Escape room hardware integration is what lets one platform control your locks, lights, sensors, and props. ARC is built to integrate with the hardware you already use—Shelly, Z-Wave, Zigbee, MQTT, DMX, and more—so you don't have to replace your whole setup.

Shelly Wi‑Fi devices are widely used in escape rooms; ARC has native support so you can add relays, sensors, and dimmers without extra gateways. For broader smart-home and pro lighting, Z-Wave and Zigbee are supported, along with DMX for professional lighting control. MQTT connects custom and third-party devices to a single bus.

Custom hardware is part of the picture. ARC offers libraries, standard protocols, and examples for Arduino, ESP32, and Raspberry Pi so you can integrate proprietary props, RFID readers, and custom controllers. If your business already uses Node-RED, ARC's own published nodes can trigger controls and react to game state from existing flows.

Escape room hardware integration in ARC is designed for reliability. Local control means minimal latency and no dependency on the cloud for device commands. You can run one room or many from the same ARC instance, with all hardware visible and controllable from one interface.

ARC is also building optional first-party escape room controllers. ARC Command, planned for fall 2026, will support common digital connections. ARC Drive for DC devices and ARC Probe for sensors are planned to follow. They expand your choices; ARC will continue to support third-party hardware and open connection methods.

See how ARC connects to your hardware: ARC overview, escape room software, and automation.