This ESP32 Chatbot Is a Retro-Futuristic Dream
A retro-futuristic voice chatbot uses an ESP32 and an amber LCD to reimagine how AI assistants could look.
The search for the perfect AI chatbot continues. Everyone seems to agree that text-based interactions in a web browser are not the best path forward. But beyond that, opinions vary wildly. Some people believe the best solution is turning our phones into AI-powered robots, while others think we’d be better off with desktop holograms assisting us. Redditor CJCCJJ, on the other hand, believes that voice chatbots with a retro-futuristic form are the way to go.
To bring that idea to life, CJCCJJ created a prototype chatbot with a very simple, yet very stylish design. In addition to listening to user requests and verbalizing the responses, the chatbot also shows the responses on a 20×4 character LCD with a black background and amber text that is reminiscent of the appearance of early computer monitors.
An ESP32 development board drives the display and relies on the xiaozhi-esp32 library for interaction with chatbots via their APIs. The library uses MCP to handle interfacing with the speakers, microphones, and displays to make a complete AI-powered voice assistant. However, CJCCJJ did have to modify the display code, as the chosen character LCD was not supported.
The hardware was installed into a custom, 3D-printed case that complements the look of the display. It could easily fit in on the set of a low-budget sci-fi film of yesteryear.
There is nothing earth-shattering about this project that is going to change the way we interact with AI assistants. However, for those who appreciate retro-futuristic designs, it may be the best thing going.
R&D, creativity, and building the next big thing you never knew you wanted are my specialties.