In the age of smart homes, reliable security systems are no longer a luxury—they’re a necessity. Recently, I had the chance to try out the aosu home cortex security system, and it’s safe to say it’s one of the most impressive AI-powered CCTV kits I’ve tested.
Let’s dive into the experience and features that make this system stand out.
What’s in the Box?
The aosu home cortex kit I received includes:
Two P1 Max solar-powered security cameras
A central AI hub called the Homebase
You can choose kits with 2, 4, 6, or even 8 cameras, depending on your needs. While my setup includes only two, the system is expandable, making it ideal for both small homes and larger properties.
Note: The earlier bundled P1 Max cameras did not have SD card slots, but the latest versions do—great news for those preferring local storage.
Quick Installation, Zero Cables
Installation is straightforward and completely wire-free. The cameras are solar-powered, with built-in rechargeable batteries and Wi-Fi connectivity, meaning no messy wiring or drilling. Everything you need—mounting screws, dowels, and guides—is included.
If you want to use different mounts, aosu made it easy: the metal mount screws off, revealing a standard mounting thread compatible with most third-party accessories.
Meet the Brain: aosu Homebase
The real power of this system lies in the Homebase, a compact but mighty hub that runs the home cortex AI engine.
Local AI processing – No reliance on cloud-based AI features
32GB built-in storage – Expandable with a SATA 2.5” SSD or HDD up to 16TB
Ethernet only – No Wi-Fi connectivity for the base unit
Active cooling – A silent fan keeps things cool without being disruptive
To expand storage, just pop off the magnetically-attached front panel, remove a single screw, and insert your drive. A thoughtful design, though magnetic HDDs should be installed with caution due to nearby magnets.
App Control & Setup
The system is managed entirely via the aosu mobile app, available on Android and iOS. Setup is simple:
Connect Homebase to your router via Ethernet
Power on and mount the cameras
Use the app to detect and sync devices
Install firmware updates for Homebase and each camera
A smooth process, though desktop users will need an Android emulator if they want app access on a PC.
AI That Actually Works
Here’s where the aosu home cortex system shines—its local AI capabilities rival some cloud-based competitors, all without ongoing subscriptions.
Key AI Features:
Facial Recognition: Upload images to help the system identify family members.
Cross-Camera Tracking: Track individuals across multiple cameras—reduces false alerts.
License Plate Recognition: Create whitelists for familiar vehicles, ignore them in alerts.
TrueSight Intelligence (Beta): Automatically summarizes activity with natural-language text reports. Surprisingly accurate and extremely helpful.
Example summary:
“A man and a woman enter the entryway. The woman briefly touches the door handle while conversing.”
While the prose sometimes reads like a short story, the detection is sharp and the summaries save you time digging through footage.
Smart Search & Custom Alerts
The system supports AI-powered search. Want to see where someone passed by on a bike or where the sky was visible in a clip? Type the keyword and jump right to it.
You can also define zones and activity types—like fence climbing or motion near a vehicle—so the system alerts you only when it matters.
Night Vision, Battery Life & Solar Charging
Infrared and color night vision: Works well even in total darkness
Battery life: Up to 3 weeks on a full charge depending on activity
Solar panel: Needs ~2 hours of direct light per day
Indoor charging: USB-C charging available; solar panel works even under artificial light
This makes it suitable even in corridors or near streetlights where direct sun is limited.
A Few Drawbacks
Despite the excellent performance, there are some limitations:
No Wi-Fi in Homebase – Requires wired connection
Requires internet for phone access – Local recording works offline, but app notifications and live views do not
Closed ecosystem – App-only management, no third-party software support
Wasted potential – The Homebase hardware is powerful but locked down. It could’ve been a perfect mini-server with support for Docker, NAS, or Home Assistant.
Final Verdict: Powerful, Smart, and (Mostly) Local
The aosu home cortex system is one of the most capable DIY home security kits available today. The AI is smart, the cameras are high-quality, and the experience is smooth—all without a required subscription.
If you’re looking for a locally powered, AI-driven surveillance system that saves you time and adds peace of mind, this one is hard to beat.