Today we explore the use of an ESP32-CAM (ESP32 with Camera) as a directional motion sensor. While motion sensing with an ESP32 has been available for some time, I take it to the next level using it in an animatronic Halloween project. The project uses only an ESP32-CAM as the entire motion detector and the microcontroller driving the stepper motors. The entire project is open source allowing you to use this in robotics or other projects where you need a cheap and easy motion sensor. This project is limited only by the visual range where many PIR and Ultrasonic sensors have a limited range. This works great for projects where you want to detect a cold object (not a living body) or objects far away. The base code uses a 10 degree range for its stepper movement but you can alter the code and the way the project works to fit your specific needs. I also cover how you can purchase an inexpensive IR Floodlight to enable the use of this at night or in low light situations. This worked great as a Halloween animatronic project where a spooky inflatable eye follows you around the yard.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIbiG6at01g

Used in this project:
eSun Black PLA - https://www.amazon.com/eSUN-1-75mm-Printer-Filament-2-2lbs/dp/B01EKEMDA6?cv_ct_cx=esun+black+pla&dchild=1&keywords=esun+black+pla&pd_rd_i=B01EKEMDA6&pd_rd_r=78dd6800-c6ac-4e89-9346-b2d617903929&pd_rd_w=f4jhQ&pd_rd_wg=exdHn&pf_rd_p=c0fa563a-b0ba-455a-bd65-7b14bea6288c&pf_rd_r=Z2TRXHGP1B1892GA96QG&psc=1&qid=1634843829&sr=1-1-f0029781-b79b-4b60-9cb0-eeda4dea34d6&linkCode=sl1&tag=rwmech-20&linkId=b6692b8dba9b24f305952f9ac2112913&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
ESP32-CAM - https://www.amazon.com/eSUN-1-75mm-Printer-Filament-2-2lbs/dp/B01EKEMDA6?cv_ct_cx=esun+black+pla&dchild=1&keywords=esun+black+pla&pd_rd_i=B01EKEMDA6&pd_rd_r=78dd6800-c6ac-4e89-9346-b2d617903929&pd_rd_w=f4jhQ&pd_rd_wg=exdHn&pf_rd_p=c0fa563a-b0ba-455a-bd65-7b14bea6288c&pf_rd_r=Z2TRXHGP1B1892GA96QG&psc=1&qid=1634843829&sr=1-1-f0029781-b79b-4b60-9cb0-eeda4dea34d6&linkCode=sl1&tag=rwmech-20&linkId=b6692b8dba9b24f305952f9ac2112913&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Signal Cable (Dupont) - https://shop.layerfused.com/collections/electronics/products/2m-premium-3d-printer-cable-female-dupont-to-female-dupont-6-pin-24awg
Stepper Motors - https://www.amazon.com/eSUN-1-75mm-Printer-Filament-2-2lbs/dp/B01EKEMDA6?cv_ct_cx=esun+black+pla&dchild=1&keywords=esun+black+pla&pd_rd_i=B01EKEMDA6&pd_rd_r=78dd6800-c6ac-4e89-9346-b2d617903929&pd_rd_w=f4jhQ&pd_rd_wg=exdHn&pf_rd_p=c0fa563a-b0ba-455a-bd65-7b14bea6288c&pf_rd_r=Z2TRXHGP1B1892GA96QG&psc=1&qid=1634843829&sr=1-1-f0029781-b79b-4b60-9cb0-eeda4dea34d6&linkCode=sl1&tag=rwmech-20&linkId=b6692b8dba9b24f305952f9ac2112913&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Dupont Terminal Blocks - https://www.amazon.com/eSUN-1-75mm-Printer-Filament-2-2lbs/dp/B01EKEMDA6?cv_ct_cx=esun+black+pla&dchild=1&keywords=esun+black+pla&pd_rd_i=B01EKEMDA6&pd_rd_r=78dd6800-c6ac-4e89-9346-b2d617903929&pd_rd_w=f4jhQ&pd_rd_wg=exdHn&pf_rd_p=c0fa563a-b0ba-455a-bd65-7b14bea6288c&pf_rd_r=Z2TRXHGP1B1892GA96QG&psc=1&qid=1634843829&sr=1-1-f0029781-b79b-4b60-9cb0-eeda4dea34d6&linkCode=sl1&tag=rwmech-20&linkId=b6692b8dba9b24f305952f9ac2112913&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
USB Power Interface - https://www.amazon.com/eSUN-1-75mm-Printer-Filament-2-2lbs/dp/B01EKEMDA6?cv_ct_cx=esun+black+pla&dchild=1&keywords=esun+black+pla&pd_rd_i=B01EKEMDA6&pd_rd_r=78dd6800-c6ac-4e89-9346-b2d617903929&pd_rd_w=f4jhQ&pd_rd_wg=exdHn&pf_rd_p=c0fa563a-b0ba-455a-bd65-7b14bea6288c&pf_rd_r=Z2TRXHGP1B1892GA96QG&psc=1&qid=1634843829&sr=1-1-f0029781-b79b-4b60-9cb0-eeda4dea34d6&linkCode=sl1&tag=rwmech-20&linkId=b6692b8dba9b24f305952f9ac2112913&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Micro USB Cables - https://www.amazon.com/eSUN-1-75mm-Printer-Filament-2-2lbs/dp/B01EKEMDA6?cv_ct_cx=esun+black+pla&dchild=1&keywords=esun+black+pla&pd_rd_i=B01EKEMDA6&pd_rd_r=78dd6800-c6ac-4e89-9346-b2d617903929&pd_rd_w=f4jhQ&pd_rd_wg=exdHn&pf_rd_p=c0fa563a-b0ba-455a-bd65-7b14bea6288c&pf_rd_r=Z2TRXHGP1B1892GA96QG&psc=1&qid=1634843829&sr=1-1-f0029781-b79b-4b60-9cb0-eeda4dea34d6&linkCode=sl1&tag=rwmech-20&linkId=b6692b8dba9b24f305952f9ac2112913&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

When it comes to hardware, I rely heavily on Bambu Lab 3D printers. My A1 Mini https://rb.gy/uofj5 is a staple in my office, while my fleet of X1C Carbons https://rb.gy/9r2az ensures rapid and high-quality production.