Project Hub /IoT & Connected Devices/Smart Home & Building Automation/Smart home automation using Access point mode using ESP32-S3-BOX-3

Intermediate

ESP32

₹1,500 – ₹5,000

6 – 12 Hours

Partial Kit

Smart home automation using Access point mode using ESP32-S3-BOX-3

A local, offline smart home automation system utilizing an ESP32-S3-BOX-3 as a Wi-Fi Access Point and Web Server to control AC loads via a touchscreen dashboard, web interface, and mobile app with voice control.

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-C3 Development Board with Berg Pins - Unsoldered Rs. 390.00
NodeMCU ESP8266 WIFI development board based on CP2102 Rs. 660.00
5V 1 Channel Relay Module Rs. 45.00
DHT11 Temperature and Humidity Sensor Module for Arduino Raspberry Pi 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
DC Motor Plastic Fan Blade Rs. 19.00
400 Points Mini Solderless Prototype PCB Breadboard High Quality Rs. 89.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Female 20cm Rs. 45.00

Selected: Rs. 0.00

We don't carry yet: AC Light

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How It Works

The smart home automation system operates by establishing a localized Wi-Fi network directly from the ESP32-S3-BOX-3, which acts as a wireless Access Point and Web Server. Connected to this central hub are two ESP8266-DevKitC-02U-F/NodeMCU nodes equipped with 2-Channel Relay Modules to interface with AC light and fan loads. A DHT11 sensor monitors ambient temperature and humidity parameters, feeding data back into the network. Users can interact with the system through multiple interfaces: the touchscreen dashboard on the ESP32-S3-BOX-3, a custom web interface hosted locally, and a mobile application built via MIT App Inventor that supports voice control. When a command is triggered via touch, web browser, or voice, the ESP32-S3-BOX-3 processes the instruction and communicates wirelessly with the auxiliary ESP8266 nodes. These nodes then toggle their respective 5V relay modules, safely switching high-voltage AC circuits on or off while isolating the low-voltage digital logic from mains electricity. Powered independently via 5V power adapters and interconnected using female-to-female jumper wires, the entire ecosystem functions locally without requiring internet connectivity or external cloud servers.

Why Build This

Design a fully localized, offline IoT smart home network suitable for remote cabins or secure environments where cloud reliance is a security risk.

Gain practical experience in undergraduate-level systems integration by combining multiple microcontrollers, wireless access point configuration, and cross-platform UI development.

Implement safe hardware-software bridging by interfacing low-voltage digital microcontrollers with high-voltage AC loads using electromechanical relay modules.

Real-World Application

Local home automation for remote cabins, offline environments, secure environments without cloud reliance, and custom localized IoT sensor monitoring.

Skills You'll Learn

Wi-Fi Access Point configuration

Web Server deployment on microcontrollers

relay module interfacing with AC loads

DHT11 sensor data acquisition

cross-platform mobile app development with MIT App Inventor

touchscreen graphical interface design

Safety Precautions

Exercise extreme caution when working with AC mains voltage (230V/110V) connected to relay modules. Ensure proper insulation and disconnect power before wiring.

Technology Tags

ESP32-S3-BOX-3

NODEMCU

WI-FI ACCESS POINT

WEB SERVER

WEBSOCKET

HTTP

MIT APP INVENTOR

DHT11

RELAY MODULE

VOICE RECOGNITION

ARDUINO IDE

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this smart home system require an active internet connection to function?

No. The ESP32-S3-BOX-3 operates as a local Wi-Fi Access Point, allowing the touchscreen, web interface, and mobile app to communicate entirely offline without an internet router.

How do the ESP8266 nodes communicate with the central ESP32-S3-BOX-3?

They connect wirelessly over the local Wi-Fi network established by the ESP32-S3-BOX-3 access point to receive commands and report sensor data.

Can I use this system to control standard household appliances safely?

Yes, the 5V relay modules act as electrical switches to control AC lights and fans, but you must exercise extreme caution with 230V/110V mains wiring by ensuring proper insulation and completely disconnecting power before making physical connections.

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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