ESP32 AI Face Sketch Plotter Kit - Draw Portraits from Selfies
ESP32 AI-Powered Portrait Drawing Robot - Sketch Faces from a Photo using Stepper Plotter
Every part needed, pre-tested for compatibility, with an AI build companion trained on this exact project. Shipped from Bengaluru in 3-5 days.
Imagine pointing your camera at a face, pressing a button, and watching a real pen-and-paper portrait emerge stroke by stroke. This kit transforms an ordinary desk into a tiny art studio where machine vision meets physical drawing. The ESP32-CAM captures a live image, forwards it to the Anthropic API to generate an SVG sketch, and two NEMA 17 steppers glide a pen across paper to render the face as a line drawing. Whether you are exploring generative art, building an eye-catching installation, or prototyping a commercial sketching booth, the technology stack gives you complete control over the pipeline.
What You'll Build
You will assemble a 400 mm � 400 mm X-Y plotter that accepts a face image, converts it to a clean line-art sketch using Anthropic's Claude, and draws it on paper with a pen lifted by a servo. The system runs entirely on the ESP32-CAM, communicating over WiFi to the API. After calibration, a single selfie produces a stylized portrait inside a few minutes. The finished machine becomes a conversational piece that blends software creativity with tangible mechanics.
What You'll Learn
- Integrating an ESP32-CAM with REST APIs over HTTPS, including JSON parsing of SVG data
- Building a dual-axis belt-driven plotter from linear rails, pulleys, and GT2 belts
- Controlling NEMA 17 stepper motors with A4988 drivers via a CNC Shield V3
- Writing Arduino code that manages image capture, WiFi upload, API calls, G-code translation, and pen-servo control in a single loop
Kit Contents
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| ESP32-CAM | 1 |
| FTDI Programmer | 1 |
| NEMA 17 Stepper | 2 |
| A4988 Driver | 2 |
| SG90 Servo | 1 |
| CNC Shield V3 | 1 |
| 12V 3A PSU | 1 |
| GT2 Belt 1m | 2 |
| GT2 Pulley | 2 |
| Linear Rail 400mm | 2 |
| PCB Prototype Board | 2 |
| M3 Bolts+Nuts | 20 |
| Soldering Iron | 1 |
| Solder Wire | 1 |
Why Buy This Kit Instead of Sourcing Parts Separately
| Factor | Sourcing Separately | Compoden Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility checks | You verify every part | Pre-tested as a system |
| Build support | Forums and scattered tutorials | AI companion trained on this exact project |
| Time to first working build | Days of debugging | Hours, with step-by-step guidance |
| Shipping coordination | Multiple sellers, multiple delays | One shipment from Bengaluru in 3-5 days |
Who This Kit Is For
This is an advanced project suited for B.Tech ECE, EEE, or CSE students looking for a standout capstone, Smart India Hackathon participants working on AI-generated art solutions, and engineers prototyping drawing machines. Researchers at IIT, NIT, VIT, or BITS exploring physical rendering of AI outputs will find the hardware-software stack fully documented and extensible. Professional artists and makers who want to move from screen-based generative art to gallery-ready pen plots will appreciate the precision linear rails and repeatable accuracy.
Built and Backed by Compoden
Every Compoden kit ships with an AI build companion trained on this exact project - accessible via a QR code on the box, with WhatsApp and email backup. We've spent 10 years building projects for makers, schools, and institutions across India. If a part fails because of a manufacturing defect, replace it free within 7 days.
What if I get stuck during the build?
Scan the QR code inside the box to open the AI build assistant; it knows every step specific to this plotter. You can also reach us on WhatsApp for personalized guidance during the build hours listed in the kit.
How do I calibrate the pen for accurate drawing?
The AI companion walks through a homing sequence: the X and Y axes touch limit switches, then you manually set pen Z-height by adjusting the servo arm. A test square pattern confirms calibration before you run a portrait.
Does the kit include Anthropic API credits?
The kit does not include API keys; you will need your own Anthropic account. The companion code provides a ready-to-flash firmware that expects your API key entered during setup, and the assistant explains how to generate the key securely.
Can I modify the design to draw on larger paper or use a laser?
Yes, the linear rails and belt system can scale. The AI companion offers extension notes: longer rails, wider belts, and a laser module mounting bracket (available separately) turn the plotter into a light engraver with minimal code changes.
Curtain - ESP32-CAM captures face, sends to Anthropic API, returns SVG sketch, stepper plotter draws it on paper.
What's in this kit
Choose your assembly option:
- Soldering Kit - 25W soldering iron, 60/40 solder wire, flux, and small perfboard for permanent assembly.
- Breadboard Combo - 800-point full-size breadboard with 65-piece jumper wire pack for solderless prototyping.
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Shipping Information
- Prepaid Orders: ₹75 for orders up to ₹999, FREE shipping above ₹999
- COD Orders: ₹125 shipping + ₹50 COD fee = ₹175 total
- Delivery Timeline: Dispatch in 1-2 days, delivery in 2-7 days depending on location
Returns & Warranty
- 7-Day Return: Manufacturing defects only (approval required)
- Warranty: 7 days from delivery
- Non-Returnable: Batteries, consumables, cut wires, clearance items