Project Hub /Basic Analog & Power Electronics/Discrete & Component Electronics/ESP32 Air Mouse using Bluetooth and MPU6050

Intermediate

ESP32

₹500 – ₹1,500

3 – 6 Hours

Partial Kit

ESP32 Air Mouse using Bluetooth and MPU6050

Build a compact hand gesture-controlled air mouse using an ESP32 and MPU6050 sensor that transmits motion data wirelessly via Bluetooth.

Originally published on CircuitDigest

View original tutorial

Parts You'll Need

This project is sourced from another site, not written by us — this list is our best match of their components against what we stock, not a verified bill of materials. Always check the original blog (linked above) for the actual parts list before buying.

ESP32 WiFi+Bluetooth CP2102 Development Board Rs. 520.00
MPU6050 - Triple Axis Accelerometer + Gyroscope Module Rs. 438.00
LDR Light Sensor Module Rs. 49.00
10pcs - 220 ohm 1/4 W Resistor Set Rs. 39.00
2-Slot 18650 Holder with Protective Cover and On/Off Switch – Case Rs. 109.00
400 Points Mini Solderless Prototype PCB Breadboard High Quality Rs. 89.00
MB102 Adjustable Breadboard Power Supply Module (3.3V & 5V) for Arduino & Raspberry Pi Rs. 139.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Male 20cm Rs. 45.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Female 20cm Rs. 45.00

Selected: Rs. 0.00

This list includes a generic resistor set as a placeholder — it is not matched to the exact value or part number this circuit needs. The correct one is specified on the original source page linked above; check it before buying.

We don't carry yet: LiPo Battery
Perfboard / Veroboard / Stripboard

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How It Works

The ESP32 Air Mouse operates by combining motion sensing, ambient light measurement, and wireless communication to control a computer or device through hand movements. At the heart of the system is the MPU6050 module, which contains both a 3-axis accelerometer and a 3-axis gyroscope. This sensor measures changes in orientation, tilt, and acceleration as you move the device through the air. The MPU6050 communicates its raw motion data to the ESP32 microcontroller over the I2C protocol, utilizing the Wire, Adafruit MPU6050, and Adafruit Sensor libraries for data processing. In addition to motion tracking, the circuit includes an LDR (Light Dependent Resistor) paired with a 56kΩ resistor configured as a voltage divider. This analog sensing circuit detects changes in ambient light levels, which can be translated into secondary commands like clicks or mode switches depending on the software implementation. Power is supplied independently by a portable LiPo battery, making the device fully wearable and untethered. An optional SPDT slide switch allows users to easily turn the power on and off. Once the ESP32 processes the sensor inputs, the onboard Bluetooth capability—managed via the BluetoothSerial library—wirelessly transmits the movement and control data to a paired receiver or a computer running an optional visualization tool like Processing.

Why Build This

Gain hands-on experience integrating inertial measurement sensors with microcontrollers for human-interface devices.

Learn how to implement wireless serial communication over Bluetooth using an ESP32 development board.

Understand practical analog sensor interfacing by building an LDR voltage divider circuit for auxiliary control.

Real-World Application

Controlling drones, robotic arms, smart home appliances, and aiding individuals with physical disabilities through intuitive hand gestures.

Skills You'll Learn

I2C communication protocol

analog-to-digital conversion

inertial measurement sensor interfacing

wireless Bluetooth serial communication

voltage divider circuit design

power management with LiPo batteries

Safety Precautions

Ensure proper soldering techniques and secure battery placement to avoid short circuits when assembling wearable compact electronics.

Technology Tags

ESP32

MPU6050

BLUETOOTH

LDR

KALMAN FILTER

ACCELEROMETER

GYROSCOPE

WIRELESS COMMUNICATION

PROCESSING

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a standard USB cable for power instead of a LiPo battery?

Yes, you can power and program the ESP32 via its USB connection during testing and development, but a LiPo battery is required to make the air mouse truly wireless during use.

How does the ESP32 connect to my computer?

The ESP32 uses its built-in Bluetooth transceiver to transmit motion data wirelessly to your computer, where a compatible sketch or software like Processing receives the signal.

What is the purpose of the 56kΩ resistor?

The 56kΩ resistor acts as a pull-down resistor in series with the LDR to form an analog voltage divider circuit, allowing the ESP32 to measure changes in ambient light intensity safely.

Gallery

This page is part of Kitkraft's Project Hub — a curated collection of electronics & robotics projects gathered from the maker community to help students and hobbyists discover and learn to build. Kitkraft does not claim authorship of the original project, and makes no representation as to the accuracy, completeness or safety of third-party source material. The summary and "How It Works" explanation above are AI-generated, rewritten with reference to the original tutorial — not a reproduction of it. Full credit and a direct link to the original source are provided above. If you're the original creator and have a concern about how your work is represented here, please contact us and we'll address it promptly.

Kitkraft Project Hub — curated from the maker community, credited at the source.

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