Tama Fi

TamaFi is an open-source, WiFi-enabled virtual pet project built with an ESP32-s3

Internet of Things (IoT)CMIT

Abstract

Tama Fi is an open-source Internet of Things (IoT) project. TamaFi is an open-source, WiFi-enabled virtual pet project built with an ESP32-s3. TamaFi is a modern, WiFi-aware virtual pet. V2 rebuilds the original project with new hardware, smarter logic, and a clean, compact PCB that actually feels like a finished device. It is built using C, ESP32. Key capabilities include: ESP32-S3 based – more performance, native USB, better room for future features; TFT ST7789 240×240 – full-color UI, custom sprites, status bars, menus; Autonomous behavior engine – the pet hunts, explores, rests, and reacts on its own. The complete source code is publicly available on GitHub under the MIT License, making it a useful reference for students building an Internet of Things (IoT) mini project or final-year project.

1. Introduction

TamaFi is a modern, WiFi-aware virtual pet. V2 rebuilds the original project with new hardware, smarter logic, and a clean, compact PCB that actually feels like a finished device.

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The pet lives on an ESP32-S3, eats nearby WiFi, evolves over time, and makes its own decisions based on the environment around it.

2. Objective

TamaFi is an open-source, WiFi-enabled virtual pet project built with an ESP32-s3

This project demonstrates how C, ESP32 can be applied to a real-world Internet of Things (IoT) problem.

3. Key Features / Modules

  • ESP32-S3 based – more performance, native USB, better room for future features
  • TFT ST7789 240×240 – full-color UI, custom sprites, status bars, menus
  • Autonomous behavior engine – the pet hunts, explores, rests, and reacts on its own
  • WiFi-fed – nearby networks affect hunger, happiness, and health
  • Full menu system – Pet Status, Environment, System Info, Controls, Settings, Diagnostics
  • Persistent state – age, stats, stage, settings stored in flash (Preferences)
  • 4× WS2812-2020 NeoPixels – mood & activity feedback (happy/sad/wifi/rest patterns)
  • Retro sound engine – non-blocking chiptune-style beeps and sequences
  • Battery-ready – TP4056 charger + MOSFET-controlled TFT backlight
  • 6 soft tactile switches – three on each side for navigation and shortcuts

4. Technology Stack

CESP32

5. System Requirements

General requirements for this technology stack — check the README for exact versions.

  • Arduino IDE / PlatformIO or a C compiler (gcc)
  • Target board where applicable
  • Git (to clone the repository)

6. Installation & Setup

git clone https://github.com/cifertech/TamaFi.git
cd TamaFi

Full setup instructions are in the project README.

7. Future Enhancements

Suggested extensions you can add to make this your own project.

  • Add a mobile dashboard using Blynk or Firebase
  • Store readings in a cloud database for history charts
  • Add alerts via SMS / Telegram when thresholds are crossed

8. Viva / Review Questions

Common questions examiners ask for projects in this domain.

  1. Which microcontroller / board and sensors are used and why?
  2. How does the device send data (Wi-Fi, MQTT, HTTP, Bluetooth)?
  3. Where is the sensor data stored and visualised?
  4. How is power consumption managed?
  5. How would you secure the device and its communication?

9. Source Code & License

This project is developed by cifertech and published on GitHub under the MIT License. Please follow the license terms and credit the original author when you use or modify this code.

View Source on GitHubDownload ZIP

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