to get started with Home Assistant. Created by Nabu Casa (the team behind Home Assistant) and manufactured by Seeed Studio, this compact hub delivers professional-level home automation without requiring technical expertise.
Technical Specifications
Core Hardware:
- Processor: 1.8 GHz Quad-Core ARM Cortex-A55 (Rockchip RK3566)
- Memory: 4 GB RAM
- Storage: 32 GB eMMC
- Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet (wired for reliability and security)
- Power: 12V/1A (2-3 watts typical consumption)
- Expansion: 2x USB-A ports
- Dimensions: Compact design with aluminum heat sink base
- MSRP: $129 USD
What's Included:
- Pre-installed Home Assistant Operating System
- Universal power supply (EU, US, UK plugs)
- Quick start guide
- Ethernet cable
Key Features
Home Assistant automatically detects and configures your smart home devices during setup, making the onboarding process incredibly smooth. The Green runs over 2,500 integrations for hundreds of thousands of smart devices, works with Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, and Amazon Alexa right out of the box, and receives monthly updates from the open-source community.
The transparent case design reveals the internal hardware while the solid aluminum base serves as a passive heat sink, keeping the unit cool and silent. There are no fans, no noise, just reliable 24/7 operation.
Perfect for Apollo Sensor Integration
Home Assistant Green provides the ideal platform for Apollo sensors. Its quad-core processor handles multiple sensor streams effortlessly, the local processing ensures instant response times (no cloud lag), and the USB ports allow expansion for Zigbee, Z-Wave, or Thread protocols when needed.
Home Assistant Voice Preview Edition: Open-Source Voice Control
Preview the Future of Privacy-Focused Voice
The Home Assistant Voice Preview Edition represents a breakthrough in local voice control. This is the first voice assistant hardware designed by the team behind Home Assistant, built from the ground up to work seamlessly with the platform. Unlike Alexa or Google Home, your voice commands can be processed entirely within your home network.
Technical Specifications
Hardware Details:
- SoC: ESP32-S3 with 16 MB Flash and 8 MB Octal PSRAM
- Audio Processing: XMOS dedicated audio chip
- Microphones: Dual far-field microphones
- Speaker: Built-in + 3.5mm audio jack for external speakers
- Controls: Rotary volume dial, multifunction button, hardware mute switch
- Visual Feedback: Multicolor LED ring
- Connectivity: USB-C power, Grove port for expansion
- Dimensions: 84mm x 84mm x 21mm
- Software: Built on ESPHome (fully open-source)
Privacy and Customization Features
The Voice Preview Edition includes a hardware mute switch that physically cuts power to the microphones, giving you complete confidence in your privacy. The device runs on ESPHome, the same firmware platform many Apollo sensors use, which means extensive customization possibilities.
The XMOS audio processor enables echo cancellation, stationary noise removal, and auto gain control for clearer audio, ensuring the device hears you even in noisy environments. The ESP32-S3 with 8 MB of octal PSRAM provides one of the fastest ESP and RAM combinations available.
Grove Port Integration with Apollo Sensors
The Voice Preview Edition includes a Grove port, opening exciting possibilities for Apollo sensor integration. Since both Voice PE and Apollo sensors run on ESPHome, you can:
- Add temperature sensors directly to each Voice unit
- Create voice-activated sensor readings
- Build room-specific automations that respond with voice feedback
- Expand sensor networks with unified control
Building Your Complete Home Assistant Setup with Apollo Sensors
The Apollo Advantage: Made for ESPHome, Works With Home Assistant
Every Apollo sensor is designed specifically for the Home Assistant ecosystem. Our products are officially certified as "Made for ESPHome" and "Works With Home Assistant," ensuring seamless integration and reliable operation.
Apollo Sensor Lineup
AIR-1 Air Quality Sensor
The AIR-1 provides comprehensive indoor air quality monitoring with the Sensirion SEN55 sensor (10-year lifespan), measuring PM1, PM2.5, PM4, PM10, VOC Index, NOx Index, temperature, and humidity. Optional upgrades include the SCD40 CO₂ sensor and MiCS-4514 gas sensor for detecting CO, methane, ammonia, and other gases.
Integration example: "Hey Home Assistant, what's the air quality in the bedroom?" → Voice PE announces the readings from your AIR-1 → Automated ventilation kicks in if CO₂ levels are high.
MSR-2 Presence Multisensor
The MSR-2 is our smallest presence sensor, featuring mmWave radar (HLK-LD2410B) for detecting occupancy even when people are sitting still. It includes lux sensing, UV monitoring, optional CO₂ measurement, and Bluetooth tracking, all in a compact package 30% smaller than the MSR-1.
Integration example: MSR-2 detects presence in the living room → Home Assistant Green activates lighting and adjusts climate → Voice PE confirms "Welcome home, living room climate optimized."
MTR-1 Multi-Target Radar Multisensor
The MTR-1 tracks up to three targets simultaneously using the HLK-LD2450 mmWave sensor, supporting precise zone detection. At just 49mm x 32mm x 15mm, it's incredibly compact while including lux, UV, temperature, barometric pressure, and optional CO₂ monitoring.
Integration example: MTR-1 detects someone approaching the stove zone → Home Assistant triggers a timer reminder → Voice PE announces "Stove zone occupied, timer started."
TEMP-1 / TEMP-1B Temperature Sensor
Available in USB-C powered (TEMP-1) or battery-powered (TEMP-1B) versions, these sensors support multiple probe types including DS18B20 waterproof probes for fridges and fish tanks, or NTC food-safe probes rated to 350°C for cooking applications. Built-in LED and buzzer provide visual and audio alerts.
Integration example: TEMP-1 probe in the smoker reaches target temperature → Home Assistant sends notification → Voice PE announces "Brisket ready, target temperature reached."
PLT-1 / PLT-1B Plant Sensor
The PLT-1 features a capacitive soil moisture sensor with conformal coating for durability, measuring soil moisture, air temperature, humidity, lux, and UV. The optional DS18B20 probe provides precise soil temperature monitoring. Battery version (PLT-1B) uses 18650 rechargeable cells.
Integration example: PLT-1 detects low soil moisture → Home Assistant activates grow lights and sends alert → Voice PE reminds "Plants in the greenhouse need watering."
PUMP-1 Fluid Pump
The PUMP-1 is a smart, food-safe liquid pump controller that delivers up to 900ml/min with dual ultrasonic sensors to detect empty sources or full containers. Ideal for automated plant watering, aquarium refills, or coffee machine water management.
Integration example: Voice command "Water the plants" → Home Assistant activates PUMP-1 → Sensors detect when complete → Voice PE confirms "Plant watering complete."
R PRO-1 PoE mmWave Multisensor
Our professional-grade sensor features dual mmWave radar modules (LD2450 for multi-zone tracking, optional LD2412 for static presence), environmental sensors, and true 802.3 PoE compliance. Perfect for commercial installations requiring clean, professional mounting.
BTN-1 Macro Deck
A modular controller with four hot-swappable mechanical buttons (Cherry MX compatible), supporting attachments like e-ink displays, NFC readers, rotary dials, and sensor mezzanine boards. Ideal for physical smart home control interfaces.
DEV-1 and DEV-2 Development Boards
Build your own sensors with our ESP32-C3 (DEV-1) or ESP32-C6 (DEV-2) development boards. The DEV-2 adds Thread and Zigbee capabilities, perfect for experimenting with ESPHome and Home Assistant integrations.
M-1 LED Matrix
A 64x64 HUB75 display with 4,096 pixels running WLED-MM firmware. Perfect for visual notifications, ambient lighting, data displays, or integrating with Voice PE for visual feedback.
Real-World Integration Scenarios
Whole-Home Environmental Monitoring
Deploy AIR-1 sensors throughout your home, MSR-2 or MTR-1 sensors for presence detection in each room, and TEMP-1 sensors in critical areas like fridges and HVAC vents. Home Assistant Green processes all data locally, Voice PE provides updates on demand, and automations respond instantly to changing conditions.
Complete Plant Automation System
PLT-1 sensors monitor soil moisture and environmental conditions, PUMP-1 handles automatic watering, AIR-1 tracks greenhouse humidity, and MSR-2 presence sensors enable "people in greenhouse" detection. Voice PE lets you check plant status hands-free.
Smart Kitchen Setup
TEMP-1 with food probe monitors cooking temperatures, AIR-1 detects cooking emissions and activates ventilation, MSR-2 provides presence detection for automatic lighting, and Voice PE handles timers and temperature announcements.
Home Office Optimization
MTR-1 tracks desk occupancy, AIR-1 monitors air quality for productivity, MSR-2 detects room presence for climate control, and Voice PE provides calendar reminders and status updates without leaving your workflow.
Why Purchase from Apollo Automation?
Supporting American Manufacturing
Apollo Automation designs, engineers, and manufactures all our products in Versailles, Kentucky. Our mission extends beyond creating great sensors. We're committed to creating high-tech jobs and fostering innovation in Kentucky, keeping university graduates in-state and building a thriving tech community.
Founded in 2023 by co-founders Justin Bunton and Trevor Schirmer, our team of six engineers and operations specialists handles everything in-house: design, engineering, final assembly, shipping, and fulfillment. When you buy from Apollo, you're supporting American manufacturing and helping us prove that world-class IoT products can be made right here.
What Sets Apollo Apart
In-House Engineering Every Apollo product is designed and refined by our Kentucky-based team. We don't outsource design or rely on white-label products. This means faster innovation, better quality control, and products that truly work the way they should.
Active Community Engagement We host monthly Apollo Live Streams featuring product updates, behind-the-scenes R&D, customer Q&A, and giveaways. Our Discord community (dsc.gg/apolloautomation) is active and responsive, our wiki provides comprehensive documentation, and our GitHub repositories are open for everyone.
ESPHome-First Philosophy All Apollo sensors run ESPHome firmware with open-source hardware designs. This means you can customize everything, contribute improvements, and never worry about a company going out of business or shutting down cloud services.
Certified Quality Our products are officially certified as "Made for ESPHome" and "Works With Home Assistant," ensuring compatibility and supporting the open-source ecosystem financially.
Canadian Customers
As an authorized Home Assistant reseller in Canada, we offer:
- Fast Canadian shipping - No long border delays
- Local support - Real humans who understand both Home Assistant and Apollo products
- Combined orders - Purchase Home Assistant hardware and Apollo sensors in one shipment
- Expert integration guidance - We've tested every combination and can help you build the perfect setup
- No surprise fees - Clear pricing with all costs upfront
Coming Soon: USA and Australia
We're working to bring Home Assistant Green and Voice Preview Edition to customers in the United States and Australia. Sign up for our newsletter at apolloautomation.com to be notified the moment these products become available in your region.
Getting Started: Your Path to a Complete Smart Home
Step 1: Choose Your Foundation
Starter Setup ($129+):
- Home Assistant Green hub
- 1-2 Apollo sensors (MSR-2 or AIR-1 recommended)
Voice-Enabled Setup ($200+):
- Home Assistant Green hub
- Home Assistant Voice Preview Edition
- 2-3 Apollo sensors for key rooms
Complete Setup ($300+):
- Home Assistant Green hub
- Home Assistant Voice Preview Edition
- Apollo sensors for each room (MSR-2, AIR-1, TEMP-1)
- Optional: M-1 LED Matrix for visual displays
Step 2: Simple Installation
Home Assistant Green setup takes minutes:
- Connect Ethernet and power cables
- Access the web interface from any device
- Follow the setup wizard
- Start adding devices
Voice Preview Edition setup is equally straightforward:
- Plug in USB-C power
- Follow the installation wizard in Home Assistant
- Configure your wake word and preferences
- Start controlling your home by voice
Apollo sensors work seamlessly:
- Power on the sensor
- Home Assistant automatically discovers it (ESPHome)
- Add to your dashboard
- Create automations
Step 3: Expand Your System
The beauty of the Home Assistant ecosystem is incremental expansion. Start with basic presence detection and air quality monitoring, then add more sensors as you identify needs. Every Apollo sensor integrates instantly, automations can span multiple devices, and the system grows with you.
Technical Advantages of This Ecosystem
Ultra-Fast Response Times
Local processing eliminates cloud latency. Apollo sensors communicate directly with Home Assistant Green over your local network, achieving response times of 50-100ms compared to typical cloud-based systems that take 1-3 seconds. This makes automations feel instant and natural.
Complete Privacy
No data ever leaves your network unless you choose to enable cloud features. Home Assistant Green processes everything locally, Apollo sensors only communicate on your LAN, and Voice PE can run entirely offline with sufficient hardware.
Unlimited Customization
ESPHome firmware on Apollo sensors means you can:
- Modify sensor behavior and thresholds
- Add custom features and integrations
- Create complex multi-sensor automations
- Contribute improvements back to the community
- Never worry about manufacturer limitations
No Subscription Fees
Many smart home platforms require monthly subscriptions for advanced features. Home Assistant and Apollo sensors have no subscription costs. Buy once, own forever, with continuous free updates and improvements from the open-source community.
Future-Proof Design
Both Home Assistant and Apollo Automation are committed to open standards and long-term support. Your investment is protected because:
- Open-source software receives continuous updates
- Hardware designs are documented and available
- No company can force obsolescence or shutdowns
- Active communities ensure longevity
- Local operation means independence from corporate decisions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need both Home Assistant Green and Voice Preview Edition?
Home Assistant Green is the hub that runs everything. It's essential. Voice Preview Edition is optional, adding hands-free voice control. Many users start with just Green and add Voice PE later once they've built out their automation system.
Q: Will all Apollo sensors work with Home Assistant Green?
Yes! All Apollo sensors are designed specifically for Home Assistant integration. They use ESPHome firmware and are certified "Works With Home Assistant," ensuring seamless compatibility.
Q: Can this system run without internet?
Absolutely. Both Home Assistant Green and Apollo sensors operate entirely on your local network. Internet is helpful for initial setup, updates, and optional cloud features, but all core automation and control functions work offline.
Q: How does this compare to a Raspberry Pi running Home Assistant?
Home Assistant Green is optimized specifically for Home Assistant with better power efficiency, no SD card corruption issues, official support from Nabu Casa, and a plug-and-play experience. For most users, it's more reliable and easier to maintain than a DIY Raspberry Pi setup.
Q: What if I already have Home Assistant running on other hardware?
You can still purchase Apollo sensors from us. They work with any Home Assistant installation. If you're considering upgrading your hardware, Green provides a cleaner, more reliable platform than most DIY solutions.
Q: Do I need any additional accessories?
For basic operation, no. Home Assistant Green includes everything you need (power supply, cables). However, you may want to add:
- USB Zigbee/Thread dongle if you use those protocols (like Home Assistant Connect ZBT-1)
- External speaker for Voice PE if you want better audio quality
- Additional Apollo sensors for complete home coverage
Q: What languages does Voice Preview Edition support?
Assist aims to support more languages than other voice assistants, but this is still a work in progress. Check the Home Assistant documentation for the current list of supported languages. The open-source nature means new languages are added regularly by the community.
Q: How much power does this setup use?
Home Assistant Green uses 2-3 watts, Voice Preview Edition uses about 2 watts when active, and most Apollo sensors use less than 1 watt each. A complete system with hub, voice, and 5-6 sensors typically uses less than 10 watts total, comparable to a single LED light bulb.
Q: Can I integrate with existing smart home devices?
Yes! Home Assistant supports over 2,500 integrations including Philips Hue, IKEA, Sonoff, Shelly, TP-Link, Tuya, Ring, Nest, Ecobee, and virtually every major smart home brand. Apollo sensors work alongside all of them.
Order Your Complete Smart Home System Today
Apollo Automation is now your source for both official Home Assistant hardware and precision-engineered Apollo sensors in Canada. Whether you're starting fresh or upgrading an existing system, we have everything you need to build a truly private, local, and powerful smart home.
Available Now in Canada:
- Home Assistant Green
- Home Assistant Voice Preview Edition
- Full line of Apollo sensors and accessories
- Combined shipping on all orders
- Expert support from our Kentucky-based team
Coming Soon:
- USA availability
- Australia availability
Visit apolloautomation.com to order today and join the growing community of smart home enthusiasts who refuse to compromise on privacy, quality, or control.
About Apollo Automation
Apollo Automation builds high-performance, compact, and deeply integrated smart home sensors and development tools in Versailles, Kentucky. Founded in 2023 by Justin Bunton and Trevor Schirmer, our mission is to deliver cutting-edge, highly customizable sensors while creating high-tech jobs and fostering innovation in Kentucky.
Everything we make is engineered in-house with a commitment to quality, open-source support, and empowering the Home Assistant community. From our compact AIR-1 air quality monitor to our advanced R PRO-1 PoE multisensor, every Apollo product is designed to work seamlessly with Home Assistant and built to last.
Connect With Us:
- Website: apolloautomation.com
- Discord: dsc.gg/apolloautomation
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ApolloAutomation
- GitHub: github.com/ApolloAutomation
- Wiki: wiki.apolloautomation.com
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