Hardware/Firmware Engineering for AI Companion
Budget: $1,500 – $3,000 USD
Lead Hardware/Firmware Engineer: ESP32-S3 + AI Voice Integration for Smart Companion
About the Project: Beast Buddiez
We are developing a revolutionary physical AI companion device designed to help users become their best selves. This isn’t a standard pre-recorded toy; it is an intelligent, adaptable entity housed in a physical figure. At its core, the custom agent is programmed to encourage self-improvement, build confidence, and prompt deeper thinking.
It features full adaptability, as it can be a fun, playful friend when desired, but the AI is designed to recognize when it is time to pivot, naturally initiating conversations about grander concepts (like space, science, or personal goals) to expand the user’s worldview.
What We Are Looking For
We are currently finalizing our IP protection and updating our hardware architecture. The physical prototype build is officially scheduled to kick off next month.
I am opening this application early to build a roster and find the absolute best firmware/hardware engineer to partner with globally. We need an expert who can validate our updated parts list, write the firmware for low-latency, cloud-based AI audio streaming, and eventually wire and test the physical prototype.
The initial prototype will focus on basic conversational responsiveness and hardware integration within the plush design. This includes processing user input through speech-to-text (STT), responding appropriately based on context (e.g., knowing when to joke versus teach), and ensuring smooth functionality of all components. While the prototype aims for foundational functionality, future iterations will involve advanced personality development and nuanced AI behavior to create a truly intelligent and caring companion.
What We Are Building (Target Hardware Architecture)
We are transitioning our core board to handle heavy cloud connectivity and audio processing. Our current target Bill of Materials includes:
Microcontroller: ESP32-S3 Dev Board
Audio Input: INMP441 I2S Digital Microphone (essential for clear voice capture and future Voice ID)
Audio Output: MAX98357A I2S Amplifier driving a 3W 4-Ohm Speaker
Power: 3.7V 2000mAh LiPo Battery integrated with a modern USB-C Charging/Boost Board
Application Requirement (Please Read carefully)
To prove you are a real developer and not an auto-bidding agency, please start your proposal by giving me your brief technical thoughts on our target hardware list—specifically using the ESP32-S3 and I2S components for continuous audio buffering versus other microcontrollers.
Excited to get started and change this world for the better!
-Riley
About the Project: Beast Buddiez
We are developing a revolutionary physical AI companion device designed to help users become their best selves. This isn’t a standard pre-recorded toy; it is an intelligent, adaptable entity housed in a physical figure. At its core, the custom agent is programmed to encourage self-improvement, build confidence, and prompt deeper thinking.
It features full adaptability, as it can be a fun, playful friend when desired, but the AI is designed to recognize when it is time to pivot, naturally initiating conversations about grander concepts (like space, science, or personal goals) to expand the user’s worldview.
What We Are Looking For
We are currently finalizing our IP protection and updating our hardware architecture. The physical prototype build is officially scheduled to kick off next month.
I am opening this application early to build a roster and find the absolute best firmware/hardware engineer to partner with globally. We need an expert who can validate our updated parts list, write the firmware for low-latency, cloud-based AI audio streaming, and eventually wire and test the physical prototype.
The initial prototype will focus on basic conversational responsiveness and hardware integration within the plush design. This includes processing user input through speech-to-text (STT), responding appropriately based on context (e.g., knowing when to joke versus teach), and ensuring smooth functionality of all components. While the prototype aims for foundational functionality, future iterations will involve advanced personality development and nuanced AI behavior to create a truly intelligent and caring companion.
What We Are Building (Target Hardware Architecture)
We are transitioning our core board to handle heavy cloud connectivity and audio processing. Our current target Bill of Materials includes:
Microcontroller: ESP32-S3 Dev Board
Audio Input: INMP441 I2S Digital Microphone (essential for clear voice capture and future Voice ID)
Audio Output: MAX98357A I2S Amplifier driving a 3W 4-Ohm Speaker
Power: 3.7V 2000mAh LiPo Battery integrated with a modern USB-C Charging/Boost Board
Application Requirement (Please Read carefully)
To prove you are a real developer and not an auto-bidding agency, please start your proposal by giving me your brief technical thoughts on our target hardware list—specifically using the ESP32-S3 and I2S components for continuous audio buffering versus other microcontrollers.
Excited to get started and change this world for the better!
-Riley