Calaos
Calaos is an open source GPLv3 home automation software platform that enables DIY enthusiasts to self-install and control lighting, climate, multi-room audio, and security systems via Wago PLCs, Raspberry Pi, and multiple IoT protocols, distributed freely through community channels since 2013.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2013
- Headquarters—
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingSoftware
What Calaos does
Calaos is an open source home automation software platform released under the GPLv3 license, maintained as a community-driven project since the original French company of the same name closed in 2013 and released its codebase. The platform provides a complete software stack for controlling and monitoring residential smart home systems, targeting technically capable DIY users who self-install and self-configure their installations using provided documentation and community support channels (Wiki, Forum, Discord, GitHub).
The technical architecture consists of seven integrated components: Calaos Server (core application managing Wago PLC communication and home automation logic), Calaos Home (wall-mounted touchscreen interface), Calaos Webapp (HTML5 browser-based control), Calaos Installer (desktop configuration tool), native iOS and Android mobile applications, and Calaos-OS (a full Linux distribution built on Yocto/OpenEmbedded for turnkey deployment). The platform integrates with Wago PLCs as the recommended primary controller, Raspberry Pi as the most popular DIY hardware platform, and supports multiple protocols including MQTT, KNX, DALI, DMX512, One Wire, and JSON Webservice API. Additional integrations cover multi-room audio (Squeezebox, Yamaha/Onkyo/Denon/Marantz/Pioneer AV receivers), surveillance (Foscam IP cameras), energy monitoring (Eco Device), and IoT controllers (IPX800, Zodianet ZiBASE, Karotz).
The business model is entirely non-commercial: the software is distributed free under GPLv3, with no paid tiers, subscriptions, or licensing fees. Revenue, to the extent any exists, comes solely from voluntary community donations via PayPal and Bitcoin, used to maintain servers, App Store subscriptions, and development hardware. There is no formal corporate ownership, no headcount disclosure, no funding rounds, no management team, and no institutional investors. The project sustains itself through volunteer contributions and community goodwill, serving DIY home automation enthusiasts globally through self-serve digital distribution.
Calaos firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Calaos
- Legal name
- Calaos Team
- Website
- https://calaos.fr
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2013
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- Calaos is an open source GPLv3 home automation software platform that enables DIY enthusiasts to self-install and control lighting, climate, multi-room audio, and security systems via Wago PLCs, Raspberry Pi, and multiple IoT protocols, distributed freely through community channels since 2013.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Calaos industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Home Automation Software
- NAICS
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services (5415)
- SIC
- Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373), Auto Controls For Regulating Residential & Comml Environments (3822)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Whole-Home Automation System Design & Programming (HSAHADAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Custom Scenes, Routines & Geofencing Automation Configuration (HSAHADAL), Home Automation Hub/Platform Integration for Electrical & HVAC (e.g., HomeKit/Google/Alexa) (HSAOANAI), Home Network/Wi‑Fi, Router & IoT Connectivity Setup (for Smart Home) (HSAHADAI)
Keywords
Calaos business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Operations
Revenue model
- Open Source Software Distribution: Calaos is distributed as free open source software under GPLv3 license. The project accepts donations via PayPal and Bitcoin to cover operational costs (servers, subscriptions, hardware for development). No direct revenue generation from software licensing.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Free Open Source - GPLv3 |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels5 records
Calaos product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Calaos is a free, open source (GPLv3) home automation software platform that lets users control and monitor their home. The stack includes Calaos Server (core engine), Calaos Home (touchscreen interface), Calaos Webapp (HTML5), Calaos Installer (configuration tool), iOS/Android mobile apps, and Calaos-OS (a complete Linux-based operating system). It integrates with Wago PLCs, Raspberry Pi, MQTT, KNX, DALI, and other IoT protocols to deliver DIY smart home automation for lighting, shutters, climate, multi-room audio, and surveillance.
Product overview
Calaos is an open source home automation solution released under GPLv3 that was originally developed by a French company and open sourced in 2013. The platform consists of Calaos Server (core application), Calaos Home (touchscreen interface), Calaos Webapp (HTML5 web interface), Calaos Installer (desktop configuration tool), mobile apps for iOS and Android, and Calaos-OS (complete Linux OS). The system integrates with Wago PLCs as the primary home automation controller, supports various hardware platforms (Raspberry Pi, Intel PCs, ARM boards), and protocols including MQTT, KNX, DALI, DMX, and One Wire sensors.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Calaos Server Core application server that manages and controls all home automation functions, communicates with Wago PLCs and other hardware, and provides the central intelligence for the home automation system.
- Calaos Home Touchscreen user interface application for wall-mounted control panels that enables room-by-room control and monitoring of the home automation system.
- Calaos Webapp HTML5 web application providing browser-based access to control the home automation system from any device without requiring local installation.
- Calaos Installer Desktop configuration tool for setting up and customizing the home automation installation, including hardware, rooms, scenarios, audio zones, and camera configurations.
- Calaos iOS Native iOS mobile application for controlling and monitoring the home automation system from iPhones and iPads.
- Calaos Android Native Android mobile application for controlling and monitoring the home automation system from Android smartphones and tablets.
- Calaos-OS Full Linux operating system based on Yocto/OpenEmbedded that includes all Calaos software preconfigured. Installed by burning a memory card for turnkey home automation server functionality.
Companies that use Calaos
Customer profileSegments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Calaos technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration23 records
Feature6 records
Calaos partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Two partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- Wago AutomationcoreWago Automation is referenced as an external partner. Calaos was originally designed to work with Wago PLCs as the core home automation controller. The project maintains compatibility with Wago PLCs and supports their automation hardware including various input/output modules.
- Raspberry Pi FoundationcoreRaspberry Pi is the most widely supported hardware platform for Calaos. Described as 'the world's most used board for DIY' and primary platform for small installations without touchscreen interface.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Calaos competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Home Assistant: Home Assistant is an open-source, self-hosted home automation platform with extensive device integrations and a strong DIY community. It is the closest peer to Calaos because both serve technical users seeking local, customizable smart-home control without vendor lock-in.
- openHAB: openHAB is an open-source, vendor-neutral home automation platform that integrates many smart-home devices and protocols. It is directly comparable to Calaos as a self-hosted automation system for technically capable users and integrators.
- Domoticz: Domoticz is a lightweight open-source home automation system commonly used on Raspberry Pi and similar hardware. It overlaps with Calaos in DIY smart-home control, sensor integration, and self-managed deployment.
- Jeedom: Jeedom is a French home automation platform with self-hosted software, plugins, and smart-home control capabilities. It is comparable to Calaos through its French roots, DIY/installer orientation, and focus on integrating heterogeneous connected-home devices.
- ioBroker: ioBroker is an open-source IoT and home automation platform built around adapters for many devices and services. It compares with Calaos as a flexible automation hub for users who want broad protocol and device interoperability.
- FHEM: FHEM is an open-source home automation server widely used by technical enthusiasts to integrate sensors, actuators, and smart-home devices. It is comparable to Calaos as a DIY, self-hosted automation controller, though it is more developer-centric.
Emerging players
- Gladys Assistant: Gladys Assistant is an open-source, privacy-oriented home assistant and automation platform. It is a relevant emerging peer because it targets self-hosted smart-home users with a similar no-lock-in philosophy, though with a newer and narrower ecosystem than Calaos.
- Homebridge: Homebridge is an open-source platform that bridges non-HomeKit devices into Apple HomeKit. It is less comprehensive than Calaos but comparable as a community-driven smart-home integration layer for technically capable users.
Broad incumbents
- Homey: Homey offers a consumer smart-home hub and app ecosystem for connecting and automating many devices. It is comparable to Calaos at the smart-home orchestration layer, but is a more commercial, hardware-led platform.
- Loxone: Loxone provides whole-home and building automation through its Miniserver, controls, sensors, and installer ecosystem. It is comparable to Calaos for comprehensive wired smart-home automation, though Loxone is a proprietary commercial system rather than an open-source DIY project.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Calaos social profiles
Digital presenceCalaos financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Calaos leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Calaos funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Calaos M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Calaos
What does Calaos do?
Calaos is a free, open source (GPLv3) home automation software platform that lets users control and monitor their home. The stack includes Calaos Server (core engine), Calaos Home (touchscreen interface), Calaos Webapp (HTML5), Calaos Installer (configuration tool), iOS/Android mobile apps, and Calaos-OS (a complete Linux-based operating system). It integrates with Wago PLCs, Raspberry Pi, MQTT, KNX, DALI, and other IoT protocols to deliver DIY smart home automation for lighting, shutters, climate, multi-room audio, and surveillance.
Is Calaos a public or private company?
Calaos is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was Calaos founded?
Calaos was founded in 2013.
How does Calaos make money?
One revenue line is on record: open Source Software Distribution.
Who are Calaos's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Home Assistant, openHAB, Domoticz, Jeedom, ioBroker and FHEM. Emerging players are Gladys Assistant and Homebridge. Broad incumbents are Homey and Loxone.
Does Calaos have an API?
Yes. Calaos provides a JSON Webservice Protocol for HTTP-based communication with the server. The API uses JSON format for data exchange over HTTPS directly on the Calaos server at https://calaos_server_ip/api.php. Calaos v2 uses HTTP POST, while v3 supports both HTTP POST and HTTP GET methods. Available API endpoints include get_home (get complete house configuration), get_state (get I/O states), set_state (change I/O states), get_playlist (music zone playlists), poll_listen (monitor I/O changes via UUID registration), and config (read/write XML configuration). Calaos v3 includes a debug web page accessible at https://calaos_server_ip/debug or http://calaos_server_ip:5454/debug for testing POST and Websocket requests. Developer documentation is at calaos.fr/wiki/en/protocole_json.
What industry is Calaos in?
Calaos's product category is Home Automation Software. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HSAHADAA, Whole-Home Automation System Design & Programming, with a secondary code of HSAHADAL, Custom Scenes, Routines & Geofencing Automation Configuration. Its NAICS code is 5415 and its SIC code is 7373.