Adding voice output to electronics projects makes devices more interactive and user-friendly. Text-to-Speech (TTS) technology allows written text to be converted into spoken audio, which is commonly used in smart assistants, automation systems, kiosks, and accessibility devices.
In this project, we implement ESP32 Text-to-Speech using an AI-based cloud solution. Instead of generating speech locally, the ESP32 sends text to the Wit.ai AI service, receives processed audio, and plays it through a speaker. This approach enables clear and natural voice output even on resource-limited microcontrollers.
Project Overview
The ESP32 is powerful compared to traditional microcontrollers, but generating natural speech directly on the board requires large memory and heavy processing. To overcome this limitation, cloud-based TTS is used.
How the System Works
- Text is entered through the Serial Monitor.
- ESP32 sends the text to the Wit.ai server via Wi-Fi.
- Wit.ai converts the text into speech audio.
- Audio is streamed back to ESP32.
- The sound is played through a speaker using an I2S amplifier.
This method keeps the hardware simple while delivering high-quality speech output.
Components Required
- ESP32 Development Board
- MAX98357A I2S Audio Amplifier
- Speaker (4Ω / 8Ω)
- Breadboard
- Jumper Wires
- USB Cable
Using Wit.ai for ESP32 TTS
Wit.ai is a cloud AI platform that provides speech processing through simple APIs. After creating an account and generating an access token:
- ESP32 connects to Wi-Fi
- Authenticates using the token
- Requests speech generation
- Streams audio in real time
The WitAITTS library simplifies this entire integration inside Arduino IDE.
Program Working Principle
The ESP32 program performs three main tasks:
- Connects to Wi-Fi and Wit.ai service
- Sends user text for speech conversion
- Streams and plays received audio
Voice parameters such as speed, pitch, and voice style can also be adjusted for better listening comfort.
Applications
- Smart home voice alerts
- IoT notification systems
- Talking robots
- Assistive devices
- Interactive kiosks
- Automation status announcements
Troubleshooting Tips
- Ensure stable 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection
- Verify I2S wiring connections
- Use proper 5V power supply
- Check API token authentication
- Confirm correct ESP32 board selection
This project demonstrates how ESP32 Text-to-Speech using AI can bring natural voice capability to embedded systems without heavy local processing. By leveraging the Wit.ai cloud service, the ESP32 delivers reliable and scalable speech output while keeping hardware complexity low.
Cloud-based TTS represents a practical and modern solution for adding intelligent voice interaction to IoT and embedded applications, making small devices smarter, more accessible, and easier to interact with.
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