▲ 3 r/esp32projects
Built a working companion device (ESP32-S3 + ELM327) that reads my car's OBD2 data and React with emotion and Eyes expressions — planning to add a conversational AI next
I've built a device running on my own car right now: ESP32-S3 + ELM327 reading 40+ live engine parameters (RPM, speed, temp, etc.) over OBD2. Instead of showing raw numbers, it displays simple emotional expressions on a round GC9A01 screen, explains problems in plain language when something's off, and currently gives me a driving score out of 10 based on how I drive.
Next step I'm planning: adding an AI that can actually talk with the driver — analyze what's happening and have a real conversation about it, not just display info silently.
Since the core is already working, I'd love feedback from people who know this space better than me:
- Is there anything similar already out there I should be aware of?
- Any obvious pitfalls with the ESP32-S3 + ELM327 combo for something running continuously in a car?
- Does the "talking companion" direction sound genuinely useful, or is it adding complexity for no real benefit?
Happy to share more details (code, photos, whatever) if people are curious.
u/Pure-Contract3674 — 4 days ago