Problem Statement

Many people struggle to keep track of time, dates, and daily reminders, especially in shared spaces or for those with visual impairments. Traditional clocks and devices often rely on visual displays and require manual updates, making them less accessible, less interactive, and sometimes unreliable. There is a need for a durable, low-maintenance, and accessible wall-mounted device that automatically displays time, date, and month, monitors environmental conditions like temperature, humidity, and gas levels, and provides timely notifications based on user activity.

Project Description

This project is a laser-cut circular smart wall clock with rotating parts to represent hours, dates, months and year, designed to last a lifetime. A motor automatically adjusts the time and date, while sensors continuously monitor the room's temperature, humidity, and gas levels. A motion detector identifies new people entering the space, triggering voice notifications and reminders such as alarms, medication alerts, or inspirational messages. The device combines digital fabrication, embedded systems, and mechanical automation to create an accessible, durable, and interactive timekeeping solution.

Target Users

Who Will Use This Device

• Visually Impaired Individuals: Voice notifications make time accessible without visual displays
• Elderly People: Large rotating parts and voice reminders for medications and appointments
• Shared Spaces: Community centers, schools, and offices needing automatic time updates
• Families: Motion-activated greetings and reminders for daily routines

System Architecture

Hardware & Software Stack

The system consists of the following components:

• Microcontroller: ESP32 for WiFi connectivity and sensor integration
• Sensors: DHT22 for temperature/humidity, MQ series for gas detection, PIR for motion sensing
• Indicators: LEDs which will turn on based on specific time and date triggers
• Power: AC adapter with battery backup for uninterrupted operation
• Firmware: C++ using Arduino framework, with features like NTP time sync, voice synthesis, and sensor monitoring

Electronics

PCB Design & Fabrication

Custom PCB designed in KiCad, milled on the Fab Lab's CNC. The board integrates all sensor interfaces, motor drivers, power management, and ESP32 module with clean signal routing and ground planes.

Fabrication

Housing & Assembly

Circular enclosure laser-cut from plywood or acrylic. Rotating dials for time/date fabricated with precise tolerances. Internal mounting designed for tool-free sensor replacement. Wall mounting bracket included.

Programming

Firmware & Features

Firmware written in C++ for Arduino/ESP32. Features include automatic time synchronization via NTP, voice synthesis for notifications, motion detection algorithms, environmental monitoring with threshold alerts, and smartphone configuration via WiFi.

Community Impact

Accessibility & Education

This project addresses accessibility gaps in traditional timekeeping devices. It serves as an educational example for learners in Fab Labs and the maker community. All design files, firmware, and documentation will be released as open source.

Future Work

Next Steps

Plans include adding smartphone app for easier configuration, integrating with smart home systems, adding more voice message options, creating multilingual support, and developing a DIY kit for STEM education programs targeting young women.