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Smart Home and IoT Automation Lab

In this hands-on lesson, students design and build a prototype of a smart home system. They integrate sensors, Wi-Fi modules, and control logic to create an environment that is intelligent, responsive, and energy-efficient. The project mimics modern smart homes that support features like motion-triggered lighting, remote monitoring, and voice-controlled appliances.

Through this lab, students explore the growing field of home automation and IoT integration, focusing on real-world applications in security, comfort, and energy savings.

Smart Home Overview

Key Concepts Covered

  • AI-assisted home automation and real-time control
  • Environmental monitoring and adaptive comfort systems
  • Security systems and remote access features
  • Voice control and gesture-based user interfaces
  • IoT networking protocols (e.g., MQTT, HTTP)

Components Used

Component Purpose
PIR Motion Sensor + Reed Switch Detect motion and door status (security monitoring)
DHT11 / DHT22 Monitor temperature and humidity for climate control
Relay Modules Switch lights, fans, heaters, and other appliances
IR Sensors + RF Modules Control legacy appliances wirelessly
ESP8266 (NodeMCU) Act as Wi-Fi enabled smart hub for data/control
Google Assistant / Alexa via IFTTT Enable voice commands for lights, fans, etc.
OLED Display Display status information locally
Web Dashboard (Blynk / Firebase) Monitor and control the system remotely
Light-dependent Resistor (LDR) Enable auto-lighting based on ambient daylight levels

How It Works

  1. Sensors detect temperature, humidity, motion, and lighting conditions in the environment.
  2. The microcontroller processes sensor data and controls appliances (e.g., lights, fans) using relays.
  3. The system sends data to the cloud using Wi-Fi and displays live stats on a dashboard or OLED screen.
  4. Voice assistants (Google or Alexa) are connected through IFTTT for voice-based control of devices.
  5. Security features use motion and door sensors to simulate smart alerts or alarms.

This setup models an intelligent home where devices interact seamlessly and adapt to user needs.

Learning Outcomes

  • Design a functional smart home system using IoT components
  • Understand Wi-Fi communication protocols and IoT architecture
  • Build and test home security and energy-saving systems
  • Implement voice assistant integration using IFTTT
  • Explore real-world applications of AI, automation, and human-centered design

Optional Extensions

  • Use Google Firebase to log and visualize historical sensor data
  • Add gesture control using an accelerometer or infrared input
  • Implement automatic fan/AC control based on humidity thresholds
  • Create custom mobile apps to replace third-party dashboards