Wi-Fi Face Buddy

"Wi-Fi Face Buddy – A Smart, Expressive Desk Companion That Reacts, Connects, and Cares!"

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Inspiration

The idea came from wanting a desk gadget that feels more alive—something that’s expressive, helpful, and easy to build without relying on mobile apps or the cloud. I was inspired by projects like “Bloom Buddy,” but instead of focusing on plant care, I wanted to build a Wi-Fi-connected buddy that could respond to touch, show temperature, and control devices—all while smiling at you!

What it does

Displays a blinking happy face on an OLED display.

  • Responds to touch using a TTP223 sensor.
  • On touch, it shows:
    • Wi-Fi status (IP and RSSI)
    • Live temperature using a DHT11 sensor.
  • Sends an HTTP request to another ESP32 to trigger a relay when the temperature exceeds a set threshold.
  • Cycles RGB LED colors smoothly .
  • Runs entirely on local Wi-Fi—no mobile app, no internet dependency. ## How we built it
  • Hardware Used:
    • ESP32 (x2) – one for sensors/UI, one for relay.
    • OLED Display (SSD1306, I2C on GPIO 21/22)
    • DHT11 Temperature Sensor
    • TTP223 Capacitive Touch Sensor
    • RGB LED (common cathode, GPIO 25/26/27)
    • Relay module (controlled via HTTP) ## Challenges we ran into Library compatibility issues (ESPAsyncWebServer was outdated and buggy).
  • Designing smooth transitions between blinking face and data screen.
  • Getting reliable touch sensor response without false triggering.
  • Implementing HTTP requests between two ESP32 boards without delay or blocking.
  • Making sure OLED graphics were both minimal and expressive. ## Accomplishments that we're proud of Built a fully functional two-ESP32 system using just local Wi-Fi.
  • Designed a face that can blink and react in a fun way.
  • Achieved reliable ESP32-to-ESP32 communication without third-party services.
  • Balanced hardware and software features without overcomplicating the project. ## What we learned How to perform local HTTP communication between ESP32 devices.
  • How to use OLED displays for UI and expression.
  • Optimizing non-blocking timing for animations, sensor updates, and RGB LED.
  • Combining form and function in an embedded system. ## What's next for Wi-Fi Face Buddy
  • Add Bluetooth message notifications on the OLED.
  • 3D-print a custom casing with character and personality.
  • Add sound-reactive features.
  • Expand to control multiple devices via different HTTP endpoints.
  • Let it speak using text-to-speech modules or tone buzzers.

Built With

  • adafruit-ssd1306-library
  • arduino
  • arduinoide
  • c++
  • dht-sensor-library
  • dht11
  • esp32
  • oled
  • rgbled
  • sensors
  • ttp223
  • wifi
  • wifi.h
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