Introduction to Arduino Application
In the traditional world, Computers were used to Process Payroll, Accounts, and inventory records related to mainly Business applications. This mainframe, mini, super mini-computers with separate CPU, Memory, physical storage, and controlling unit were assembled as boxes and these units were operated from Datacenters that had central cooling and power facility. Then came personal computers on the desk with office Arduino Application for day-to-day activity and also acted as a client to the servers for data and other services.
In the Digital world, there is a need to connect computers to any objects or devices, take inputs from its operating units, control the operation using the inputs and pass on the data collected to the central system for further operations. The object may be stationary or moving. Data from moving objects is collected over mobile networks. The embedded computers connected to the objects should be small enough to be managed within the object and it should be self-sufficient to perform the intended function. The Embedded system is designed to perform specific tasks in the device it is connected to and it has both hardware and software in it. It may or may not have a user interface depending on the application.
What is Arduino?
Arduino belongs to embedded systems family and let’s discuss in detail about it:
Arduino is a company specializing in hardware and software. They manufacture the Arduino Uno board, an open-source platform used as a digital device to control operations of any equipment. Arduino board is basically a single-board microcontroller with a microprocessor and I/O points. They get interfaced with any other devices like blue tooth, during implementation.
Arduino development started in 2005 with the intention of providing cheaper, economical digital tools to students to work on digital projects as the cost of Microcontrollers in the market was costly then.
Arduino licenses are available as general public licenses (GPL) or lesser general public licenses (LGPL) that enabled many people to design their own boards and redistribute the licenses. This product is available as a ready to use assembled product and as a kit to assemble it yourself (DIY).
Software Development
The program for Arduino is developed in any language with a compiler that generates compatible code for the processers in the microcontroller. The development has to happen externally to the Arduino board using an integrated development environment (IDE) exclusive to Arduino and it runs on cross-platform OS viz., Windows, Linux, and Macs. It mainly supports Java language and C and C++ with some special conditions attached to it.
This IDE has a Software library that provides reusable input-output procedures to make coding simple and it provides easy editing facilities like Cut and Pastes, Search functionalities, indenting, highlighting, brace matching, and a single click saving, compiling, pushing the program to Arduino processor. The compiled code can be moved to the processor manually using USB cable and copy command. Pro IDE offers a much better professional environment with Git integration (version control), auto-completion facilities, new libraries, and many more modern features.
Unique features of Applications in this platform
These programs are used in a real-time environment, as the devices are operating the data is collected, used for controlling the abnormalities in the performance of the
The success of Arduino applications accelerated implementation of many IoT projects in shop floor automation and march towards manufacturing 4.0
The application is not restricted only to business application and it cuts across business borders reaches the common man. Applications affecting daily life are taken as use cases and they are addressed in this application and it improves lifestyle.
Public and Social causes are also taken up as use cases and applications are developed. It adds in a way of improving social life and living
Arduino Applications
Below are the Arduino Applications:
Home Automation
This application makes use of the Arduino Uno board, Bluetooth interface for connectivity, and smartphones. Software loaded boards are connected to the home devices like lamps, A/C, TV, Refrigerator, and Bluetooth software is interfaced with the board. The app loaded in the smartphone talk to the processor through Bluetooth connectivity and inputs from the phone are used to control the operation of the devices.
Operations like switch on, switch off, increasing or decreasing the intensity, volume, and other operating of parameters of these devices. Remote monitoring and operation is also enabled. These applications simplify the operation of household gadgets and enables better control.
Public Utility Automation
Applications to manage public utilities like street lighting, Dynamic traffic management systems are being implemented.
Street lighting Street lights are fitted with Arduino boards and sensors. The microcontroller is programmed to read the inputs from the signal sent by the sensor on the light and temperature change and dynamically change the voltage supplied to the lights and control the intensity of the light. This system can be used to switch on and switch off the light also. Dynamic traffic Management Arduino controller along with infra-red sensors helps in managing the traffic dynamically. Input from the sensor helps the controller to measure the volume of traffic and accordingly control the timing of signals as per the traffic flow and its direction.
IoT
Poka-yoke This system suggests the right component be fitted at any stage in the assembly line. This system senses the product that is being assembled and refers ERP system and finds out the component to be fitted at that stage and accordingly illuminates the light of the compartment of that component. The operator picks up that component where the light glows and thus picking the right component is ensured and mistake-proofing is ensured. Arduino board based on the input from the central server send a signal to right bulb in the circuit and illuminates it.
Production counting Sensor placed in the conveyor is activated when the product being assembled moved from one stage to the next stage. Arduino board takes the signal from the sensor and adds to the count and sends the data back to the central server.
Conclusion
Arduino is an inexpensive solution as compared with other microcontroller and Development environment runs in windows, Mac, Linux OS. This platform is open-sourced and provides a good platform for students to develop pilot projects and develop new technology.
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This is a guide to Arduino Application. Here we discuss an introduction to Arduino Application, what it is, features, and some applications. You can also go through our other related articles to learn more –
