Open circuit
Download FreeCAD project and STL files
Introduction
Most “AI robot face” demos rely on heavy machine-learning models, cloud APIs, or large datasets.
This project explores a different approach:
Using simple geometry and browser-based vision to create an expressive robot head that reacts to human movement in real time.
The robot head tracks left, right, up, and down head motion and mirrors it using animated eyes displayed on a small OLED screen — all controlled directly from a web browser.
No dataset.
No model training.
No server.
What This Project Does
- Detects a human face using the browser camera
- Estimates head orientation (yaw & pitch)
- Sends motion data to an Arduino using Web Serial
- Animates eye movement on a 0.96″ OLED display
- Allows direction inversion (mirror correction) at runtime
The result is a small robot head that feels responsive and alive.
System Architecture
Browser Camera
↓
Face Geometry (MediaPipe)
↓
Yaw & Pitch Calculation
↓
Web Serial (USB)
↓
Arduino UNO
↓
OLED Eye Animation
All computation happens locally in the browser.
Hardware Used
- Arduino UNO
- 0.96″ OLED (SSD1306, I2C)
- USB cable
- 3D-printed enclosure
Software Stack
- HTML + JavaScript
- MediaPipe Face Mesh
- Web Serial API
- Arduino (C++)
Key Design Decisions
1. Pupils Move, Not Eyeballs
Moving only the pupils inside fixed eyeballs makes the face feel more natural and expressive.
2. Face-Relative Geometry
Head motion is measured relative to facial landmarks, not camera pixels.
This makes movement symmetric and stable.
3. Runtime Direction Flip
A toggle button allows instant correction for mirrored cameras without changing code.
Educational Value
This project can be used to teach:
- Coordinate systems
- Geometry-based tracking
- Browser ↔ hardware communication
- Human-centered design
It is suitable for classrooms, labs, and exhibitions.
Conclusion
This robot head demonstrates that intelligence is not just about models, but about understanding interaction.
By combining browser vision, simple math, and embedded hardware, we can build systems that feel responsive, expressive, and intuitive — without complexity.
Try It Live
Allow camera access, connect the Arduino, and move your head left, right, up, and down.