Build an AI-Powered Polaroid Camera with Unihiker K10

Serenaaa Aug 28.2026

0 57 Easy

Transform your Unihiker K10 into an AI-powered Polaroid camera that captures photos and applies stunning AI-generated effects in real-time!

Build an AI-Powered Polaroid Camera with Unihiker K10

Things used in this project

HARDWARE LIST

1 DFRobot UNIHIKER K10

Link

Software apps and online services

Arduino IDE

Hand tools and fabrication machines

3D Printer (generic)

Story

Introduction

Transform your Unihiker K10 into an AI-powered Polaroid camera that captures photos and applies stunning AI-generated effects in real-time! This project combines the power of Google's Gemini AI and ImageRouter to create a magical photography experience where every shot becomes a work of art.

The device features an intuitive interface with physical buttons, RGB lighting effects, and a shake-to-capture mechanism that makes photography feel natural and engaging. When you take a photo, it's automatically processed through AI to create unique artistic interpretations.

What You'll Build

AI-Powered Camera: Takes photos and applies AI-generated artistic effects
Interactive Interface: Physical buttons and shake detection for natural interaction
Real-time Processing: WiFi-connected backend handles AI processing
Visual Feedback: RGB lighting and screen animations guide the user experience
3D Printed Enclosure: Custom housing that makes it feel like a real Polaroid camera

Hardware Requirements

Unihiker K10 - The main development board (Purchase Here)
3D Printer - For printing the custom enclosure
SD Card - Minimum 512MB (FAT32 formatted)
Computer - For Arduino IDE and server setup
USB Cable - For programming and power

About the Unihiker K10

• 2.8-inch color touchscreen
• Built-in camera
• WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity
• RGB LED lights
• Accelerometer (for shake detection)
• Speaker and microphone
• Temperature, humidity, and light sensors
• Edge connectors for additional sensors

Software Requirements

• Arduino IDE - For firmware development
• Python with uv package manager - For the AI backend server
• Google Gemini API Key - For AI image processing
• ImageRouter API Key - For additional image effects

Before you start

You can find the project files and 3D prints in this repository: https://github.com/pham-tuan-binh/memento

This repository also contains code and instructions for a range of different projects.

STEP 1

Hardware Assembly

The project includes three main 3D printed components:

1. Body - Main housing for the Unihiker K10

2. Back Plate - Covers the back (choose with or without screws)

3. Button - Interactive button component

Printing Settings:

Material: PLA or PETG recommended
Infill: 15% for all parts
Support: Enable for overhangs
Layer Height: 0.2mm for good quality
Orientation: Print body with large flat side down

Assembly Steps:

1. Insert the button into the holes on the side first

2. Place the Unihiker K10 into the body, aligning the Type-C port with its hole

3. Attach the back plate to the back of the device

4. Insert the SD card (must be done before powering on)

STEP 2

Software Setup

Arduino IDE Configuration

1. Install Arduino IDE if you haven't already

2. Set up Unihiker K10 board support:

• Follow the official Unihiker documentation
• Note: If you encounter documentation bugs, check for updated board packages
3. Open the Polaroid Project:

• Open Arduino IDE
• Go to File → Open
• Navigate to projects/polaroid/
• Select polaroid.ino

WiFi Configuration

1. Open wifi_helper.ino in your project

2. Update WiFi credentials:

CODE

const char *WIFI_SSID = "YOUR_WIFI_NETWORK_NAME";
const char *WIFI_PASSWORD = "YOUR_WIFI_PASSWORD";

3. Save the file

Server IP Configuration

1. Open gen_ai_helper.ino

2. Update the server URL with your computer's IP address:

CODE

const char *SERVER_URL = "http://YOUR_COMPUTER_IP:8000/upload_adv";

To find your computer's IP:

• Windows: Run ipconfig in Command Prompt
• Mac/Linux: Run ifconfig or ip addr in Terminal
• Look for your local network IP (usually starts with `192.168.` or `10.`)

STEP 3

Backend Server Setup

Install uv Package Manager

CODE

# Windows:
powershell -c "irm https://astral.sh/uv/install.ps1 | iex

# macOS/Linux
curl -LsSf https://astral.sh/uv/install.sh | sh

Set Up API Keys

1. Navigate to the server directory:

CODE

cd project/polaroid/server

2. Copy the environment template:

CODE

cp .example.env .env

3. Edit the.env file with your API keys:

CODE

GEMINI_API_KEY=your_actual_gemini_api_key_here
IMAGEROUTER_API_KEY=your_actual_imagerouter_api_key_here

Getting API Keys

Google Gemini API:

1. Go to Google AI Studio

2. Sign in with your Google account

3. Click "Get API key" or navigate to API keys section

4. Create a new API key

5. Copy and paste it in your `.env` file

ImageRouter API:

1. Go to ImageRouter

2. Sign up for an account

3. Navigate to your API keys section

4. Generate a new API key

5. Copy and paste it in your `.env` file

Start the Server

1. Run the server:

CODE

uv run main.py

2. Verify it's working by opening your browser to: http://localhost:8000/docs

This shows the FastAPI documentation interface where you can test endpoints.

STEP 4

SD Card Setup

Prepare the SD Card

1. Format your SD card as FAT32

2. Copy storage files:

• Copy the entire contents of the `storage/` directory to the root of your SD card
• Ensure the folder structure is preserved
3. Insert the SD card into the Unihiker K10 before powering on

Required files for Polaroid project:

• storage/polaroid/ - UI images (begin.jpg, loading.jpg, shake.jpg)
• storage/shutter.wav - Camera shutter sound
• storage/loading.wav - Processing sound

STEP 5

Upload the Firmware

Compile and Upload

1. Connect your Unihiker K10 to your computer via USB

2. Select the correct board: Unihiker K10

3. Select the correct port

4. Upload the code

5. Wait for completion - The device will restart automatically

STEP 6

Testing Your AI Polaroid Camera

Power On and Test

1. Power on your device - It should show the "begin" screen

2. Verify WiFi connection - The device should connect to your network

3. Test the camera - Press Button A to start camera mode

Using the Camera

1. Start: Press Button A to enter camera mode

2. Capture: Press Button A again to take a photo

3. Processing: Watch the loading animation while AI processes your image

4. Shake to Reveal: Shake the device to see the AI-generated result

5. Compare: Press Button B to toggle between original and AI-processed images

6. New Photo: Press Button A to take another photo

Visual Feedback:

• RGB Lights: Purple/blue waves during loading, white flashes during shake
• Screen States: Different images guide you through each step
• Sound Effects: Shutter sound when capturing, loading sound during processing

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've successfully built an AI-powered Polaroid camera that combines the nostalgia of instant photography with cutting-edge AI technology. This project demonstrates how modern hardware platforms like the Unihiker K10 can be used to create engaging, interactive experiences that bridge the gap between traditional photography and AI-powered creativity.

The modular design of this project makes it easy to experiment with different AI models, add new features, or adapt it for other creative applications. Whether you're interested in computer vision, IoT development, or just want to create something unique, this project provides a solid foundation for further exploration.

Resources

• Unihiker K10 Documentation: https://www.unihiker.com/wiki/K10/
• Google Gemini API Documentation: https://ai.google.dev/
• ImageRouter API Documentation: https://imagerouter.io/
• FastAPI Documentation: https://fastapi.tiangolo.com/
• Project Repository: https://github.com/pham-tuan-binh/memento

Happy building and happy snapping! 📸✨https://github.com/pham-tuan-binh/mementohttps://github.com/pham-tuan-binh/memento

Reprint Notice: This article is reproduced from a project originally published by Pham Binh on Hackster.io. Thanks to the author for sharing this project and technical insights. https://www.hackster.io/phamtuanbinh1504/build-an-ai-powered-polaroid-camera-with-unihiker-k10-1f1585#overview

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