The Internet of Things (IoT) is a technological wave of change that will influence people’s lives, hopefully for the better. With everything now turned into “smart” devices and are interconnected online, the potential for many different creative projects is nearly limitless. What’s funny is that what sounds like something so daunting for the average joe can actually be quite simple if one takes some time to sit down and study the potential projects for just a bit.
For instance, one very practical IoT project is automating every crucial appliance and machine in one home. This allows you to control the different components of your house, from lighting to laundry, with just a few touch strokes on your smart device. Using an Arduino and ESP-32 microcontroller, a smart device, and just a bit of programming know-how, you can easily make your house a smart house.
On the subject of home controls, why not add a facial recognition door security system to the mix as well? No need for physical keys since your face is the key. Using Python coding combined with a Raspberry Pi camera for the facial recognition portion and you can create a smart front door that will only allow entry to selected people.
And of course you can’t have a smart front door and not have a smart garage door. Replace your simple garage door electronic key with one that can use voice commands via a smart device. You can even create a system that logs every single time the door is opened and closed so you can keep track of the goings-on in your garage, which is ideal for home security. A Raspberry Pi flask web server, IFTTT integration for custom commands, and other elements can be used to create this.
Now, wouldn’t it be great if you woke up and by the time you actually get out of bed, the shower is ready, the coffee machine is brewing your first cup, the lights are turned on, and your TV is showing your favorite news broadcast? An IoT alarm clock is what you can setup. An Apache 2 server for example can be used to do this, which allows you to set up the alarm on your phone and receive voice commands, as well as process the pre-set automated features that you can program via your smart device as well.
But what if you have a baby at home? With an IoT based baby monitor, you can not only check on your important bundle of joy, but actually make crucial adjustments such as change the ambient heating, be able to instantly contact the parents and a medical professional in the event of a sudden health condition change, and so much more. Of course, a cry-sensing system can also be included to know when it’s time for a diaper change. Raspberry Pi, Python, and various smart devices can be used and combined to create this project.
Now that your home is a smart IoT home, one last thing needs to be in place: a system to secure the valuable people and contents within. An IoT smart anti-theft platform is crucial. Quickly sensing a break-in, taking valuable photos and videos real-time while simultaneously informing you and calling 911, can mean the difference between losing valuables and catching the crooks. Piezo sensors, IoT gecko platform for the UI, Raspberry Pi microcontrollers, and various other devices like cameras and alarms can be used for this project.
These are just a handful of IoT projects that can be done, and there are lots more that go beyond personal and home projects. The IoT is truly a game changer.
If you are working on an IoT Project or device and need help and would like to share your experience, feel free to post about it on our IoT Forum.
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