Arduino is an easy-to-use, open source electronics platform with hardware and software. It’s inexpensive, cross-platform, and easy to program and expand. It’s able to control devices, automate processes, and respond to sensors. There are thousands of projects that can be created using Arduino.
No matter your skill level, there are projects you can do. You get to learn basic coding and how to use different devices with your Arduino platform. This article is a quick overview of fun projects with links that demonstrate the power and capabilities of Arduino.
1. Home automation
Controlling devices in your home is simple with Arduino. There are endless applications and uses. Being able to control lights, fans, garage doors and even heating and cooling systems is possible with a few relays. The entire system can be controlled remotely from an Android phone. The components will vary depending on what you choose to control. This is a great starter project to learn about the technology behind a smart home. You can start small and expand as you learn more.
2. Earthquake detector
A detector can be built that will detect vibrations during an earthquake. Using an accelerometer sensor the detector can capture data on the X, Y, and Z axis helping us understand the direction of ground movement and vibrations. A display can be added which shows the results of your detection. If you live in an area that is prone to earthquakes, this is a perfect project for you.
3. Pet Trainer
Training a pet can be difficult. With Arduino, it can be simplified by using an accelerometer, a buzzer and LEDs to give in response to what your dog is doing. The idea is to monitor an animal's behavior and emit a sound to trigger reinforcement of good behavior or to stop bad behavior. The animal wears the device and corrections are activated remotely.
4. Water monitoring system
Saving water is a priority in many parts of the US. Using Arduino we can monitor the level of water in containers, tanks and pools. An ultrasonic sensor and an Android Application via Bluetooth HC-05 lets us monitor the water remotely. A pump can be added and controlled that will activate if an overflow is detected. This is a fun project with many applications — what will you use it for?
5. Password protected system
Using a RFID reader and Arduino, you can create a working security system. You will need a RFID/NFC card and an RFID reader breakout chip. This is a great project to help you begin learning about digital security. With an IoT device, this project can be controlled remotely over the web or with an Android phone. The only thing left is doing some internet of things security training. This is not a difficult project and is relatively easy to build.
6. Weather Station
There are lots of weather station projects but with Arduino, you can create a dazzling weather display. A Nextion display and Wemos D1 mini board provides you with a touch screen and allows you to customize your graphics. This project is well documented and not overly complicated. Say goodbye to the old analog weather station and say hello to digital forecasting.
7. A Theremin
A Theremin is a unique electronic instrument invented in the 1920s. It was made up of two antennas with one controlling the volume and the other controlling the pitch. The device had another worldly sound that was quite haunting. This project can be built by using an ultrasonic sensor and a speaker along with your Arduino board. This is a perfect project for music enthusiasts and nerds alike.
This is only a tiny sampling of what an Arduino can do. There are thousands of projects and many are well documented and shared freely online. Arduino is also an educational tool used in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) programs throughout the country to teach basic electrical engineering and computer programming. The primary computer chip (ATmega32) on the Arduino board is used in real world applications from automobiles to Xbox controllers.
If you enjoy electronics and computer programming, this is a device that will offer you hours of fun and learning.
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