Obico

What Obico is

Obico is an open-source platform for monitoring and controlling 3D printers remotely. Its AI can watch a print, detect failures, and send an alert or pause the print when it finds a problem. It provides remote access to OctoPrint, Fluidd, and Mainsail, with integrations for Klipper, OctoPrint, and Duet3D. The iOS and Android apps provide webcam streaming, print progress, and notifications; Mobileraker is also listed as a third-party app that supports Obico. Users can choose Obico Cloud, which Obico hosts and maintains, or run the customizable server on their own hardware. Self-hosting requires server hardware and familiarity with Docker and Linux. With cloud AI detection, webcam frames are sent to Obico's servers for processing; self-hosting keeps that processing on the user's own infrastructure. Obico says printer-plugin communications use HTTPS/TLS encryption and that it does not sell personal data or webcam images to third parties. The Free plan supports one printer and 10 AI Detection Hours monthly. AI Premium costs $6.99/mo (annual) and includes 50 detection hours monthly, premium streaming, unlimited OctoPrint tunneling, G-Code remote upload and printing, and concierge technical support.

Who it suits

Obico suits makers, enthusiasts, and tinkerers who want remote printer monitoring, control, and AI failure alerts. Its cloud option avoids the need for personal server hardware, while self-hosting suits users familiar with Docker and Linux who want AI processing on their own infrastructure.

Limits

Free covers one printer, 10 AI Detection Hours per month, basic streaming up to 5 FPS throttled for 30 seconds per minute, and OctoPrint tunneling up to 300MB monthly. AI Premium costs $6.99/mo billed annually and includes 50 AI Detection Hours monthly, unlimited 25 FPS Premium Streaming, and unlimited OctoPrint tunneling.

Getting started

1. Visit the Obico website.
2. Choose Obico Cloud or plan to run the customizable server on your own hardware.
3. For self-hosting, prepare server hardware and Docker and Linux familiarity.
4. Choose the Free plan or AI Premium at $6.99/mo billed annually.
5. Use the web service or the iOS and Android apps.

Verdict

Choose Obico if you want remote monitoring and control for a supported 3D printer, with AI failure detection and mobile apps. Look at AI Premium if the Free plan's printer, detection, streaming, or tunneling limits do not fit; self-hosting requires suitable hardware and Docker and Linux familiarity.