AI-powered Plush Toy Electronics Design -- 2
Budget: $20,000 – $50,000 NZD
Project Title:
Electronics Designer for AI-Powered Plush Toy (Furbrains)
Project Description:
I'm seeking an experienced electronics designer to assist in developing Furbrains, an AI-powered plush toy with a modular electronics system. The project involves designing PCBs, interconnect cables, and integrating various components into compact, IP54-rated enclosures. Key components include the RK3566 SoC, audio codec, mic array, MIPI LCDs and camera, battery management, and wireless communication (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LTE-M or NB-IoT).
Key Requirements:
- Design and integrate PCBs for a modular system
- Head Unit includes SoC, MIPI displays, mic array, and camera
- Belly Unit includes battery, speaker, button, and Qi wireless receiver
- Design must support low power IoT applications and fast local conversational AI
- Support Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular (Cat-M1 LTE-M or NB-IoT) connectivity
- Audio system must include TLV320ADC3140, four ICS-43434 digital mics, amplifier, and speaker
- Display system will use two MIPI LCDs for eyes and one MIPI camera
- Enclosure must meet IP54 rating and be safe for children
- Design a replaceable interconnect cable between head and belly units carrying power and digital comms
Ideal Skills and Experience:
Experience in consumer electronics PCB design
- Familiarity with Designing with SoCs, e.g. RK3566 or RK3576 or similar
- Experience with low-power and IoT hardware
- Experience integrating wireless modules (e.g. Quectel, SIMCom)
About the Project:
Electronics are split into 5 parts.
1. Head Unit
2. Belly Unit
3. Interconnect Cable
4. Charging Station
5. Sleeping Sack
1. Head Unit
Purpose: Handles processing, audio input, vision, and AI logic.
- RK3566 SoC (or RK3576 upgrade) – main processor for AI and system control
- 2x TTC016VRS-02C 1.6" MIPI TFT LCDs – animated eyes
- MIPI Camera – visual sensing for interaction
- 4x ICS-43434 Digital MEMS Microphones – far-field voice pickup
- TLV320ADC3140 – multichannel audio ADC
- LPDDR4 RAM (2GB) – memory for running AI models
- eMMC Flash or RS70B64S16G – OS and data storage
- LSM6DS3TR-C IMU – motion and orientation sensing
- USB302BMPX – USB interface for development/debug
- AP6212 or equivalent Wi-Fi/Bluetooth module
- PCB and flex cables – custom assembly
- IP54 plastic enclosure – durable and child-safe
2. Belly Unit
Purpose: Manages power, audio output, and user interaction.
- Li-ion battery (e.g., 2500–3000mAh) – power source
- Qi-compatible wireless charging receiver – primary charging interface
- Speaker (40mm or custom) – audio playback
- Audio amplifier – drives speaker
- RGB LED array or ring – feedback through belly button
- Soft-touch belly button + light diffuser – child interaction
- USB-C port – optional fast charging interface
- PCB – control + interface board
- P54 plastic enclosure – washable and sealed
3. Interconnect Cable
Purpose: Links head and belly for data and power.
- I²S signals for audio
- Power (VBAT, 3.3V)
- Ground
- USB data lines (optional)
- GPIO/Control lines (as needed)
- Removable, click-in connector design for washability
4. Charging Station
Purpose: Home base for static wireless charging.
- Qi TX coil and controller
- USB-C power input
- Wall adapter (region-specific plugs)
- Injection-molded base enclosure
- Status LED
5. Sleeping Sack
Purpose: Enables safe overnight charging.
- Integrated Li-ion battery (power bank function)
- Qi TX coil + safety circuit
- Sleep timer and child-safe logic
- Soft swaddle-style fabric with sewn electronics
- PCB module and sealed battery compartment
- LED status indicator
More Documentation can be shared during the scoping stage.
Electronics Designer for AI-Powered Plush Toy (Furbrains)
Project Description:
I'm seeking an experienced electronics designer to assist in developing Furbrains, an AI-powered plush toy with a modular electronics system. The project involves designing PCBs, interconnect cables, and integrating various components into compact, IP54-rated enclosures. Key components include the RK3566 SoC, audio codec, mic array, MIPI LCDs and camera, battery management, and wireless communication (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LTE-M or NB-IoT).
Key Requirements:
- Design and integrate PCBs for a modular system
- Head Unit includes SoC, MIPI displays, mic array, and camera
- Belly Unit includes battery, speaker, button, and Qi wireless receiver
- Design must support low power IoT applications and fast local conversational AI
- Support Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular (Cat-M1 LTE-M or NB-IoT) connectivity
- Audio system must include TLV320ADC3140, four ICS-43434 digital mics, amplifier, and speaker
- Display system will use two MIPI LCDs for eyes and one MIPI camera
- Enclosure must meet IP54 rating and be safe for children
- Design a replaceable interconnect cable between head and belly units carrying power and digital comms
Ideal Skills and Experience:
Experience in consumer electronics PCB design
- Familiarity with Designing with SoCs, e.g. RK3566 or RK3576 or similar
- Experience with low-power and IoT hardware
- Experience integrating wireless modules (e.g. Quectel, SIMCom)
About the Project:
Electronics are split into 5 parts.
1. Head Unit
2. Belly Unit
3. Interconnect Cable
4. Charging Station
5. Sleeping Sack
1. Head Unit
Purpose: Handles processing, audio input, vision, and AI logic.
- RK3566 SoC (or RK3576 upgrade) – main processor for AI and system control
- 2x TTC016VRS-02C 1.6" MIPI TFT LCDs – animated eyes
- MIPI Camera – visual sensing for interaction
- 4x ICS-43434 Digital MEMS Microphones – far-field voice pickup
- TLV320ADC3140 – multichannel audio ADC
- LPDDR4 RAM (2GB) – memory for running AI models
- eMMC Flash or RS70B64S16G – OS and data storage
- LSM6DS3TR-C IMU – motion and orientation sensing
- USB302BMPX – USB interface for development/debug
- AP6212 or equivalent Wi-Fi/Bluetooth module
- PCB and flex cables – custom assembly
- IP54 plastic enclosure – durable and child-safe
2. Belly Unit
Purpose: Manages power, audio output, and user interaction.
- Li-ion battery (e.g., 2500–3000mAh) – power source
- Qi-compatible wireless charging receiver – primary charging interface
- Speaker (40mm or custom) – audio playback
- Audio amplifier – drives speaker
- RGB LED array or ring – feedback through belly button
- Soft-touch belly button + light diffuser – child interaction
- USB-C port – optional fast charging interface
- PCB – control + interface board
- P54 plastic enclosure – washable and sealed
3. Interconnect Cable
Purpose: Links head and belly for data and power.
- I²S signals for audio
- Power (VBAT, 3.3V)
- Ground
- USB data lines (optional)
- GPIO/Control lines (as needed)
- Removable, click-in connector design for washability
4. Charging Station
Purpose: Home base for static wireless charging.
- Qi TX coil and controller
- USB-C power input
- Wall adapter (region-specific plugs)
- Injection-molded base enclosure
- Status LED
5. Sleeping Sack
Purpose: Enables safe overnight charging.
- Integrated Li-ion battery (power bank function)
- Qi TX coil + safety circuit
- Sleep timer and child-safe logic
- Soft swaddle-style fabric with sewn electronics
- PCB module and sealed battery compartment
- LED status indicator
More Documentation can be shared during the scoping stage.