Zeen AI Plug (AI-Based Timer Board)

I often found myself forgetting to unplug my e-bike, laptop, or phone after they were fully charged. Hours would pass, electricity would be wasted, and battery life would slowly degrade. It was a small habit, but with real environmental and long-term cost.

Instead of relying on reminders, I decided to let hardware do the thinking. I wanted a power control system that could automatically cut off power at the right time smart enough to adapt, yet reliable even without an internet connection.

That idea became Zeen AI Plug, a Zero Green AI timer board. It works in two worlds: online, where AI and cloud services help configure, monitor, and optimize charging remotely; and offline, where simple manual buttons ensure dependable control anytime, anywhere. What started as a personal fix is now an open-source step toward smarter energy use, longer battery life, and greener everyday charging.

Zeen AI Plug-Specification

Power & Safety

• Operates directly from 100V-240 VAC mains.
• Isolated internal power supply enhances user safety.
• Integrated surge and over-current protection.
• Engineered for continuous, reliable operation.
• Operates on USB power also (5V DC via Type-C USB)

Smart Connectivity

• Built-in Wi-Fi enables seamless remote monitoring and control.
• Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) supports provisioning and local interaction.
• Mobile app and cloud-ready architecture for convenient management.

Always-Accurate Timing

• On-board Real-Time Clock (RTC) maintains precise scheduling.
• Continues operation during power outages with battery-backed time retention.

Modern Interface

• USB Type-C port for configuration, programming, and firmware updates.
• ESD-protected USB interface for enhanced reliability.
• I2C port for attaching adding external devices

User Interaction

• Multi-function push buttons for local control and configuration.
• Status LED indicates power and network connectivity.
• Error LED provides fault notifications.
• Built-in buzzer offers audible alerts and feedback.

Typical Applications

• Smart plugs and sockets
• Home and building automation
• IoT-based power controllers
• Timed and scheduled appliance control
• Remote energy management systems

Tools and Technologies Used

AI-Assisted Design

The complete hardware and system design of Zeen AI Plug was developed with the assistance of modern AI tools (for design guide & firmware). Platforms such as ChatGPT and DeepSeek were used throughout the design process for circuit planning, component selection guidance, firmware logic structuring, documentation, and overall system architecture refinement. These tools significantly accelerated development and improved design clarity.

Hardware Design & Development Tool

• KiCad - Used for schematic capture and PCB layout design
• SnapEDA - For sourcing verified schematic symbols and PCB footprints
• Ultra Librarian - For component libraries and CAD models
• Google Sheets - Used for BOM management, component comparison, and design tracking
• NextPCB - PCB fabrication and manufacturing support

Firmware & Software Development Tools

• Visual Studio Code (VS Code) - Primary code editor for firmware development
• Arduino IDE - Used for compiling, flashing, and testing firmware on the microcontroller

Complete Guide for Design & Development:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxgq6Jtu7shR8w3cHLHZtZtIrhJVOUqG1&si=FmCci-hpoFaKevKK