WiFi-Connected Smiley Face Animation using NodeMCU and LCD Display

Introduction:

As a robotics and electronics coach, I love making fun and educational projects that students can enjoy while learning. Recently, I have created a Wi-Fi-connected LCD face animation project using the NodeMCU (ESP8266) and a 16x2 LCD display with an I2C module. When it powers on, the system shows a friendly startup message like “Initializing WiFi...” and then displays a cute animated smiley face once connected. This project is perfect for school demos, workshops, or your personal collection of IoT creations! I hope you like this article.

Components Required:

• NodeMCU ESP8266 board

• 16x2 with I2C LCD Display

• Male-female Jumper wires

• Breadboard (optional)

• USB cable for programming

Circuit Connections:

(Note: Always use I2C LCD module to simplify connections.)

How it Works:

1. When the NodeMCU powers up, it shows "Initializing WiFi..." on the LCD.

2. The NodeMCU attempts to connect to your WiFi network.

3. Once successfully connected, it displays "WiFi Connected!" for a few seconds.

4. Finally, a cute animated face appears on the LCD, making your project come alive!

Code Explanation:

• Wire.h and LiquidCrystal_I2C.h libraries are used to control the LCD.

• The ESP8266WiFi.h library is used to manage WiFi connections.

• Custom character arrays (bytetype) are created to design eyes and a smiling mouth.

• The lcd.createChar()function loads these custom characters into the LCD.

• After WiFi connects, the animated face is displayed by placing these characters at the right LCD positions.

Applications:

• Smart IoT Display Projects

• Decorative Projects with LCD

• Fun STEM Education Activities

• First Step into WiFi-based IoT

Project Code:

(Already shared above, you can post it directly or add “Get full code here!” with a download link.)

//Esp32 based line follower robot:
#include 
#include 
#include 

// LCD at I2C address 0x27
LiquidCrystal_I2C lcd(0x27, 16, 2);

// Your WiFi credentials
const char* ssid = "YOUR_WIFI_SSID";
const char* password = "YOUR_WIFI_PASSWORD";

// Face characters
byte name1x7[] = { B00000, B00000, B00000, B11000, B11000, B01110, B00111, B00011 };
byte name0x5[] = { B00001, B00011, B00111, B00110, B00110, B00111, B00011, B00001 };
byte name0x6[] = { B10000, B11000, B11100, B01100, B01100, B11100, B11000, B10000 };
byte name0x9[] = { B00001, B00011, B00111, B00110, B00110, B00111, B00011, B00001 };
byte name0x10[] = { B10000, B11000, B11100, B01100, B01100, B11100, B11000, B10000 };
byte name1x8[] = { B00000, B00000, B00000, B00011, B00011, B01110, B11100, B11000 };

void setup() {
  Wire.begin(D2, D1); // NodeMCU I2C pins: SDA = D2, SCL = D1
  lcd.init();
  lcd.backlight();

  // Step 1: Show Initializing WiFi
  lcd.setCursor(0, 0);
  lcd.print("Initializing WiFi");
  delay(1000);

  WiFi.begin(ssid, password);

  // Step 2: Wait for connection
  lcd.clear();
  lcd.setCursor(0, 0);
  lcd.print("Connecting...");
  
  while (WiFi.status() != WL_CONNECTED) {
    delay(500);
    lcd.print(".");
  }

  // Step 3: Connected
  lcd.clear();
  lcd.setCursor(0, 0);
  lcd.print("WiFi Connected!");
  delay(2000);

  // Step 4: Display happy face
  lcd.clear();

  lcd.createChar(0, name1x7);
  lcd.setCursor(7, 1);
  lcd.write(byte(0));
  
  lcd.createChar(1, name0x5);
  lcd.setCursor(5, 0);
  lcd.write(byte(1));
  
  lcd.createChar(2, name0x6);
  lcd.setCursor(6, 0);
  lcd.write(byte(2));
  
  lcd.createChar(3, name0x9);
  lcd.setCursor(9, 0);
  lcd.write(byte(3));
  
  lcd.createChar(4, name0x10);
  lcd.setCursor(10, 0);
  lcd.write(byte(4));
  
  lcd.createChar(5, name1x8);
  lcd.setCursor(8, 1);
  lcd.write(byte(5));
}

void loop() {
  // You can add more animations here if you want (optional)
}

📼Here is a demo video:

🎯 What You’ll Learn

• How to interface I2C LCD with ESP8266

• How to create and display custom characters

• How to connect WiFi and show status

• Basic animation and display logic

📱 Best Use Cases

• STEM Workshops

• School Exhibitions

• Fun IoT Projects

• Maker Fairs

Conclusion:

✨ Imagine a future where even your devices greet you with a happy face every morning! ✨

#NodeMCU #ESP8266Projects #LCDAnimation #DIYIoT #ArduinoProjects #ElectronicsFun #SmileyFace #STEMProjects