/ projects / embedded systems

Embedded
experiments.

A few working breadboards, a desktop device I'm slowly building, and an idea for a running-pace robot that's still just on paper.

Built withESP32
Raspberry Pi
Arduino Nano
Built so farSensors
processing
display
Working onDesktop
Companion
Early ideaRunning
Pace Robot

01 · built & tested

Sensor & display prototypes

I built and programmed breadboard prototypes that read sensors, process the data, and show the results on a display.

Separately, I used 3D-printed parts, servo motors, and linkages to test the fit and movement of a small eye mechanism.

Photos below show the wiring, the output, and a few mechanical iterations along the way.

  • ESP32
  • Raspberry Pi
  • Arduino Nano
  • sensor integration
  • display integration
  • servo mechanisms
  • 3D-printed parts
Raspberry Pi Pico 2 breadboard with temperature, humidity, and air-quality sensors connected to a display
SENSOR DISPLAY · WORKING
Live sensor readoutTemperature, humidity, and air-quality values shown on the display.
Close-up of a Raspberry Pi Pico 2 mounted on a breadboard
CONTROLLER · PICO 2
Pico 2 and wiringThe controller and breadboard connections behind the display.
Servo motors and 3D-printed linkages inside an eye mechanism prototype
MECHANISM · SERVOS
Servo linkagePrinted parts and servo motors assembled for a movement test.
Disassembled white and red 3D-printed mechanism parts on a wooden table
MECHANISM · DISASSEMBLED
Parts between testsThe printed shell, brackets, and gears taken apart again.
Small assembled 3D-printed eye module held in one hand
MECHANISM · ASSEMBLED
Eye module fit checkThe printed shell and eye insert assembled.

02 · in development

Desktop Companion

I’m developing a modular desktop device that combines local sensors, external APIs, and a custom interface. The complete device is still in development.

Right now I’m working out how the modules communicate, what belongs on the device, and how the interface connects the physical and digital parts.

  • ESP32
  • REST APIs
  • local sensors
  • display UI
  • modular architecture

03 · independent experiments

From the lab shelf

Standalone component tests and hardware exercises. They are not stages of the projects above.

Visit Jan's Lab
Temporary breadboard setup connected to an adjustable power supply
BENCH TEST · COMPONENT
Component testA temporary breadboard setup connected to an adjustable supply.
XIAOML compact camera module and connector on a wooden desk
CAMERA MODULE · XIAOML
XIAOML camera moduleA small camera module I used for embedded computer-vision exercises.

just an idea, for now

Running Pace Robot

Idea I keep coming back to: a little robot that paces you on a run. So far that's motor control, encoder feedback, Bluetooth, and some fail-safe logic sketched out on paper — no hardware yet.

Next step is just seeing if a basic drive base moves the way I think it will.

Next project note

Physical design