> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://itsfoss.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # 12 Interesting ESP32 Microcontroller Projects Beginners Can Try - URL: https://itsfoss.com/esp32-microcontroller-projects/ - Published: 2026-01-17T03:41:18.000Z - Updated: 2026-07-09T05:32:21.000Z - Description: Try your hand at these creative projects! - Author: Sourav Rudra - Tags: List ๐Ÿ“‹ The [ESP32](https://www.espressif.com/en/products/socs/esp32?ref=itsfoss.com) microcontroller has become **a popular choice among tinkerers**. Released by Espressif Systems, this chip comes with WiFi, Bluetooth, multi-core processing, and enough GPIO pins to handle a variety of projects. Thanks to its versatility, it has found use with students building their first microcontroller project to engineers prototyping commercial products. The ecosystem surrounding ESP32 has grown too, including countless projects, tutorials, and community support across forums and GitHub repositories. The ESP32 projects scene continues to evolve. Here are a few chosen builds that show what's possible with this multipurpose microcontroller. ## A Quick Look | Project | Difficulty | Key Features | | -------------------------- | ------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Retro Weather Station | Beginner | e-paper Display, Battery Powered, OpenWeather API | | Ultrasonic Radar | Beginner | Real-time Visualization, Custom GUI | | Bluetooth-Controlled Robot | Beginner | Cardboard Build, Game Controller Support | | GPS Tracker | Intermediate | Geofencing, SMS alerts, WiFi-based | | Bed Occupancy Sensor | Intermediate | Home Assistant Integration, Sleep Tracking | | Dual-Screen E-Reader | Advanced | Two e-Paper Displays, Custom Firmware | | Mini Desktop Monitor | Intermediate | Wireless Screen Mirroring, 5-60 FPS | | Voice Recognition | Advanced | Offline ML, Edge Impulse Training | | LED Matrix Display | Intermediate | 64x32 RGB, MQTT, Web Interface | | 3D Printer Controller | Intermediate | Temperature Regulation, Servo Vent Control, Adaptive Cooldown | | Pomodoro Timer | Beginner | e-paper Display, Rotary Dial, USB-C | | EKOS Dashboard | Intermediate | 7.5" e-Paper Display, Modular Widgets, Local REST API, Home Assistant Integration | ## 1\. Retro Weather Station with e-Paper Display ![this is a picture of the esp32 e paper weather display sitting on a wooden desk](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2026/01/esp32-e-paper-weather-display.jpg) The [ESP32 E-Paper Weather Display](https://github.com/lmarzen/esp32-weather-epd?ref=itsfoss.com) is **a low-power weather station** that can run on battery for months. It uses a 7.5-inch e-paper screen to show current weather and a 5-day forecast from [OpenWeatherMap](https://openweathermap.org/?ref=itsfoss.com). A BME280 sensor tracks indoor temperature and humidity. The e-paper display draws very little power during updates, and combined with the ESP32's deep sleep mode, the USB-C charged 5000mAh battery can last 6โ€“12 months with updates being fetched every 30 minutes. The build uses a [FireBeetle 2 ESP32-E](https://www.dfrobot.com/product-2195.html?ref=itsfoss.com) board and a [DESPI-C02](https://www.good-display.com/companyfile/DESPI-C02-Specification-29.html?ref=itsfoss.com) adapter to connect the display. You can pair it with several compatible e-paper panels, like black/white, red/black/white, or 7-color options. The GitHub repo linked below (*and above*) includes all the code and wiring diagrams. [Build Yours](https://github.com/lmarzen/esp32-weather-epd?ref=itsfoss.com) ## 2\. 180-Degree View Ultrasonic Radar The [ESP32 Ultrasonic Radar System](https://github.com/Nikhil-A-E/Esp-Ultrasonic-Radar?ref=itsfoss.com) is **a DIY radar** that scans surroundings and shows detected objects on your computer screen. An HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor is mounted on an SG90 servo motor that rotates 180 degrees to achieve the wide radar coverage. The ESP32 onboard sends distance and angle data over a serial port to a processing application that draws a radar display. You will need an ESP32 board, HC-SR04 sensor, SG90 servo motor, and the Processing IDE on your computer to get this up and running. The GitHub repository contains both the code for the ESP32 and the processing script for the visualization. [Build Yours](https://github.com/Nikhil-A-E/Esp-Ultrasonic-Radar?ref=itsfoss.com) ## 3\. A $25 Bluetooth-Controlled Robot This **wheeled robot** uses cardboard and hot glue for the chassis, with the total cost to build staying under $25\. It is called [DirtCheapRobot](https://github.com/paulemccabe1/DirtCheapRobot?ref=itsfoss.com) and uses an [ESP32-WROOM](https://documentation.espressif.com/esp32-wroom-32%5Fdatasheet%5Fen.pdf?ref=itsfoss.com) board that handles Bluetooth connections and motor control through a [DRV8833](https://www.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/drv8833.pdf?ref=itsfoss.com) driver. A mini USB battery bank powers it. The robot works with Bluetooth game controllers thanks to the included [Bluepad32](https://bluepad32.readthedocs.io/en/latest/?ref=itsfoss.com) support, and plays nice with hardware from PlayStation, Xbox, Switch Pro, and other generic providers. All components connect through a standard breadboard with jumper wires, so no soldering is needed. The GitHub repository includes the code, a complete bill of materials, the wiring schematic, and assembly instructions. [Build Yours](https://github.com/paulemccabe1/DirtCheapRobot?ref=itsfoss.com) ## 4\. GPS Tracker with Geofencing and SMS Alerts ![this picture shows the layout for circuit digest's esp32-based gps tracker](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2026/01/esp32-gps-tracker-geofencing.jpeg) **Source: Circuit Digest* Most GPS trackers rely on having an active cellular data plan and GSM hardware. This [WiFi-based alternative](https://circuitdigest.com/microcontroller-projects/gps-tracker-with-seeed-studio-xiao-esp32-s3-and-geofencing?ref=itsfoss.com) pairs a [XIAO ESP32-S3](https://www.seeedstudio.com/XIAO-ESP32S3-p-5627.html?ref=itsfoss.com) with a [NEO-6M](https://www.u-blox.com/en/product/neo-6-series?ref=itsfoss.com) GPS receiver, while location data is routed through the [GeoLinker](https://www.circuitdigest.cloud/geolinker-web-app?ref=itsfoss.com) cloud platform. Position updates transmit every 15 seconds over available WiFi networks. The system stores coordinates locally during connectivity gaps, uploading the backlog once network access returns. For geofencing, if the configured boundary threshold (*between 10-5000 meters*) is crossed, the device automatically starts sending SMS notifications containing GPS coordinates (*requires another service to work*). [Build Yours](https://circuitdigest.com/microcontroller-projects/gps-tracker-with-seeed-studio-xiao-esp32-s3-and-geofencing?ref=itsfoss.com) [Build a GPS Tracker with Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32-S3 and GeofencingCreate a Wi-Fi GPS tracker using Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32-S3 & Neo-6M module. Features geofencing, SMS alerts, offline storage. No SIM card needed. Free GeoLinker tracking!![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/icon/logocd_fevicon.png)CircuitDigestVedhathiri![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/thumbnail/Built-Your-Own-GPS-Tracker-with-Geofence-Using-Xiao-ESP32-S3.jpg)](https://circuitdigest.com/microcontroller-projects/gps-tracker-with-seeed-studio-xiao-esp32-s3-and-geofencing?ref=itsfoss.com) ## 5\. Smart Bed Occupancy Sensor ![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2026/01/esp32-smart-bed-occupancy-detection-1.jpg) ![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2026/01/esp32-smart-bed-occupancy-detection-2.jpg) This [ESP32-based bed sensor](https://www.jessekaufman.com/posts/2025/03/esp32-bed-occupancy-sensor/?ref=itsfoss.com) **uses two force-sensitive resistors placed under the mattress to monitor each side of the bed independently**, so the system knows not only if someone is occupying the bed but which side is being used. [Potentiometers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potentiometer?ref=itsfoss.com) are also integrated to allow for sensitivity adjustments to account for different weights and mattress types, and the resistors themselves are positioned diagonally to maximize coverage. The system integrates with [Home Assistant](https://www.home-assistant.io/?ref=itsfoss.com) and can be programmed to improve room occupancy detection by working alongside [PIR](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passive%5Finfrared%5Fsensor?ref=itsfoss.com) and [mmWave](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mmwave%5Fsensing?ref=itsfoss.com) motion sensors. All the data from this setup can be stored on [Grafana](https://grafana.com/?ref=itsfoss.com). [Build Yours](https://www.jessekaufman.com/posts/2025/03/esp32-bed-occupancy-sensor/?ref=itsfoss.com) ## 6\. Dual-Screen e-Reader That Folds Like a Book The [Diptyx](https://diptyx.dev/?ref=itsfoss.com) e-reader **puts two 648ร—480 e-paper displays side by side** in a fold-open housing. The [ESP32-S3](https://www.espressif.com/en/products/socs/esp32-s3?ref=itsfoss.com) drives both screens simultaneously, creating a book-like reading experience. The dual-screen layout should work well for going through books, research reports, and so on. Also, there's [no DRM involved](https://itsfoss.com/calibre-remove-drm-kindle/), so you can read books sourced from any digital bookstore, provided they are in the *EPUB* format. The project will be fully open source once the initial design is finalized, so you can keep an eye out on its official website and its [Crowdsupply](https://www.crowdsupply.com/diptyx/diptyx-e-reader?ref=itsfoss.com) page. [Build Yours](https://diptyx.dev/?ref=itsfoss.com) ## 7\. A Small Desktop Monitor ![this picture shows a tiny desktop screen sat on a desk, with a keyboard, mouse, and hand visible](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2026/01/esp32-desktop-monitor.jpeg) **Source: Tucker Shannon via Hackster* The [ESP32 Desktop Monitor](https://github.com/tuckershannon/ESP32-Desktop-Monitor?ref=itsfoss.com) project **enables you to stream your computer screen to a tiny display over WiFi**. It uses a [TENSTAR T-Display ESP32-D0WD](https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806674575493.html?ref=itsfoss.com) with a 1.14-inch ST7789 LCD that displays at 135ร—240 pixels, turning an otherwise humble microcontroller into a pocket-sized secondary screen. The setup is shared [between a host application and the ESP32 board](https://www.hackster.io/news/an-esp32-monitor-for-your-desktop-computer-14ec3675949b?ref=itsfoss.com). The software consists of a host transmitter that captures your screen, encodes it, and sends it over WiFi to the ESP32 receiver to update the tiny display. [Build Yours](https://github.com/tuckershannon/ESP32-Desktop-Monitor?ref=itsfoss.com) [An ESP32 Monitor for Your Desktop ComputerTucker Shannon built a tiny, wireless 1.14-inch ESP32 monitor for a desktop computer.![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-180x180-5a4a283879ef723a17bc4568ee382e40e1dc5cd9002ed04cfb3a12e1664458c3-5.png)Hackster.ioNick Bild![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/thumbnail/_3T1u58ywJf.blob)](https://www.hackster.io/news/an-esp32-monitor-for-your-desktop-computer-14ec3675949b?ref=itsfoss.com) ## 8\. Offline Voice Recognition with Edge Impulse ![this picture is showcasing the esp32 microcontroller project for voice recognition using edge impulse against a white background, you can see the breadbord and the attached doodads on there](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2026/01/esp32-voice-control-edge-impulse.jpeg) This project by [Circuit Digest](https://circuitdigest.com/microcontrollers-projects/esp32-offline-voice-recognition-using-edge-impulse?ref=itsfoss.com) turns an ESP32 microcontroller into **a simple offline voice recognition system** using machine learning from **Edge Impulse**. Instead of relying on cloud speech services, you train a small model on your computer and deploy it directly to the ESP32, so the board can recognize spoken commands without an internet connection. At the heart of the build is an ESP32 development board paired with an INMP441 MEMS microphone. You collect audio samples, upload them to Edge Impulse, label them (*for example, "on," "off"*), and train a neural network. Once trained, you export the model as an Arduino library, include it in your ESP32 sketch, and compile it for on-device inference. [Build Yours](https://circuitdigest.com/microcontrollers-projects/esp32-offline-voice-recognition-using-edge-impulse?ref=itsfoss.com) ## 9\. RGB LED Matrix Display ![the esp32 dma led display is shown here in all its glory](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2026/01/esp32-rgb-led-matrix-display-1.jpg) The [ESP32 HUB75 Matrix Panel DMA](https://github.com/mrcodetastic/ESP32-HUB75-MatrixPanel-DMA?ref=itsfoss.com) is a library that lets you drive RGB LED matrix panels with an ESP32 using its **DMA hardware for high refresh rates**. It supports common [HUB75](https://docs.cirkitdesigner.com/component/885af448-2bdb-49bc-ae1b-0e781522c801/hub75?ref=itsfoss.com) panels (*like 64ร—32 and 64ร—64*) and works with original ESP32, ESP32-S2, and ESP32-S3 boards. [In the build featured here](https://www.xda-developers.com/built-beautiful-led-matrix-display-esp32/?ref=itsfoss.com), the ESP32 pulls data from Home Assistant, while the DMA library handles driving the display. It uses a Waveshare panel and relies on the ESP32โ€™s DMA capabilities to refresh the display efficiently without overwhelming the CPU. [Build Yours](https://github.com/mrcodetastic/ESP32-HUB75-MatrixPanel-DMA?ref=itsfoss.com) [I built this beautiful LED matrix display with an ESP32 for $30It looks great, and I was able to pull data from Home Assistant with it.![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/icon/favicon-240x240.png)XDAAdam Conway![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/thumbnail/rgb-led-matrix-panel-rpi-esp32-5.jpg)](https://www.xda-developers.com/built-beautiful-led-matrix-display-esp32/?ref=itsfoss.com) ## 10\. 3D Printer Enclosure Controller [Chamber Master](https://github.com/jayanttyson/Chamber-Master?ref=itsfoss.com) is an open source ESP32-based controller for 3D printer enclosures that helps regulate chamber conditions like temperature and airflow for better print quality. The ESP32 monitors temperatures inside the enclosure, at the air intake, and in the room using sensors such as [DS18B20](https://www.adafruit.com/product/381?ref=itsfoss.com) and a [DHT11](https://www.mouser.com/datasheet/2/758/DHT11-Technical-Data-Sheet-Translated-Version-1143054.pdf?ref=itsfoss.com) or [DHT22](https://www.seeedstudio.com/Grove-Temperature-Humidity-Sensor-Pro-AM2302-DHT22.html?ref=itsfoss.com), and it provides a simple interface on an OLED display with a rotary dial for selecting presets or custom targets. A built-in web dashboard lets you monitor real-time sensor data, fan status, and vent position. [Build Yours](https://github.com/jayanttyson/Chamber-Master?ref=itsfoss.com) ## 11\. e-Paper Pomodoro Timer ![the esp32 e-paper pomodoro timer is pictured here sitting on a wooden desk, a black wire is connected to it, and there is an indoor plant out of focus behind](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2026/01/esp32-pomodoro-timer.jpg) This ESP32 project is **a standalone Pomodoro timer** built around an e-paper display and a rotary dial for input. An ESP32 NodeMCU drives a 4.26-inch Waveshare e-ink panel, with the dial used to set work and break times. A small RGB LED signals when a session ends. The timer runs locally on the ESP32 and only refreshes the e-paper display when the time changes, keeping power use low. All interaction is done with physical controls, so thereโ€™s no phone app or web interface to worry about. You will find the necessary code and enclosure files on [GitHub](https://github.com/Rukenshia/pomodoro?ref=itsfoss.com). [Build Yours](https://github.com/Rukenshia/pomodoro?ref=itsfoss.com) ## 12\. Open Source e-Paper Dashboard ![this graphics illustration shows an ekos epaper dashboard device sitting on a desk](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2026/06/ekos-esp32-dashboard.png) Most ESP32 display projects do one thing. [EKOS](https://ekosboard.com/?ref=itsfoss.com) does whatever you configure it to do. It is **a programmable dashboard platform** running a modular widget system on an ESP32-S3, with a fully documented local REST API that lets you push data, trigger automations, or integrate it into [Home Assistant](https://www.home-assistant.io/?ref=itsfoss.com) and [ESPHome](https://esphome.io/?ref=itsfoss.com) without touching a cloud service. The widget catalog covers clocks, weather, calendars, stock and commodity tracking, task lists, and focus timers, with [LVGL](https://lvgl.io/?ref=itsfoss.com) handling the rendering on a 7.5-inch e-paper display. A built-in BME280 adds on-device temperature, humidity, and pressure readings. The hardware files are open under *CERN-OHL-S-2.0* and the firmware under *GPL-3.0*, so you can build your own enclosure rather than replicating the reference oak-and-aluminum design. If building from scratch isn't on the table, the project is currently live on [Kickstarter](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ekosboard/ekos-programmable-open-source-epaper-hub-in-solid-oak?ref=itsfoss.com), though the usual crowdfunding caveats apply. [Build Yours](https://github.com/ekosboard?ref=itsfoss.com) --- **Suggested Read ๐Ÿ“–:** [*Pomodoro With Super Powers*](https://itsfoss.com/koncentro-app/) [Pomodoro With Super Powers: This Linux App Will Boost Your ProductivityPomodoro combined with task management and website blocking. This is an excellent tool for productivity seekers but there are some quirks worth noticing.![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/icon/android-chrome-512x512-222.png)It's FOSSRoland Taylor![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/thumbnail/koncentro-app-1.png)](https://itsfoss.com/koncentro-app/)