Technology
Ugreen's New HomeAgent Hub Brings Local AI and Smart Home Control Without Cloud Dependency
The cable and power accessory maker is entering the smart home market with a privacy-focused platform that keeps data, video processing, and AI entirely on-device.
The Verge
Ugreen, best known for charging cables and portable power solutions, is making a significant push into the smart home ecosystem with its new HomeAgent platform. Unveiled this week at the IFA tech conference, the system brings together local data storage, on-device video processing, and an AI voice assistant called Uliya—all designed to operate without relying on cloud servers.
What HomeAgent Does#
The heart of the HomeAgent is a hub that functions as the central intelligence for your connected home. It consolidates the roles of network-attached storage (NAS), security camera recorder, and AI assistant into a single unit. The system processes security camera feeds locally, runs intelligent features like cross-camera tracking and object detection, and lets you control compatible smart home devices using natural language commands through Uliya.
Key capabilities include identifying people, vehicles, pets, and packages; searching through recorded video using AI; generating text summaries of events; and automating smart home actions. The system also doubles as general-purpose storage for personal files—music, photos, and videos—similar to a traditional NAS device.
Three Tiers of Processing Power#
Ugreen is offering three configurations of the hub, each with different computational capabilities:
- HA100: Handles basic, rule-based automation and supports simple voice commands
- HA100 Pro: Adds semantic understanding and context-aware processing for more nuanced control
- MA100: Equipped with an NVIDIA Jetson Thor processor for the most sophisticated AI features
All three store and process data locally by default, eliminating monthly subscription fees that cloud-based alternatives like Amazon Ring or Google Nest typically charge.
Ecosystem and Compatibility#
The HomeAgent functions as a Matter controller, allowing it to work with smart lights, switches, sensors, and motorized curtains from multiple manufacturers. Ugreen has already integrated devices from Aqara, ThirdReality, SwitchBot, and Eve, though the company acknowledges its compatibility list remains limited and recommends verifying devices before purchase. The hub supports multiple connectivity protocols including Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Thread, Bluetooth, NFC, and IP camera feeds.
Complementing the hub, Ugreen is launching its own lineup of cameras (the SynCare series), a smart speaker, and a unique digital photo frame with E Ink display that can show images stored locally on the hub.
