How to code Arduino and ESP32 with AI?

Introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, the convergence of Arduino/ESP32 and Artificial Intelligence (AI) has opened up a realm of possibilities for innovative projects. This integration marks a transformative leap in embedded systems and IoT development, where the adaptability of Arduino meets the analytical prowess of AI.

Arduino enthusiasts and developers alike find themselves at the intersection of creativity and intelligence, unlocking new dimensions for crafting smart and responsive devices. This article explores the journey of coding Arduino with AI, starting with the fundamentals of automatic code generation.

Automatic Code Generation Overview

Automatic code generation is a process in software development where source code or software artifacts are produced automatically through the use of tools, frameworks, or techniques, rather than being manually written by a developer. This approach aims to streamline the development process, enhance productivity, and reduce the likelihood of human errors.

In automatic code generation, developers typically provide high-level specifications or models, and a specialized tool interprets these specifications to generate the corresponding low-level source code. This can include generating code snippets, entire functions, or even complete applications based on predefined patterns or templates.

Several methods and tools are employed in automatic code generation, ranging from simple code templates in Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) to more advanced techniques like model-driven development (MDD) tools, domain-specific languages (DSLs), and code generators.

For embedded systems development, there are several tools and frameworks that support automatic code generation. These tools help streamline the development process and address the challenges associated with programming microcontrollers and other embedded devices. Here are some notable tools used for automatic code generation in the realm of embedded systems:

#include <Wire.h> 

#include <Adafruit_SSD1306.h> 

#include <OneWire.h> 

#include <DallasTemperature.h> 

#include <SD.h> 

#include <RTClib.h>

// Pin configuration
#define ONE_WIRE_BUS 2  // Pin for DS18B20 sensor
#define OLED_RESET   -1 // Reset pin for OLED display
#define SD_CS_PIN    4  // Chip select pin for SD card module

// Initialize DS18B20
OneWire oneWire(ONE_WIRE_BUS);
DallasTemperature sensors(&oneWire);

// Initialize OLED display
Adafruit_SSD1306 display(OLED_RESET);

// Initialize RTC (Real-Time Clock) - You may need to adjust this depending on your RTC module
RTC_DS3231 rtc;

// File for storing temperature data
File dataFile;

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);

  // Initialize DS18B20 sensor
  sensors.begin();

  // Initialize OLED display
  if(!display.begin(SSD1306_I2C_ADDRESS, OLED_RESET)) {
    Serial.println(F("SSD1306 allocation failed"));
    for(;;);
  }
  display.display();

  // Initialize SD card
  if(!SD.begin(SD_CS_PIN)) {
    Serial.println(F("SD card initialization failed!"));
    for(;;);
  }

  // Initialize RTC
  if(!rtc.begin()) {
    Serial.println(F("Couldn't find RTC"));
    for(;;);
  }

  // Check if the RTC lost power and if so, set the time
  if(rtc.lostPower()) {
    Serial.println(F("RTC lost power, let's set the time!"));
    rtc.adjust(DateTime(F(__DATE__), F(__TIME__)));
  }
}

void loop() {
  // Measure temperature
  sensors.requestTemperatures();
  float temperature = sensors.getTempCByIndex(0);

  // Get current time from RTC
  DateTime now = rtc.now();

  // Display temperature on OLED
  display.clearDisplay();
  display.setTextSize(1);
  display.setTextColor(SSD1306_WHITE);
  display.setCursor(0,0);
  display.print(F("Temperature: "));
  display.println(temperature);
  display.display();

  // Log temperature data to SD card
  logTemperature(now, temperature);

  // Wait for 15 minutes
  delay(15 * 60 * 1000);
}

void logTemperature(DateTime timestamp, float temperature) {
  // Open the data file in append mode
  dataFile = SD.open("temperature_log.csv", FILE_WRITE);

  // If the file is available, write to it
  if (dataFile) {
    dataFile.print(timestamp.year(), DEC);
    dataFile.print(F("/"));
    dataFile.print(timestamp.month(), DEC);
    dataFile.print(F("/"));
    dataFile.print(timestamp.day(), DEC);
    dataFile.print(F(" "));
    dataFile.print(timestamp.hour(), DEC);
    dataFile.print(F(":"));
    dataFile.print(timestamp.minute(), DEC);
    dataFile.print(F(":"));
    dataFile.print(timestamp.second(), DEC);
    dataFile.print(F(","));
    dataFile.println(temperature);

    // Close the file
    dataFile.close();
  } else {
    Serial.println(F("Error opening temperature_log.csv"));
  }
}

Example 2: PWM-Controlled LED

Well-Defined Requirement: "Generate ESP32 code for a PWM-controlled LED. The LED brightness should be adjustable using a potentiometer. Additionally, implement a push-button functionality to toggle the LED on and off."

Explanation: This requirement provides a clear objective, specifying the hardware components involved and the expected functionalities. It guides the generative AI model in creating code for a task with defined inputs, outputs, and user interactions.

#include <Arduino.h>

const int ledPin = 5;      // PWM-capable pin for LED
const int potPin = 34;     // Analog pin for potentiometer
const int buttonPin = 18;  // GPIO pin for push-button

int potValue = 0;
int ledBrightness = 0;
bool ledState = false;
bool buttonState = false;
bool lastButtonState = false;
unsigned long lastDebounceTime = 0;
unsigned long debounceDelay = 50;

void setup() {
  pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(buttonPin, INPUT_PULLUP);
}

void loop() {
  // Read potentiometer value and map it to LED brightness (0-255)
  potValue = analogRead(potPin);
  ledBrightness = map(potValue, 0, 4095, 0, 255);
  analogWrite(ledPin, ledBrightness);

  // Read the state of the push-button and debounce it
  int reading = digitalRead(buttonPin);
  if (reading != lastButtonState) {
    lastDebounceTime = millis();
  }

  if ((millis() - lastDebounceTime) > debounceDelay) {
    if (reading != buttonState) {
      buttonState = reading;

      // Toggle LED state when the button is pressed
      if (buttonState == LOW) {
        ledState = !ledState;
        digitalWrite(ledPin, ledState ? HIGH : LOW);
      }
    }
  }

  lastButtonState = reading;
}

Generating Bad Codes

Example 1: Vague Home Automation

Poorly-Defined Requirement: "Write Arduino code for a home automation project."

Explanation: This requirement lacks specificity and clarity. It doesn't specify the devices involved, the desired actions, or any specific functionalities. The generative AI model may struggle to provide meaningful code without clear guidance on the project's scope.

#include <SoftwareSerial.h>

SoftwareSerial bluetooth(10, 11);  // RX, TX pins for Bluetooth module

#define RELAY_1 2  // Relay 1 control pin
#define RELAY_2 3  // Relay 2 control pin

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);
  bluetooth.begin(9600);

  pinMode(RELAY_1, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(RELAY_2, OUTPUT);

  // Initialize relays to OFF state
  digitalWrite(RELAY_1, LOW);
  digitalWrite(RELAY_2, LOW);
}

void loop() {
  if (bluetooth.available() > 0) {
    char command = bluetooth.read();

    // Toggle Relay 1
    if (command == '1') {
      digitalWrite(RELAY_1, !digitalRead(RELAY_1));
    }

    // Toggle Relay 2
    else if (command == '2') {
      digitalWrite(RELAY_2, !digitalRead(RELAY_2));
    }
  }
}

Example 2: Ambiguous Sensor Project

Inadequate Requirement: "Develop ESP32 code for a sensor project."

Explanation: This requirement is overly broad and does not specify the type of sensor, the desired measurements, or any particular actions to be taken. Without more details, the generative AI model may generate code that does not align with the user's intended project.

#include <DHT.h>

#define DHT_PIN 2    // Replace with the actual pin your sensor is connected to
#define DHT_TYPE DHT22

DHT dht(DHT_PIN, DHT_TYPE);

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);
  dht.begin();
}

void loop() {
  delay(2000);  // Delay for 2 seconds, adjust as needed

  float temperature = dht.readTemperature();
  float humidity = dht.readHumidity();

  Serial.print("Temperature: ");
  Serial.print(temperature);
  Serial.print(" °C\t");

  Serial.print("Humidity: ");
  Serial.print(humidity);
  Serial.println(" %");
}

Conclusion

Effective communication of requirements is crucial for generating good codes using AI models. Well-structured, clear, and specific instructions yield precise and purposeful code.

Conversely, vague or ambiguous requirements can lead to poorly generated code that may not meet the intended project goals.

Understanding the importance of providing detailed information is key to leveraging the full potential of generative AI in code generation.