Precision Linear Positioner Kit with ESP32 + Stepper Motor
Precision Face-Sketch Plotter — ESP32-CAM, Dual Stepper, AI SVG Generation, All in One Kit
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 a camera at a face and watching a drawing arm trace out a stylised SVG portrait on paper — all without touching a laptop. This kit turns that idea into a real machine. You’ll assemble a dual-axis linear positioner driven by NEMA 17 steppers, mount an ESP32-CAM, and wire in a pen-lift servo. The device captures a photo, sends it to an AI API (Claude by Anthropic) via Wi‑Fi, receives an SVG sketch, and plots it with sub-millimetre repeatability. It’s industrial automation meeting generative art on a desktop.
What You'll Build
By the end of the build, you’ll have a standalone face‑sketching plotter that works as a self-contained system. It automatically captures a face using the OV2640 camera, communicates with a cloud API over HTTPS, decodes the returned SVG path data, and drives two stepper motors plus a servo to draw the face with a fine‑tip pen. The machine runs from a 12 V supply and can be enclosed later for exhibitions, college tech fests, or a lab demo.
What You'll Learn
- Assemble and calibrate a dual‑axis linear motion system with GT2 belts and aluminium rails for smooth, accurate positioning
- Configure the ESP32‑CAM to stream images and POST them to a REST API endpoint, handling SSL and JSON responses
- Program stepper acceleration profiles and microstepping on A4988 drivers to prevent missed steps during high‑speed plotting
- Integrate sensor‑to‑cloud‑to‑actuator workflows that mirror real industrial Internet‑of‑Things applications
Kit Contents
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| ESP32-CAM | 1 |
| FTDI Programmer | 1 |
| NEMA 17 Stepper Motor | 2 |
| A4988 Stepper Driver Module | 2 |
| SG90 Micro Servo | 1 |
| CNC Shield V3 | 1 |
| 12V 3A Power Supply Unit | 1 |
| GT2 Timing Belt (1m) | 2 |
| GT2 Pulley | 2 |
| Linear Rail (400mm) | 2 |
| PCB Prototype Board | 2 |
| M3 Bolts + Nuts Set | 20 |
| Soldering Iron (25W) | 1 |
| Solder Wire (30g) | 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
Engineers and hobbyists with some experience in embedded systems who want to move beyond LED blinks. The kit aligns well with B.Tech ECE/EEE final‑year projects, Smart India Hackathon hardware track builds, and research demonstrations at IIT‑B or VIT. It also suits ATL Tinkering Labs in universities and makerspaces needing a reliable CNC‑style plotter that bridges physical motion and cloud AI.
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 and describe the step you’re troubleshooting. Our AI companion will suggest fixes based on your assembly state, and you can escalate to a human mentor over WhatsApp if needed.
Does this kit include the API subscription for face‑to‑SVG conversion?
No, you’ll need your own Anthropic API key (a free tier exists). The AI companion provides a script to handle the call from the ESP32‑CAM over Wi‑Fi once you enter the key.
Can the plotter draw on surfaces other than paper?
Yes. The pen‑lift servo lets you swap in a pencil or fine‑tip marker for card, vinyl, or even PCB etch resist. The tool height is adjustable, so you can experiment with different substrates up to 3 mm thick.
What precision should I expect from the plotted sketches?
With the included linear rails and GT2 belts, you can achieve repeatability under 0.2 mm once calibrated. The SVG output from the AI is simplified to line art, so complex shading isn’t plotted, but outlines come out crisp.
Industrial Automation — 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