ThingyChat is an open-source framework designed to empower makers to build their own smart and interactive signage. The platform’s core is a Seeed Xiao ESP32-S3, which handles Wi-Fi connectivity, a web-based PWA for user interaction, and communication with an Arduino Uno R4. The Arduino acts as a robust controller for 5V components like LED matrices and displays, creating a powerful and flexible architecture.
The goal of ThingyChat is not to be a single sign, but a versatile platform. To demonstrate its potential, I have developed three distinct “Thingy” projects:
1）The Emoji Display: A real-time 16x16 LED matrix that displays custom emojis drawn by the user in a web application, showcasing the core WebSocket communication.
2）The Memento Mori: An interactive and thought-provoking sign that uses a PWA to calculate and display a user’s life statistics (days lived, days remaining, percentage) based on real-world data from the World Bank API.
3）The Geiger Counter: A functional radiation monitor that displays real-time CPM (Counts Per Minute) data and provides visual alerts, turning environmental data into an easy-to-understand sign.
All projects feature a modular 3D-printed mounting system, making prototyping and customization easy.
