NFC-Based Children's Audio Player Development - 14/02/2026 07:36 EST

Job ID: 40230347

Budget: €30 – €250 EUR

Project Description

I am developing an educational NFC-based audio player for children (ages 2–7).
The concept is simple: a child places an NFC figurine on the box, and an associated audio story is played.

The project already has a custom PCB prototype (ESP32-based) and early firmware work, but I am looking for a new freelancer to take over, audit the existing work, and complete a fully functional prototype.

This is a serious product project, not an experiment.

What Already Exists:

I will provide a structured project folder including:

Custom PCB files (Gerber, BOM, Pick & Place, STEP file)

PCB size: 80 × 80 mm

ESP32-based design

NFC reader integrated

MicroSD slot

Battery charging circuit (Li-ion)

USB-C

Speaker output + headphone jack

NFC detection already demonstrated via serial console (video available)

Partial firmware work (NFC UID detection)

Your Mission
Phase 1 – Audit & Validation

Review existing PCB design files

Review firmware status

Identify what works and what needs fixing

Confirm if PCB can be used as-is or needs revision

Phase 2 – Firmware Completion

Complete ESP32 firmware:

NFC tag reading

Mapping NFC UID → audio file

MP3 playback from microSD

Speaker + headphone output

Basic button handling (play/pause, volume)

Ensure stable and testable behavior

Phase 3 – Functional Prototype

Guide or validate final wiring (speaker, battery, SD)

Provide clear testing instructions

Deliver:

Working firmware

Demo video of the prototype in action

Clear documentation

Important:
No upfront hardware purchases at your own expense.
All costs must be approved before any spending.

Deliverables

Firmware source code

Clear setup & testing documentation

Demo video showing:

NFC tag detection

Audio playback

Confirmation of prototype readiness for enclosure integration

Budget

$50–150 USD, depending on experience and scope after audit
(Milestones only – escrow-based)

Ideal Freelancer Profile

Strong experience with ESP32

NFC (RC522 / PN532 or similar)

Audio playback (I2S / DAC / SD card)

Comfortable reading existing PCB designs

Clear communicator

Professional and transparent with costs

Portfolio or examples of similar electronics projects required

Nice to Have (Not Mandatory)

Experience with children’s electronic products

Understanding of low-power / battery devices

How to Apply

Please include:

Brief introduction

Relevant experience (ESP32 / NFC / audio)

Examples or portfolio

Your approach for taking over an existing project

Physical Prototype & Shipping (Mandatory)

The final deliverable of this project includes at least one fully assembled and tested physical PCB prototype.

This means:

The freelancer must either already have the assembled PCB or

Receive it, assemble missing components if needed, test it, and

Ship at least one fully working prototype to me at the end of the project.

Shipping of the physical prototype is mandatory and must include:

1 fully functional PCB

Any remaining PCBs from the initial batch (if applicable)

Proper packaging

Shipping costs will be paid by me, but must be discussed and approved in advance.

No milestone will be released without:

Video proof of the working physical prototype

Confirmation of shipment (tracking number)

If you cannot handle physical assembly and shipping, please do not apply.

Required skills:

ESP32 embedded development

NFC / RFID (RC522, PN532, UID reading)

Embedded audio (MP3 playback, I2S/DAC, amplifier, speaker)

Firmware development & debugging

Hardware testing on real PCBs

Nice to have:

PCB review & BOM validation

Battery management (Li-ion)

Experience with physical product prototyping
Note

This project already went through one iteration with another freelancer.
I am looking for someone reliable, structured, and professional to move forward cleanly.