ESP32 by Example: Learning with AI and M5Stack – EEI #62

ESP32 by Example is the starting point for Elektor Engineering Insights #62 on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, when author James Solderitsch joins Brian Tristam Williams to discuss how a practical ESP32 learning resource is developing into a broader teaching platform.
   
The live episode begins at 16:00 CEST (14:00 UTC / 10:00 EDT). Solderitsch is an Adjunct Professor in Villanova University’s Department of Computing Sciences, and Elektor readers may also know his work from Brian’s first look at the complete learning course earlier this year.

ESP32 by Example in the Classroom

The discussion will start with the development of the book and ESP32 by Example Kit (EEK), including how versions of the material are being used in Villanova coursework. A central question is what makes learning from concrete examples effective: rather than introducing a peripheral, protocol, or programming concept in isolation, the approach gives students something working that they can inspect, modify, break, and rebuild. The episode will look at how that model translates from a self-study resource into university teaching, and where it might go next.

What Changes When AI Writes the Example?

Solderitsch and Williams will also examine the growing role of AI-assisted development in teaching embedded systems. The tools on the table include Claude Code, Google Antigravity, and Ollama. The interesting part is not simply whether an AI system can produce code, but what happens to the teaching process when an example is generated in seconds instead of being crafted by hand. The conversation will cover where generated examples can save time, where they still need careful checking, and how students can learn from code they did not write from scratch.

Beyond the Original ESP32 Hardware

The project is also moving beyond its original hardware setup. Solderitsch is exploring extensions based on the M5Stack CoreS3 and StackChan, opening the door to examples that combine displays, sensors, audio, interaction, and more integrated hardware. The episode will consider whether the same example-led structure can be packaged for additional university courses and for professional training, where learners often need to get from a new platform to a useful working prototype quickly.

Watch EEI #62 Live

The live show takes place on Wednesday, August 26, at 16:00 CEST (14:00 UTC / 10:00 EDT). Viewers can submit questions during the show, and one viewer will win the complete course bundle featured in the episode, including the 384-page book and supporting hardware!

For previous episodes, see Elektor Engineering Insights.