Auxy

A tiny smart device that collects data for AI to help you improve your life.

// capture. process. grow.

Phase 1 — Prototype

What is Auxy?

Auxy is a minimalist, portable auxiliary device that passively captures movement, audio, and visual context throughout your day. The data flows to your iPhone, where AI processes it into actionable insights.

The goal is simple: let a small device pay attention so you can focus on living. Review what matters later.

S CAM MIC 500mAh ~45mm ~80mm clip usb-c

Hardware

Brain
ESP32-CAM
Audio
INMP441 I2S Mic
Power
3.7V 500mAh LiPo
Charging
TP4056 USB-C
Connectivity
Wi-Fi + Bluetooth
Cost
~$58 total

Roadmap

Week 1
Breadboarding — connect components, verify iPhone can see the device over Bluetooth/Wi-Fi.
Week 2
Firmware — flashed custom camera web server, first photo + video capture over Wi-Fi on battery power.
Week 3
Hardware upgrade — evaluate Raspberry Pi Zero 2W for 1080p video, add microphone for audio capture.
Week 4
Integration — send captured files to iPhone/Cloud for AI processing.
Week 5
Form factor — design or find a small case, minimalist enclosure.

Ideas

Enclosure / Case

Design or source a compact case so Auxy is truly portable — clip-on, pocket-friendly, weather-aware.

Battery Upgrade + Indicator

Higher capacity battery for longer run time. Add a visible battery bar (LED strip or small OLED) so you always know remaining charge.

Camera / Image Quality

Significantly better camera module — higher resolution, better low-light performance, faster capture. The ESP32-CAM quality won't cut it long term.

Micro Mobility

Explore giving Auxy the ability to move — small legs, wheels, or arms. Could reposition itself, follow you, or interact with objects.

Build Log

2026-04-04 — Week 2
First successful camera capture over Wi-Fi — the prototype is alive!
  • Soldered battery to TP4056 charging module — first time soldering
  • Flashed custom firmware to ESP32-CAM via USB-to-serial adapter using PlatformIO
  • ESP32-CAM connects to Wi-Fi and serves a live camera page with photo capture button
  • Achieved battery-powered operation: LiPo → TP4056 → ESP32-CAM (3.3V pin)
  • Learned that 5V pin doesn't work well with LiPo voltage; 3.3V pin works directly
  • ESP32-CAM is laggy for video (~5fps, drops WiFi under load). Evaluating Raspberry Pi Zero 2W for Phase 2 — proper 1080p video at 30fps, on-device processing, better camera modules
  • Full wiring guide → — complete diagram and step-by-step for battery, camera, and microphone connections
Auxy prototype — ESP32-CAM with battery and charger Auxy prototype — top view showing components Peace sign — captured wirelessly by the ESP32-CAM
2026-03-29 — Week 1
Wasn't able to get the whole thing working yet, but several key takeaways:
  • Got the battery plugged in with blue and red indicator lights for charged/charging states
  • Wiring was difficult — connections kept coming loose. Need soldering and alligator wires for stable power supply
  • The entire work requires a good setup, dedicated time, proper tools, and good focus
  • Visited Micro Center with Shamil — great experience, but couldn't find many parts. Will order from Amazon
  • Shopping list for next week: multimeter, breadboard, solder kit, alligator wires
Auxy components laid out Battery wiring with charging LEDs
2026-03-26
Components arrived: ESP32-CAM, INMP441 microphone, LiPo battery, TP4056 charger, jumper wires. Total: $57.62. Next up: wiring diagram and first assembly.
Built by Iliiaz Akhmedov