Sky Pointer ESP32 Based Wireless Air Mouse

Abstract

The Sky Pointer is an innovative ESP32-based wireless air mouse designed to provide an intuitive and touch-free method of controlling a computer cursor through hand movements. The system employs an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)—combining accelerometer and gyroscope sensors—to detect motion and orientation in real time. These sensor readings are processed by the ESP32 microcontroller, which translates them into cursor movements and transmits the corresponding signals wirelessly to a host computer via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Click and scroll functions are implemented using tactile switches or gesture recognition. This design eliminates the need for a traditional surface-dependent mouse, offering enhanced portability and user convenience, especially for presentations, virtual classrooms, and media control applications. The Sky Pointer demonstrates the potential of low-cost, microcontroller-based systems to deliver natural and ergonomic human–computer interaction through motion sensing and wireless communication.

Introduction

The Sky Pointer project introduces a wireless air mouse that enables users to control a computer cursor through natural hand movements, eliminating the need for a physical surface. Using an ESP32 microcontroller and an MPU6050 Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensor, the device captures motion data (tilt, pitch, roll, yaw) and transmits it wirelessly via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, emulating traditional mouse functions.

Benefits:

• Wireless Freedom: Operates without cables.

• Surface-Independent: Works in mid-air, ideal for presentations and media control.

• Portability: Compact, lightweight, and easy to carry.

• Cost-Effective: Built from affordable components.

• Intuitive Control: Natural hand gestures replace conventional input devices.

Key Components:

• ESP32 Microcontroller: Processes sensor data and handles wireless communication.

• MPU6050 Sensor: Tracks 3-axis acceleration and rotation.

• Bluetooth Module: Transmits data to host device using HID protocol.

• Power Supply: Battery or USB for portability.

Methodology:

• Sensor Initialization: Calibrates and filters motion data.

• Gesture Mapping: Hand movements are translated into cursor actions.

• Bluetooth Communication: Uses HID profile for wireless cursor control.

• Power Management: Ensures stable operation and energy efficiency.

Block Functions:

• Battery powers all components.

• Switch controls system ON/OFF.

• Accelerometer detects hand movements.

• Arduino/ESP32 processes motion and communicates via Bluetooth.

• Bluetooth modules transmit and receive data.

• Computer USB supports power and programming.

Scope:

• Wireless cursor control with accurate motion tracking.

• Bluetooth HID communication without extra drivers.

• Basic mouse functionalities (click, scroll).

• Portable, user-friendly, and easy to use in presentations, gaming, or general computing.

Conclusion

The Sky Pointer : ESP32 – Based Wireless Air Mouse project successfully demonstrates an innovative approach to human-computer interaction by replacing traditional mice with a wireless, gesture-based input device. By leveraging the combined capabilities of the MPU6050 sensor for motion detection and the ESP32 microcontroller’s Bluetooth HID profile, the system enables intuitive and responsive cursor control without the need for physical contact or surfaces. This design enhances portability and user convenience, making it suitable for a variety of applications ranging from presentations to gaming and accessibility solutions. Although challenges such as sensor drift and Bluetooth latency exist, proper calibration and efficient algorithms can mitigate these issues to provide a smooth user experience.

References

[1] Paper “ Design and Development of Air Mouse Using ESP32 and MPU6050 Detector ” [2] Authors Muhammad Ryan Prayogi & Tommy. Describes an air- mouse using an ESP32 and an MPU6050( 6- axis gyroscope accelerometer). https// github.com> esp32 airmouse [3] Tutorial “ ESP32 Air Mouse using Bluetooth and MPU6050 ”( Practical step- by- step companion factors needed, circuit connections, Uses ESP32 MPU6050, transmits via Bluetooth/ WiFi to control a pointer. Good for reference. https// forum.arduino.cc> systems [4] “ Smart regulator/ Air Mouse ”( PCBWay share design) Board erected with an ESP32 S3, stir control, BLE connectivity, OLED screen, macro buttons. https// www.pcbway.com> design> ESP32Wireless Mouse. [5] “ ESP32- BLE- Mouse ”( GitHub) Provides software support for making an ESP32 act as a Bluetooth HID mouse. [6] Project “ esp32_airmouse ” by n1rml illustration law for ESP32 MPU6050 for an air mouse.

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Ms. Poonam A. Koli, Ms. Priyanka Sunil Parit, Ms. Anita Ashok Raut, Ms. Anuradha Bhalchandra Shambhushetti, Ms. Sanika Rajesh Lad. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.