warecache is launching on Crowd Supply. Sign up for launch updates →

Smart Storage Hardware

Sensor bins and a PoE container controller that measure your inventory and report it to the warecache server. No counting, no typing.

Container Controller

Required for all sensor bins

warecache container controller in a blue enclosure showing the grid of 64 sensor connectors and the Ethernet, barrel jack, and USB ports

Container Controller

Central hub that connects to all sensor bins by cable and reports readings to the server. Required for every setup; one controller covers a whole bench or shelf.

  • Connects up to 64 sensor bins over an 8 x 8 switched I2C matrix
  • Powered over Ethernet (10/100, PoE+ switch required, 13 W max, about 2 W average)
  • 12 V barrel jack alternate power
  • STM32H723 running FreeRTOS
  • USB configuration: enumerates as a flash drive for certificates and config files
  • Screw terminals for isolated CAN-FD and RS-485
  • Dimensions: 181 x 157 x 38 mm (7.13 x 6.18 x 1.50 in)

Sensor Bin Platform

Every bin shares the same connector, power, and identity scheme, so any bin fits any cell

Inside a small switch bin: the slotted tray lifted to show the sensor board and its 4-pin connector
  • 4-pin Molex Micro-Lock 1.25 mm connector to the controller
  • 5.5 V to 7 V input, switched per cell by the controller
  • AT24CS01 EEPROM holds a factory-unique serial number and the sensor configuration
  • Bins move between cells and controllers and stay recognized; they do not need to stay plugged in
  • Open sensor interface and KiCad template for designing your own bins
  • Open hardware files published at campaign launch: controller schematic PDF and interactive BOM, sensor KiCad template, enclosure STEP files

Weight Bins

Parts are counted by weight, calibrated per part

Large Weight Bin

Large capacity weight bin for heavier components and bulk storage.

  • Max sense weight: 10 kg (22 lb), 20 kg (44 lb) absolute maximum
  • Dimensions: 200 x 204 x 150 mm (7.87 x 8.03 x 5.91 in)
  • Draw: 26 mA
Small orange weight sensor bin with a dark removable tray

Small Weight Bin

Compact weight bin for small components that need fine weight resolution.

  • Max sense weight: 250 g (8.8 oz), 500 g (17.6 oz) absolute maximum
  • Dimensions: 104.8 x 139.7 x 76.2 mm (4.13 x 5.5 x 3 in)
  • Draw: 26 mA

Switch Bins

One switch per slot for counting discrete items

Large Switch Bin

Large switch bin with wide slots for bigger discrete items.

  • Capacity: 12 items (1 per slot)
  • Slots: 120 mm (4.72 in) long at 13.5 mm (0.53 in) pitch
  • Dimensions: 184 x 141 x 136 mm (7.24 x 5.55 x 5.35 in)
  • About 30 g (1 oz) of force to actuate, 10 mA draw
Small black switch sensor bin with sixteen slots in its floor

Small Switch Bin

Compact switch bin with narrow slots for smaller discrete items.

  • Capacity: 16 items (1 per slot)
  • Slots: 80 mm (3.15 in) long at 5.6 mm (0.22 in) pitch
  • Dimensions: 110 x 101 x 86 mm (4.33 x 3.98 x 3.39 in)
  • About 30 g (1 oz) of force to actuate, 10 mA draw

Future Work

Sensor types planned for after the campaign. These are not part of the Crowd Supply offering.

Future Work
Tape and reel illustration

Tape-and-Reel Sensor

In Development

Tape and reel part sensor. Perfect for use with a pick and place system, or manual component placement.

  • Cost effective component accounting
  • Available for use with multiple tape widths
Future Work

Liquid Flow Sensor

In Development

Liquid flow sensor for monitoring dispensed fluids. Ideal for chemicals and fluid inventory management.

  • Liquid level detection
  • Chemical-resistant