The Internet of Things (IoT) includes billions of physical devices connected to the internet around the globe, which upload data and communicate with each other independently of human input.
Arduino produces a range of development boards, from 8-bit microcontrollers to 32-bit microcontrollers, some even with WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities. Coupled with beginner-friendly projects available online, Arduino is the ideal choice for your first IoT project!
In this article from the public account Computer Programming Bar, we will introduce 10 impressive IoT projects created by makers.
1. Plant Communicator
Keeping plants healthy can be a challenge as it involves many factors. This project alleviates the burden by helping you monitor the humidity, light levels, and temperature of your plants.
Additionally, it will send you an email containing data and graphs to keep you informed of warning signals. Follow the tutorial linked above on Arduino Project Hub to create your own Plant Communicator.
2. Self-Service Cat Feeder
As the name suggests, this project is a pet feeder that allows your cat to serve itself a portion of cat treats. The manufacturer notes that the device first trains a cat to figure out where to put its nose so that the machine dispenses food.
It is composed of an Arduino Nano, servo, LED, transistors, MOSFET, potentiometer, and resistors. Its casing is made from recycled household materials, although there are many designs for 3D printed pet feeder casings available online.
3. Smart Trash Monitoring System
This project is a smart system for monitoring trash. Specifically, it monitors the trash level in a bin over a given time. Doing so optimizes trash collection, reducing fuel consumption as garbage collectors can better schedule their pickups.
The components needed for this project include Arduino 101 and Arduino WiFi Shield 101. Follow the linked steps above to create your own smart trash monitor.
4. Cocktail Mixing Robot
Want a robot that mixes drinks for you? This robot bartender does just that! It pours and mixes cocktails based on relatively low-cost components such as Arduino Uno and Bluetooth module.
The manufacturer claims that one goal of the project is to keep costs as low as possible so that many people can use it. Additionally, the entire design runs on just 8 AA batteries! Its casing can be made from 3D printed parts or wood.
5. Robotic Arm Made from Recycled Materials
Can you make a robot out of wood and scraps? As seen in this project, its maker’s goal is to reduce waste materials. The robotic arm consists of Arduino Uno, servo systems, joystick modules, regulators, capacitors, DIY heat-shrink tubing, breadboards, and jumper wires.
Follow the instructions linked above to try creating your own robotic arm from recycled materials.
6. Smartphone-Controlled Electric Skateboard
This is an electric skateboard that can be controlled via a smartphone and even has three levels of controllable speed. It also features LED lights connected to the Arduino.
To add headlights to the skateboard, a 3D printable holder was created and printed, which includes four LEDs. Another core component of this version is a proximity sensor responsible for obstacle detection. Lastly, the manufacturer notes that a motor library was created for more complex functions.
Follow the steps outlined in the Arduino Project Hub tutorial linked above to build your own smartphone-controlled electric skateboard.
7. Bluetooth-Based Home Automation
This is a simple home automation system made with Arduino Uno! A low-power Bluetooth module connects to a relay module and a bulb, allowing control via a smartphone. The manufacturer notes that other devices can be added to the system.
How it works: Simply connect the four pins of the Bluetooth module VCC, TX, RX, and GND to the Arduino Uno. The Bluetooth module in this version has a built-in regulator, so you can connect it to 5V on the Arduino.
Finally, before connecting the TX and RX pins to the RX and TX on the Arduino respectively, create a voltage divider network with 10k and 20k resistors. This is because we need to reduce the voltage from 5V to 3.3V.
8. Smart Automatic Pill Dispenser
Never forget to take your medication again! This smart automatic pill dispenser is designed to assist the maker’s personal health as well as care for the elderly. In addition to a display and LED lights, its built-in speaker lets users know when it’s time to take their medication. It even dispenses water to help swallow the pills.
9. Smart Thermostat
This DIY thermostat connects to the user’s home internet and even communicates via Telegram. Simply send a text message to the smart thermostat to control it; no dashboard or other platform is needed. It consists of Arduino MKR1000, DHT22 temperature sensor, a simple button switch, 10k resistor, and a display.
10. Home Plant Watering System
This plant watering system supports two plants, as it has separate independent channels, and either can be disabled. Users can control when to water the plants, do it manually, monitor moisture, sense light levels, and disable it at night.
There is also a menu system that allows users to modify settings configurations, which are stored in electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). Follow the instructions in the Arduino Project Hub tutorial linked above to make your own home plant watering system.
Which IoT project will you build?
In the public account Computer Programming Bar, we learned about some impressive IoT projects made with Arduino. Some of these projects involve using single-board computers like Raspberry Pi. Others use recycled materials and maintain eco-friendliness. Many projects also keep costs low by using common parts. If you want to learn more, please follow and search for queries in our public account.
If you haven’t already, be sure to check out the documentation for Arduino MKR1000, Arduino Uno, and Arduino 101 before diving into these projects! The public account Computer Programming Bar focuses on IoT, DIY electronic component projects, big data, AI, cloud computing, and other technical knowledge.