Face Recognition Access Control System Kit with ESP32 + Camera
Face Recognition Access Control System Kit with ESP32 + Camera — Build a Biometric Door Lock That Recognizes Faces
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 walking up to your lab door and it unlocks automatically because it recognizes you. This kit turns that idea into a working access control system using the ESP32-S3 and its on-chip AI accelerator. Enroll up to five faces directly on the device, and every successful or denied entry is logged to a microSD card with a timestamp — no cloud, no subscription.
What You'll Build
A compact door-mounted unit with a camera, OLED display, and solenoid lock that grants access only after successful face verification. You'll assemble the hardware, train the ESP-DL face detection model using the OV2640 camera, and wire the relay to control the lock. The system stores up to five enrolled faces and records entry events, giving you a complete biometric security system right on the edge.
What You'll Learn
- Face detection and recognition on ESP32-S3 using the ESP-DL framework
- Interfacing an OV2640 camera module and capturing real-time video for edge inference
- Controlling a solenoid lock via a relay module triggered by AI decisions
- Logging access attempts with real-time clock (DS3231) and microSD card storage
Kit Contents
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| ESP32-S3 Dev Board | x1 |
| OV2640 Camera Module | x1 |
| 5V Solenoid Lock | x1 |
| 5V Relay Module | x1 |
| DS3231 RTC | x1 |
| MicroSD Module | x1 |
| 0.96in OLED | x1 |
| LM2596 Buck Converter | x1 |
| 1N4007 Diode | x5 |
| 4.7kΩ Resistors | x5 |
| 100nF Caps | x10 |
| PCB Prototype Board | x2 |
| Enclosure Box | x1 |
| 5V 3A PSU | x1 |
| Soldering Iron | x1 |
| Solder Wire | x1 |
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
Designed for B.Tech ECE/EEE/CSE students working on final-year projects, participants of Smart India Hackathon, and researchers exploring TinyML and embedded AI. Also suitable for ATL Tinkering Labs mentors who want to demonstrate real-world computer vision. If you have basic Arduino or ESP32 experience and are ready to tackle a more advanced project that integrates AI, hardware control, and data logging, this kit is built for you.
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.
How does the face enrollment process work?
The OLED screen guides you through capturing multiple angles of a face; the ESP-DL model extracts features and stores them as a template on the SD card. The AI companion walks you through each step, and our WhatsApp support provides visual references.
Will this lock work on a real door or cabinet?
The included 5V solenoid lock is suitable for light-duty access control on cabinets, lockers, or small doors. For heavier doors, you can interface the relay output to an electric strike plate (not included) using the same logic, and our build guide explains the wiring.
Can I increase the number of enrolled faces?
The default firmware supports 5 faces, but you can modify the code to store more, limited by the ESP32-S3’s flash and processing speed. The AI companion provides guidance on scaling storage and adjusting inference speed.
What if the camera can’t recognize me in poor lighting?
Enroll under similar lighting conditions and ensure the IR filter on the OV2640 is not obstructed. You can also adjust the recognition confidence threshold in the code; our support team can help via WhatsApp if you encounter persistent issues.
OV2640 + ESP-DL face detection enrolls and recognises 5 faces. Solenoid lock controlled on match. Log to SD.
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.
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