Arduino shook up the world of hobby electronics. What wasn’t possible in the past without extensive knowledge can now be achieved by enthusiasts, even beginners, thanks to a range of inexpensive microcontrollers and the huge community surrounding the project.
It has become almost child’s play to build your own electronic devices, and it doesn’t cost more than any other hobby. Thanks, Arduino!
Arduino, what is it?
Arduino is many things: a brand, hardware, a programming language and a whole product range. But generally, when we talk about Arduino we mean an open-source electronic prototyping platform.
It was in Italy, in 2005, that the first Arduino board was produced in small batches to introduce design students to the use (and programming possibilities) of microcontrollers. Experimentation enthusiasts with a strong affinity for technology and emerging makers welcomed the new project enthusiastically because it was inexpensive and easy to use.
In short, Arduino is a small computer you can program to do all sorts of things. It can gather data when you connect input sensors, and it can interact by driving output elements like actuators (motors), LEDs and other devices.
6 projects to get started with Arduino
Looking to discover the world of Arduino and see what you can do with this technology? Below you’ll find some beginner projects, perfect when you’re just starting out in programming.
These projects can also give you an idea of Arduino’s potential and may inspire you to get started or want to learn more about this versatile platform.
Arduino is open-source hardware: anyone with sufficient knowledge can build their own projects. Of course there are many beginner kits that include an Arduino board and basic components such as sensors, a breadboard (the prototyping board), relays, drivers, LEDs, jumper wires and motors.
All the projects mentioned below use some of the most common Arduino components.
1. Light-following robot
The “light-following robot” is one of those Arduino projects that, while easy to make, remains quite spectacular. Plus, it only requires a few components to implement.
To build this robot, simply mount two photoresistors on your breadboard, each connected to a motor so that the sensors have their own field of view. The two photoresistors measure light at regular intervals, while the motors allow the assembly to move forward.
You can find the detailed tutorial by following this link.
2. LED strip that reacts to music
With only a few components you can also turn a room into a (mini) disco.
In this Arduino project, you will need a microphone that measures the music's intensity and sends that information to the Arduino. The latter controls an LED strip so that it flashes different colors in time with the music.
Discover the project here.
3. Electronic die
You planned a "board game" night with friends but can't find a die? How about, by passing your hand over your Arduino, generating a random number between one and six, just like rolling a die?
Here is the tutorial to make an electronic die.
4. Lie detector (well, almost)
Here is another clever Arduino project, quick to build and requiring little hardware. Of course, it is not a real lie detector, since it doesn't actually measure whether someone is lying: what it measures is the electrical conductivity of their skin. This parameter indicates the subject's level of nervousness, which may point to a possible lie.
Not to be taken seriously! See here to build your lie detector with Arduino.
5. Digital clock
In this project, you will need a screen to create your own clock !
Keep in mind that you will have to set the time each time you power on the Arduino (it will be like replacing a watch battery).
It is still a fun project for beginners and the result is satisfying. You can also just look at your watch…
6. Thermometer and hygrometer
You can choose to buy a thermometer / hygrometer, but why not make it yourself?
Now that you have a screen and know the basics of using it, it's time to go further! It can indeed be used with a graphics library that supports many different monochrome displays.
You just need to add a humidity and temperature sensor to your setup.
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