Hardware & Terminal Guide
Hardware & Terminal Guide
See the Core in Action
Watch the full hardware walkthrough below. Derek walks through every terminal, what it does, and how it connects — including a live demo with Bone Daddy.
What Is the Nextfriend Core?
The Nextfriend Core is a universal AI brain module designed to be embedded into almost anything — props, products, decorations, displays, or characters — and instantly turn them into talking, responsive AI experiences.
It doesn't see or record video. It's not a camera system. It listens, speaks, reacts, and controls outputs in a deliberate, controlled way. The Core is the brain. The body can change.
To give you a real-world example — we took an off-the-shelf Halloween skeleton animatronic and embedded the Nextfriend Core inside it. The result is Bone Daddy. He responds in real time, speaks naturally, moves when he talks, and holds a defined personality — without rebuilding the skeleton itself. That's the power of a modular AI brain.
Wiring the Terminals
The Core uses screw terminals for all wired connections. Before inserting any wire, always unscrew the terminal first. Once the wire is seated properly, tighten it back down. Trying to force a wire into a closed terminal can damage both the wire and the connector.
Important: Always unscrew the terminal before inserting a wire. Insert the wire fully, then tighten the screw to secure it. Never force a wire into a closed terminal.
What Each Terminal Does
Power Input
The Core runs on the included power supply. Plug it in here and the system is ready to go. The Core also provides a 5V output that can power accessories like sensors, LEDs, or other low-voltage control signals.
Speaker Output
Built-in amplified mono output — no external amplifier needed. Connect a speaker directly to these two terminals.
- OUT P Positive
- OUT N Negative
Designed to be loud enough for retail environments, events, and attractions.
Motion Sensor
The 3-pin header supports an optional motion sensor. When connected, the Core can wake up and trigger interactions automatically when someone approaches.
- GND Ground
- SIG Signal
- 5V Power
This is completely optional — the Core works perfectly without it.
LIG1 — Constant Output
LIG1 stays active the entire time the character is running. Use this for LED eyes, accent lighting, or anything that should remain on while the character is active.
LIG2 — Speech-Synchronized Output
LIG2 pulses in rhythm with the character's voice. When the character speaks, this output activates in sync with the audio. In Bone Daddy, this drives the jaw motor — but it can control lights, relays, effects, or anything you want tied directly to speech. This is where things get fun.
LIG1 & LIG2 Are Control Signals
LIG1 and LIG2 are low-voltage control signals — not high-current power outputs. For motors or heavier loads, use a relay or motor driver downstream. The Core handles the logic and timing; your existing power system does the heavy lifting.
This is how commercial animatronics and industrial control systems are typically built — it keeps the Core flexible, safe, and reliable across a wide range of applications.
Why modular? This design is what allows one Core to work across dozens of different products. You're not locked into one character or one design. You're embedding intelligence — not rebuilding hardware every time.
The Dashboard
Every Core connects to the Nextfriend dashboard — this is where you configure personality, voice, and behavior. You can choose from multiple voices, write a custom character prompt, preload attraction-specific information like hours, ticket prices, directions, and FAQs, and set content guardrails to keep everything PG-13 for public-facing environments.
The Core updates over time. The personality evolves. The same hardware can be reused across products and seasons.
Have questions about wiring, compatibility, or custom builds?
Contact Us → info@nextfriend.ai