Akuvox
Android IP Video Intercoms — SIP, Face Recognition and REST API Integration
Akuvox (Xiamen, China, EU representative in Netherlands) manufactures SIP-based IP video door entry systems — the R29S Android door station (8-inch display, face recognition, NFC, QR code) is widely adopted in European apartments. Integration with KNX via REST API webhooks (door call → Home Assistant → KNX GA) or direct relay output to KNX binary input module. Akuvox SmartPlus cloud platform provides mobile app with GDPR-compliant EU data centre option.
Role in our panels
How we use Akuvox
The R29S Android door station is the flagship Akuvox unit: SIP over Ethernet (PoE or 12V DC), 2MP ONVIF-compliant camera, IP65 IK08 vandal-resistant housing, relay output NO/COM rated 12V 500mA, built-in face recognition engine (3D structured light), NFC reader (Mifare 13.56MHz), and QR code unlock. The companion E12 slim model offers a more compact profile (PoE, 2MP, IP54) for retrofit entry panels where recess depth is limited. Both models run Android OS with the Akuvox web interface accessible at the device IP for SIP and relay configuration. SIP trunk configuration is central to multi-apartment deployments. The R29S registers as a SIP endpoint on an Asterisk PBX or FreePBX server — each apartment extension is assigned a SIP peer, and a dial plan routes the door station call to the correct apartment's IT83 indoor monitor. Alternatively, Akuvox SmartPlus cloud platform provides a hosted SIP server with GDPR EU data centre option, removing the need to maintain an on-site PBX. SmartPlus also provides the Akuvox mobile app (iOS and Android) for remote door opening and call forwarding when residents are away. REST API webhook integration connects Akuvox door events to KNX via Home Assistant acting as middleware. In the R29S web interface (Settings → Event → Webhook), configure the webhook URL to point to a Home Assistant webhook trigger. The Home Assistant automation then maps door call events to KNX group address 12/0/0 (DPT 1.001) and door open events to KNX GA 12/0/1. This approach requires a Home Assistant instance with the KNX integration (XKNX library) and a KNX IP router or IP interface on the KNX bus. Webhook events include: call initiated, call answered, door open command, face recognition unlock, NFC card unlock, and QR code unlock. For installations where software integration is not feasible, the R29S relay output (NO/COM, 12V 500mA) can be wired directly to a KNX binary input module (e.g. MDT BE-08.01 or ABB SA/S). Connect R29S relay NO terminal to the KNX binary input IN1 terminal; configure the relay in the R29S web interface to trigger on call ring with 5-second duration. The KNX binary input module then sends a DPT 1.001 telegram on the KNX bus when the relay closes — the KNX actuators respond to the group address for entrance lighting or door chime notification without any IP middleware.
Integration via REST API webhook (door call/open events to KNX GAs via Home Assistant) or direct relay output to KNX binary input. ONVIF camera integrates with Milestone/Uniview NVR for video verification triggered by KNX.
Used in these project types
Akuvox products
Key components we install
Akuvox R29S Android Door Station
Flagship Android door station: 8-inch touchscreen, SIP over Ethernet (PoE 802.3af or 12V DC), 2MP ONVIF camera, face recognition (3D structured light, <300ms), NFC Mifare 13.56MHz, QR code unlock, relay output NO/COM 12V 500mA, IP65 IK08, REST API webhook support. Supports Akuvox SmartPlus cloud or on-site Asterisk PBX. Used in European apartment buildings, commercial offices, and residential smart homes requiring Android-based door entry with KNX integration via webhook or relay.
Akuvox E12 Slim IP Door Station
Compact slim-profile door station for retrofit installations: PoE 802.3af, 2MP ONVIF camera, SIP over Ethernet, IP54, relay output, flush or surface mount. No touchscreen or face recognition — cost-effective SIP door station where face recognition is not required. Compatible with Asterisk PBX and SmartPlus cloud. KNX integration via relay output to KNX binary input or REST API webhook.
Akuvox IT83 Indoor Monitor
7-inch Android indoor monitor: SIP registration, video call from door station, remote door open, Akuvox SmartPlus app integration, PoE or 12V DC. Apartment-side device paired with R29S or E12 door station. Supports local SIP on Asterisk PBX or Akuvox SmartPlus cloud. Can also forward calls to mobile app when resident is absent.
Akuvox X915 Face and Card Panel
Outdoor access panel combining face recognition, card reader (Mifare and EM), PIN pad, and SIP video call: IP65, IK08, supports 10,000 face profiles, TCP/IP and RS-485 connectivity. Used at commercial building entrances, car park barriers, and offices requiring face recognition access control alongside intercom function.
Akuvox SmartPlus Cloud Platform
Hosted SIP and device management platform: EU data centre option for GDPR compliance, iOS and Android mobile app for remote door open and call forwarding, device configuration portal, multi-building management for property managers. Alternative to on-site Asterisk PBX. Subscription-based; pricing per door station per year.
Akuvox FAQ
Does Akuvox support KNX directly?
No — Akuvox does not have a native KNX protocol implementation. Integration is achieved via two routes: (1) REST API webhook from the R29S to Home Assistant, which then maps door events to KNX group addresses via the XKNX/Home Assistant KNX integration; (2) relay output (NO/COM, 12V 500mA) wired directly to a KNX binary input module (MDT BE-08.01, ABB SA/S). The webhook approach provides richer events (call, answer, face unlock, NFC unlock, QR unlock); the relay approach is simpler and requires no software middleware.
Is Akuvox GDPR compliant?
Yes — Akuvox SmartPlus offers an EU data centre option for GDPR-compliant data storage. Face recognition templates are stored on the R29S device itself (on-device processing, not sent to cloud by default). For maximum GDPR compliance, use on-site Asterisk PBX instead of SmartPlus cloud, with local face recognition processing only.
Akuvox vs Doorbird — which is better for KNX integration?
Both are IP intercoms with REST API integration paths to KNX via Home Assistant. DoorBird (Germany) is a simpler device — no Android OS, no touchscreen, no face recognition — at a higher price point. Akuvox R29S has significantly more features (8-inch touchscreen, face recognition, NFC, QR code) at lower cost, making it the preferred choice for apartment buildings and hotels. DoorBird has a more established European brand reputation and a native Home Assistant integration with good documentation. For new projects where face recognition or NFC is required, Akuvox R29S is the recommended choice.
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