Tile Detection
NFC/RFID-tagged letter tiles provide identity data that the board can map to word and scoring logic.
Modular smart tabletop gaming platform
A physical word board that senses tiles, lights the play surface, and brings game logic into the board itself.
AURORAE combines embedded hardware, NFC/RFID tile detection, addressable LED feedback, and game-state logic for hybrid physical-digital tabletop play.
The current Phase 1 build is a self-funded 5x5 proof-of-concept using ESP32, WS2812B LEDs, NFC-tagged tiles, and simple word-detection logic.
Phase 1 Build
The first prototype is intentionally small: prove the interaction loop before scaling to a full-size board. The goal is a visible demo where a physical tile is read by the board and produces meaningful lighting or scoring feedback.
LED Feedback
Addressable LEDs show active squares, detected tiles, word validation, scoring events, and future gameplay modes.
Embedded Logic
An ESP32 coordinates sensor input, LED output, simple game rules, serial logging, and future communication features.
Prototype Roadmap
AURORAE is being developed through staged builds so each prototype answers a practical engineering question before the design becomes larger, foldable, and more product-like.
Concept Prototype
Single 5x5 board, LED feedback, one NFC reader, tagged sample tiles, and simple word demos.
V0 Multi-Board Prototype
Improved sensing, board synchronization, cleaner wiring, better enclosure, and basic gameplay states.
V1 Product Demo
Refined board surface, stronger tile recognition, score logic, display/app integration, and investor-ready demo material.
Documentation
The repository documents the hardware architecture, interaction model, communication design, and roadmap as the prototype moves from concept to working build.
Prototype status: AURORAE is in Phase 1 physical build. The first public proof target is a stable 5x5 demo where NFC-tagged tiles trigger LED feedback and simple word/scoring logic. Always power off before wiring changes and verify voltage/grounding before integration.