Demystify AI and Robotics with This Easy DIY Project

If you’re feeling left behind by rapid technological advancements in areas like AI and robotics, then one of the best things you can do is build a personal project that forces you to dive in so you can understand them better. These topics might seem unapproachable at first, but with a little guidance and the right project, you’ll be picking up new skills in no time.

A fun project recently described by Shahbaz Hashmi Ansari could be the perfect place to start. He has created a voice-controlled car that teaches fundamental concepts in AI and robotics. Best of all, Ansari has provided step-by-step instructions to help you reproduce this inexpensive and accessible project.

The system uses a Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32S3 board paired with an INMP441 digital I2S microphone module. The microphone captures spoken commands, which are recorded and sent to an online speech-to-text service. Once the spoken words are converted into text, the robot interprets them and performs the appropriate action.

The vehicle itself responds to simple commands such as “forward,” “backward,” “left,” “right,” and “stop.” These instructions are parsed by the microcontroller and translated into signals that control an L298N dual H-bridge motor driver. The driver powers four DC gear motors mounted to a small robot chassis, allowing the car to move and steer based on the recognized commands.

A small 0.96-inch SSD1306 OLED display mounted at the front of the vehicle shows animated robot eyes, making it feel more alive. These graphics change expression depending on what the robot is doing—looking attentive while listening, happy while moving forward, or slightly grumpy when turning.

Much of the physical structure of the robot is made with simple 3D-printed parts. The chassis, motor mounts, and top enclosure were designed in Tinkercad and printed using standard PLA filament. This approach keeps the project highly customizable and easy to reproduce with commonly available hobbyist tools.

The software side of the build is handled in the Arduino development environment. Ansari’s code manages audio recording from the I2S microphone, sends the audio data to the ElevenLabs speech-to-text API, and parses the returned transcription to determine which command was spoken. The same program also controls the motors and updates the animated display.

Power comes from a small lithium battery connected directly to the ESP32 board, while a separate battery pack supplies the motor driver. This arrangement ensures the microcontroller and motors receive stable power while sharing a common ground.

Projects like this demonstrate just how accessible modern robotics has become. With inexpensive components, open-source libraries, and cloud-based AI tools, hobbyists can now experiment with voice recognition and autonomous machines from their own workbenches. For newcomers interested in learning about embedded systems, AI integration, and robotics, Ansari’s voice-controlled car offers a hands-on way to explore all three at once.