Project Hub /Audio Displays & Interactive Media/LED Matrix & Cube Displays/FlipBuddy - open source flip-to-track desk cube

Intermediate

ESP32

₹1,500 – ₹5,000

3 – 6 Hours

Partial Kit

FlipBuddy - open source flip-to-track desk cube

FlipBuddy is a privacy-first, open-source hardware desk cube that tracks your working activities simply by changing which face is pointing upward.

Originally published on Hackaday.io

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
1200mAh 18650 Li-ion Bat – Reliable 3.7V Power Cell Rs. 129.00
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

We don't carry yet: LED Strip / NeoPixel / WS2812
3D Printed Parts / Filament / Printer
light guides

Browse all components

How It Works

FlipBuddy operates as an interactive desk cube that detects its physical orientation to track your daily activities. At the heart of the system is an ESP32 microcontroller, which communicates with an MPU6050 inertial measurement unit (IMU) using the I2C protocol. The MPU6050 continuously measures gravitational acceleration along three axes, allowing the microcontroller to calculate precisely which of the cube's six faces is currently pointing upward. Depending on which face is active, the ESP32 triggers a corresponding visual state using six WS2812B addressable LEDs mounted inside the 3D printed cube net. These LEDs rely on a single-wire digital protocol to display custom colors or patterns routed through specialized light guides, giving each side a distinct visual indicator. The system is powered by a rechargeable 3.7V LiPo battery (550mAh or larger), making the device completely portable and wireless on your desk. For setup and configuration, the ESP32 runs MicroPython firmware and interfaces with the external FlipBuddy web dashboard via wireless connectivity, letting you map specific orientations to different tasks or productivity states without dealing with complex native compilation toolchains.

Why Build This

Effortlessly log homework, study sessions, and project work hours by simply flipping a physical cube on your desk.

Gain hands-on experience combining 3D printing, embedded microcontrollers, and inertial sensors into a polished productivity gadget.

Learn how to program connected IoT hardware using modern MicroPython firmware and web-based dashboards.

Real-World Application

Personal time management, freelance billable hours tracking, and daily productivity logging.

Skills You'll Learn

I2C communication

IMU sensor data interpretation

addressable LED control

MicroPython programming

wireless dashboard integration

battery power management

Safety Precautions

Ensure correct polarity and handling when working with LiPo batteries to prevent short circuits or fire hazards.

Technology Tags

MICROPYTHON

ESP32

3D PRINTING

IOT

TIME TRACKING

WS2812B

IMU

OPEN SOURCE

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the cube know which face is pointing up?

It uses an MPU6050 IMU sensor inside the cube to measure the direction of gravity and determine the current orientation.

Do I need to know C++ to program the ESP32 for this?

No, the project uses MicroPython firmware, which lets you write and edit code using Python scripts.

Can I use the cube while it is charging?

Yes, you can power and recharge the 3.7V LiPo battery via the USB connection on the ESP32 board.

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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