A walnut shell containing ESP32-C3 and LEDs was created by [JSK-koubou] and connected to a home automation system. The walnut uses the LEDs to send infrared signals to devices that are not connected to it, based on the commands it receives. Small neodymium magnets were added to keep the shell closed while preserving access to the USB port.
Why it matters
This project offers a small-scale interface demonstrating that home automation is not limited to devices that can connect directly to a network. In this respect, it is particularly relevant to those who want to use devices that cannot be integrated into an existing automation system within the same command structure, as well as to people interested in embedded hardware. Placing electronic components inside a natural shell demonstrates that a functional device can be designed in the form of an everyday object; the magnets and accessible USB port preserve the shell’s integrity and allow connection while it is closed. However, which unconnected devices can be operated using this method and to what extent the commands are compatible remain unanswered points in the text.