The ESP32 is a tiny microcontroller that you can pick up for a few dollars. You might already own a device that has an ESP32 embedded in it, especially if you have small battery-powered smart home sensors around the house. Thanks to its inexpensive and versatile nature, there's a lot you can do with it.
Here are five projects that combine the ESP32 and a 3D printer.
Project Aura professional air quality monitor
A good friend told me about Project Aura a few months ago, and this week he finally sent me some photos of the finished project, so now I feel compelled to build one myself. This isn't just any old air quality monitor; this is a professional bit of kit that uses an industrial-grade sensor to provide a wealth of information and a high degree of accuracy.
The finished product has a sharp display and measures carbon dioxide, fine particles from PM1 and PM10, pollen and allergen levels, nitrogen dioxide, volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde, plus meteorological readings like absolute humidity and barometric pressure. The housing is entirely 3D-printed, and assembly requires no soldering.
The final cost will set you back around $170, and whatever filament you decide on, but this is far cheaper than what you'd pay for a pre-built monitor that comes anywhere close. It reminds me of the 3D-printed speakers that punch well above their weight .
ESPTimeCast LED matrix clock
ESPTimeCast / M-Factory
LED matrix clocks have a retro vibe thanks to a display made up of dots that channels the spirit of a flip-disc display . Powered by an ESP8266 or an ESP32, the ESPTimeCast project looks the part with its eye-catching matrix and your choice of two 3D-printed enclosure styles (alternatively, go it alone and design your own).
The clock is kept in sync over the internet, and you'll also get live weather information, including temperature, conditions, and more. The clock itself can automatically dim its LEDs based on a schedule of your choosing, which makes it perfect for use in the bedroom and other dimly-lit spaces. There's also a web interface, Home Assistant integration, the ability to send custom alerts and messages, and a timer system.
Looking for some inspiration? Check out the ESPTimeCast gallery on Reddit.
Lumon Industries Bluetooth speaker
Adafruit
We might be waiting a while for another season of Apple TV's excellent Severance , but the show has left quite a mark on the TV landscape. One way you can keep your innie happy while conducting mysterious and important work is by building the Severance -inspired Lumon Bluetooth speaker .
This is a very simple project that uses an ESP32 control board, a 3W amplifier, and a speaker. It's powered by a standard 5V/1A USB connection and could easily be converted to a portable model with a battery that can supply enough juice.
All up, the project shouldn't cost more than $40 if you buy everything from Adafruit directly, which produced the guide and shared the CAD files for printing. While a Bluetooth speaker isn't that exciting, the project can help teach you basic skills and build confidence.
Papaya Pathfinder lunar rover
The Papaya Pathfinder is an ESP32-powered open-source lunar rover that you can control remotely. The vast majority of the project is 3D printed, though you'll need to add a controller, radio, motors, drivers, and servos, plus battery and voltage regulators to get your rover moving.
Once built, flash the ESP32 with firmware available on the project's GitHub page and control it with a gamepad over HTTP with Python or using the mobile Android app using touch controls. When you're done playing, it's the sort of conversation starter that will look amazing on a desk or shelf.
If the big rover seems like a bit of a stretch, there's also a Papaya Pathfinder Mini available, which requires fewer parts and filament.
ESP32 Game and Watch
slowlane112 / Esp32-Game-and-Watch
Last but certainly not least, the ESP32 Game and Watch project shows you how to build a faithful recreation of Nintendo's iconic handheld, minus the (legally procured) ROMs you'll need to actually play games.
What I love about this project is that the project author has provided multiple build guides for a variety of versions that increase in complexity. These range from proof-of-concept breadboard-style designs to working consoles that fit entirely within a 3D-printed chassis, complete with batteries for portable play.
Looking for more ESP32 projects? Check out some ESP32 smart home projects that solve real problems .
