DEVELOPMENT OF AN AFFORDABLE HUMAN DETECTION ROBOT USING ESP32 AND IOT CLOUD

Abstract

This study details the design and fabrication of a WiFi-enabled human detection robot for indoor surveillance and safety applications, tailored for resource-limited settings like Pakistan. The robot integrates infrared (IR), ultrasonic, and passive infrared (PIR) sensors to detect human presence with high reliability. Mounted on a custom-designed wheeled chassis, it is powered by durable DC geared motors driven by an L298N motor driver. An ESP32 microcontroller serves as the core, processing sensor data and enabling wireless communication through the Arduino IoT Cloud. This cloud-based interface facilitates real-time data transmission, remote monitoring, and manual control via a user-friendly dashboard or mobile app. The system operates in autonomous mode for continuous monitoring and manual mode for user-directed navigation, with IR sensors ensuring obstacle and edge detection for safe operation. Experimental tests validate the robot’s ability to detect humans effectively under varying indoor conditions, with seamless data transfer to the cloud. The use of low-cost, readily available components enhances affordability and scalability, making it suitable for applications in home security, search and rescue, and automation. Future enhancements could include camera integration and machine learning for advanced features like gesture recognition. This project offers a practical, cost-effective solution for intelligent robotics in resource-constrained environments, with potential for educational use in engineering curricula.