Step-by-Step Guide
Build a fun and interactive robot head that talks, moves its mouth and eyes, and even responds to sound using Arduino and basic components.
🧰 Materials Needed
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Arduino Uno | The brain of the project |
| Servo Motors (2-4 pcs) | To move mouth and eyes |
| Microphone Sensor (e.g., KY-038) | To detect sound |
| DFPlayer Mini + SD Card | To play MP3 voice files |
| Speaker | For audio output |
| Jumper Wires | For connections |
| Breadboard | For prototyping |
| Power Supply | 5V or battery pack |
| 3D Printed Head or Cardboard Face | Robot head structure |
🧠 Project Overview
The Talking Robot Head will:
- Play pre-recorded voice messages
- Move its mouth while talking (via servo)
- Blink or move eyes using servos
- Optionally react to sound input using a microphone module
🧩 Circuit Diagram
Basic connections:
- Mouth Servo → Arduino Pin 9
- Eye Servo (horizontal) → Pin 10
- Eye Servo (vertical) → Pin 11
- Microphone Sensor OUT → A0
- DFPlayer RX → Arduino Pin 5
- DFPlayer TX → Arduino Pin 6
- Speaker connected to DFPlayer
- DFPlayer Mini uses micro SD card with .mp3 files
🗣️ Voice Output System
🎵 Option 1: Pre-recorded MP3
- Use a free Text-to-Speech tool (like ttsmp3.com)
- Save files as
0001.mp3,0002.mp3, etc. - Place files on SD card → Insert into DFPlayer
🎤 Option 2: Real-time Voice (Advanced)
- Requires Raspberry Pi with AI tools like Google TTS or OpenAI Whisper
- Not supported on basic Arduino
💻 Arduino Code (Basic Example)
#include <Servo.h>
#include <SoftwareSerial.h>
#include <DFRobotDFPlayerMini.h>
Servo mouthServo;
SoftwareSerial mySerial(5, 6); // RX, TX
DFRobotDFPlayerMini myDFPlayer;
void setup() {
Serial.begin(9600);
mySerial.begin(9600);
mouthServo.attach(9);
if (!myDFPlayer.begin(mySerial)) {
Serial.println("DFPlayer Mini not responding");
while (true);
}
myDFPlayer.volume(25); // Set volume
}
void loop() {
mouthServo.write(60); // Open mouth
myDFPlayer.play(1); // Play "Hello!" (0001.mp3)
delay(300);
mouthServo.write(90); // Close mouth
delay(2000);
}
🧪 Optional Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| 🎤 Sound Activation | Use mic to detect voice commands |
| 👀 Blinking or Eye Movement | Add more servos for expression |
| 🧠 AI Voice | Use Raspberry Pi to speak dynamically |
| 📷 Face Tracking | Add a camera for facial recognition |
🎨 Robot Head Design Ideas
- 3D Printed Head: Use online models from Thingiverse (e.g., robot skull, cartoon face).
- Cardboard Face: Simple DIY face with movable mouth and eyes.
- Lego + Servos: Creative, modular build.
📦 Final Result
A fun robot face that can:
- Greet you with a voice
- Move its mouth as it speaks
- Blink or follow your face (if upgraded)
- Be programmed with different phrases or responses
⚠️ Safety & Legal Disclaimer
These projects are for educational, prototyping, and ideation purposesonly.
These systems, developed using AI logic, should becarefully testedbefore being implemented in the real world, and the accuracy of the electronic devices and connections usedshould be double-checked.
All actions, implementations, and outcomes resulting from this project are entirely the responsibility of the developer or individual applying the system.
For real-life deployment, the system must be equipped with proper sensors, protective housings, safety mechanisms, and comply with local legal regulations.
Any misuse or misinterpretation of the project that results in device damage, data loss, or accidental injury is entirely the user’s responsibility.
Always use the projectresponsiblyand perform thoroughextensive testingbefore live use or field deployment.
Supervision & Controls
Especially for users with limited electronics experience, including children, it is strongly advised to work under the constant supervision of an experienced adult or professional when assembling or testing such projects.
