Rita — our
AI campervan.
Our automotive proof-of-concept: a full Node-RED automation stack, face-recognition entry and Victron solar management, built and tested end to end. The same systems we now deliver for installers.
Not your average campervan.
Face Recognition Entry
ESP32-CAM runs a custom AI model. Rita recognises Cheryl and Marcus and unlocks the door — strangers are logged and alerted.
Node-RED Automation Core
All systems — lighting, climate, security, battery management — are wired through a full Node-RED stack running on a Raspberry Pi.
Victron Solar Management
Full Victron stack — SmartSolar MPPT, SmartShunt, and MultiPlus inverter — all monitored and automated via Node-RED.
Remote Monitoring
Temperature, humidity, battery SOC, and security alerts — visible on a phone dashboard from anywhere in the world via MQTT.
Voice Control
Local voice assistant running Whisper on-device — no cloud, no latency. "Rita, turn off the lights" actually works.
Pepper Approved 🐾
Rita also monitors the van temperature for when Pepper is left inside on sunny days — alerts fire before it gets uncomfortable.
Built with zero
experience.
In 2022, Cheryl and Marcus bought a second-hand plasterer's van, watched YouTube tutorials, and started cutting. No prior carpentry, no prior electrical experience, no prior programming knowledge.
Marcus had a background in engineering and a passion for automation. That became the differentiator — Rita isn't just a well-built campervan, it's a rolling proof-of-concept for what's possible when you wire AI into everyday life.
Everything you see on this website came from what we learned building Rita. Every tutorial, every product recommendation, every Node-RED flow — lived-in, real-world, and tested.
- Base vehiclePlasterer's van
- Build start2022
- Automation stackNode-RED + Home Assistant
- Solar setupVictron SmartSolar + MultiPlus
- AI entryESP32-CAM face recognition
- Connectivity4G LTE + VPN + MQTT
- CrewCheryl, Marcus, Pepper 🐾