IoT Social Distancing & Monitoring Robot For Queue

This guide will help you build an IoT-enabled social distancing and monitoring robot designed to manage queues and enforce social distancing protocols. The robot will monitor distances between individuals in a queue and provide real-time feedback via an IoT platform.

Components Required

• Microcontroller (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or ESP32)
• Ultrasonic distance sensors (for measuring distances)
• Camera or image processing module (for visual monitoring)
• Motor driver and DC motors (for mobility)
• Battery pack (for power supply)
• Wi-Fi or GSM module (for IoT connectivity)
• Enclosure for housing the components
• Chassis and mounting hardware
• Cloud service account (for data collection and analysis)

Setting Up the Hardware

Follow these steps to assemble the hardware:

1. Mount the Ultrasonic Sensors

   Attach ultrasonic distance sensors to the robot to measure the distance between individuals. Position sensors at various angles to cover a wide area.

2. Install the Camera or Image Processing Module

   Attach a camera or image processing module to the robot for visual monitoring of the queue. Ensure it has a clear view of the area being monitored.

3. Set Up the Motors and Motor Driver

   Connect DC motors to the motor driver and attach them to the robot’s chassis. The motors will enable movement and navigation of the robot.

4. Wire the Components to the Microcontroller

   Connect all sensors, the camera, and motor driver to the microcontroller. Ensure correct wiring for power and signal connections.

5. Connect the IoT Module

   Attach the Wi-Fi or GSM module to the microcontroller to enable remote monitoring and control. Configure the module for network connectivity.

6. Power the Robot

   Ensure that all components, including the microcontroller and sensors, are powered correctly. Use a reliable battery pack suitable for the robot’s power needs.

Programming the Microcontroller

Write code for the microcontroller to handle sensor inputs, control the motors, and manage IoT communication. Here’s a basic outline of the code:

                #include <WiFi.h> // For ESP32 Wi-Fi module
                #include <NewPing.h> // For ultrasonic sensors

                const int trigPin = 9;
                const int echoPin = 10;
                const int maxDistance = 200; // Max distance to measure in cm

                NewPing sonar(trigPin, echoPin, maxDistance);

                const String serverUrl = "http://example.com/queue-monitor"; // Replace with your server URL

                void setup() {
                Serial.begin(115200);
                WiFi.begin("SSID", "PASSWORD"); // Replace with your network credentials
                }

                void loop() {
                delay(500); // Wait for 0.5 seconds between measurements

                unsigned int uS = sonar.ping();
                float distance = uS / US_ROUNDTRIP_CM;

                // Send distance data to server
                WiFiClient client;
                if (client.connect(serverUrl, 80)) {
                    client.println("GET /queue-monitor?distance=" + String(distance) + " HTTP/1.1");
                    client.println("Host: example.com");
                    client.println("Connection: close");
                    client.println();
                }

                // Implement distance-based actions (e.g., alert if distance is too short)
                if (distance < 1.0) { // Example threshold
                    // Perform action (e.g., alert or move robot)
                }
                }
            

This code provides a basic setup for handling distance measurements and sending data to a remote server. Customize it based on your specific hardware and requirements.

Setting Up the Server or Cloud Service

Configure a web server or cloud service to handle data from the robot. Set up endpoints for receiving distance data and managing alerts. Create a user interface for monitoring and controlling the robot.

                # Example for setting up a simple server using Python Flask

                from flask import Flask, request, jsonify

                app = Flask(__name__)

                @app.route('/queue-monitor', methods=['GET'])
                def monitor():
                    distance = request.args.get('distance')
                    # Process and store data from the robot
                    return jsonify(success=True, distance=distance), 200

                if __name__ == '__main__':
                    app.run(host='0.0.0.0', port=5000)
            

This example demonstrates how to set up a simple server to handle data from the robot. Customize this example to fit your specific needs and infrastructure.

Testing and Calibration

Before deploying the system:

1. Test the Sensors and Motors

   Ensure that the sensors are accurately measuring distances and the motors are functioning correctly. Adjust the code and hardware as needed.

2. Verify Data Transmission

   Check that data is being sent to and received from the server. Test the system under various conditions to ensure reliable performance.

3. Calibrate the Robot

   Ensure that the robot navigates and monitors distances effectively. Make any necessary adjustments to achieve optimal operation.