In this tutorial, we’ll learn how to use device-to-device (D2D) communication to make daily life a little simpler. For example, you’ll be able to control household appliances, such as the coffee machine, a light switch, or the AC — and do so from inside your vehicle. So, if you’re arriving home one evening, the presence…
WhatsApp-based home automation: Protocol bridging with MQTT
In this article, we will be controlling devices that do not support WhatsApp but support other communication protocols like MQTT, TCP, IMAP, etc. If a house is installed with home automation devices that do not support Whatsapp, we will communicate with these devices (controllers) using protocols supported by these devices. Thus, we will be able…
What AI acceleration techniques are used for embedded devices?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer confined to data centers. Today, AI is widely used and implemented in edge devices, smartphones, and embedded systems. This has been made possible through hardware and software acceleration methods that work together within embedded systems. It’s now feasible to run small machine-learning models on low-power, resource-constrained microcontroller units without…
How to create an RFID-based locker system using Arduino
Need somewhere to secure a few items? No problem! In this project, we’ll design an RFID-based locker system that offers a reliable and convenient solution for securing objects using radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. Working operation: The RFID locker system The RFID reader scans a unique tag, and if it matches a pre-registered one, the…
How to design an Arduino-based traffic light system
Traffic light systems are important signaling devices that regulate the flow of vehicles and pedestrians at intersections, crosswalks, and other critical areas. These systems use three primary lights — red, yellow (amber), and green — to manage traffic effectively and ensure safety. In this project, we’ll create a traffic light system for a four-way intersection…
How to capture images using ESP32-CAM and an SD card
The ESP32-CAM is a widely used development board for embedded vision applications. It combines the ESP32 microcontroller with an OV2620 camera module, and the ESP32 itself comes with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities. Previously, we created a video streaming server using the ESP32-CAM to troubleshoot potential operational issues with the module. In this project, we’ll…
How to design an Arduino-based meditation device
Meditation is a practice that involves focusing the mind and cultivating awareness, often to achieve a state of mindfulness, mental clarity, inner peace, or spiritual connection. It’s used across cultures and traditions to reduce stress, improve emotional well-being, and enhance self-awareness — making it a valuable tool for mental and physical health. There are several…
Arduino-based token display board controller
You must have noticed token display boards at many places like food stores, hospitals, banks, various takeaways, etc. Token display systems are used to display token numbers. As these display boards show numeric information, these are easily designed using 7-segment LEDs. The commercial models use large 7-segment LEDs to display token numbers. It is even…
How to create a geofence using Arduino
Geofencing is a technology that creates virtual boundaries around a specific physical location using tools like GPS, Wi-Fi, RFID, or cellular networks. It enables control over the movement or use of an object or device within a defined geographic area. To establish geofencing, virtual parameters are set around a designated area using special software that…
How to build a smart system using Arduino that alerts drivers of fatigue
Road safety is a critical concern, with driver fatigue and distractions among the leading causes of accidents. In this project, we’ll devise a smart system using Arduino UNO and a blink-eye sensor to monitor driver alertness. If the driver shows signs of drowsiness, the system takes proactive measures to prevent a potential accident. This includes…
Flashlight Controlled Solar Powered Robot using Arduino
This project is a light gradient-sensitive robot with solar charging capabilities. In other words, it seeks out the light to charge itself. It accomplishes this behavior with four light-sensitive photoresistors in voltage divider circuits; the Arduino unit reads the four values corresponding to the intensity of the light received by the sensors through its analog read pins. It then applies a high voltage across a reed switch, which completes a circuit between a 9v battery and two toy motors, resulting in turning or moving towards the light.
How to make a smart dustbin using Arduino?
Smart technology refers to devices and systems that use advanced computing, connectivity, and data analytics to enhance functionality and efficiency. Devices such as smartphones, watches, and appliances connect to the Internet and one another via the Internet of Things (IoT), allowing for real-time data exchange and remote control. One innovative application of this technology is…
How to use a wireless joystick to remotely control two servo motors
A dc servo motor provides precise motion control, enabling accurate positioning and speed regulation in various applications. It consists of a rotary or linear actuator, which allows for such precise control of angular or linear position, velocity, and acceleration. It’s used in several sectors, including: Robotics Industrial automation Angular load positioning Avionics Automobiles A few…
How to set-up and build a project using Arduino IoT Cloud
Arduino IoT Cloud, also known as simply Arduino Cloud is a popular Internet-of-Things (IoT) platform for creating, deploying, and managing IoT projects. The platform was launched in 2019 as a Beta version similar to other platforms, such as Blynk. Since then, Arduino Cloud has undergone several upgrades, adding unique features. It’s best known for its…
How to set-up and use the Heltec LoRa 32 board
Heltec Lora-32 is a high-quality Wi-Fi LoRa (long-range) development board that competes with the Lilygo TTGO T-LoRa32, RAKwireless WisNode LoRaWAN RAK811, and STMicroelectronics Nucleo boards. What differentiates Heltec LoRa-32 is that it’s more than a LoRa-only device, offering Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities. This allows Heltec to easily integrate into existing network infrastructure in an Internet-of-Things…
What is MQTT over WebSockets and when is it used?
Many of today’s Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices require a web front-end. These could be real-time dashboards for monitoring sensor readings or web-based user interfaces to control devices or machines. IoT devices differ from the web in that they rely on low-bandwidth, low-speed data communication protocols to communicate data with one another over the Internet. Since tiny microcontrollers…
How to build an alcohol detector with the MQ3 gas sensor
Depending on the country, as many as 25 to 35% of motor vehicle accidents happen because of drunk driving every year. When drivers consume alcohol, they not only put themselves at risk but others on the road. Fortunately, such accidents are preventable with a combination of education, personal responsibility, and community efforts. There are also…
How to design a wireless joystick dc motor controller using ATtiny85 and Arduino
In this project, we’ll design a wireless joystick dc motor controller using ATtiny85 and Arduino. It will offer a long range, operating up to 1 km. (You can learn how to control the joystick’s motor speed and direction using Arduino in this article.) Wireless joystick controls for dc motors are used in many industrial, domestic,…
How to design pick-and-place robot using Arduino
In this project, we’ll design an omnidirectional, moving pick-and-place robot. First, let’s cover how the robot is built. The robot’s build As shown in Figure 1, the robot consists of two sections: An omnidirectional moving platform A robotic arm The omnidirectional platform The robot is built using one circular wooden plate, three dc gear motors,…
How to use the TCS230/TCS3200 color-recognition sensor with Arduino
Color detection is the process of identifying and distinguishing colors within an image, video, scene, or object. Many embedded and robotic applications require this feature, as it’s useful for sorting, selection, test strip reading, path determination, and more. Two standard sensors used for color detection include TCS230 or TCS3200. TCS3200 recognizes various colors based on…