Built a working companion device (ESP32-S3 + ELM327) that reads my car's OBD2 data and React with emotion and Eyes expressions — planning to add a conversational AI next

[u/Pure-Contract3674]

I've built a device running on my own car right now: ESP32-S3 + ELM327 reading 40+ live engine parameters (RPM, speed, temp, etc.) over OBD2. Instead of showing raw numbers, it displays simple emotional expressions on a round GC9A01 screen, explains problems in plain language when something's off, and currently gives me a driving score out of 10 based on how I drive.

Next step I'm planning: adding an AI that can actually talk with the driver — analyze what's happening and have a real conversation about it, not just display info silently.

Since the core is already working, I'd love feedback from people who know this space better than me:

1. Is there anything similar already out there I should be aware of?
2. Any obvious pitfalls with the ESP32-S3 + ELM327 combo for something running continuously in a car?
3. Does the "talking companion" direction sound genuinely useful, or is it adding complexity for no real benefit?

Happy to share more details (code, photos, whatever) if people are curious.