Curriculum

Embedded Systems
with Arduino (IoT)

Embedded Systems with Arduino (IoT)

About the Program

Imagine living in Nairobi, where water bills are steep, and every apartment resident pays a flat KES 1000 each month, regardless of actual usage. You know some residents use much less water, while others may use more, and yet everyone faces the same cost. Imagine the frustration of paying this fixed amount even if you’re out of town. But what if there was a smarter way to handle water billing—a way that was flexible, accurate, and fair to everyone?

Now picture a new solution: a smart water meter system that allows tenants to pay only for the water they actually use, purchasing water tokens as easily as topping up mobile airtime. Through this course, you’ll be equipped with the skills to take on a real-world problem and create a meaningful solution—one that could launch a powerful smart metering startup that brings fairness and cost savings to water management in Nairobi.

Course Objectives:

This course is designed to provide foundational knowledge and hands-on skills in Embedded Systems and the Internet of Things (IoT) to enable students to develop real-world, data-driven solutions. By the end of the course, students will be able to design, build, and program functional IoT devices with integrated data management systems and remote monitoring capabilities.

  1. Understand the Fundamentals of Embedded Systems
    • Grasp the basic concepts of embedded systems, including microcontrollers, sensors, actuators, and their role in IoT applications.
    • Familiarize with the architecture and programming of microcontrollers, particularly focusing on Arduino.
  2. Master Arduino Programming and Hardware Integration
    • Learn to program Arduino microcontrollers using C/C++ to control various sensors and actuators.
    • Develop the skills to interface Arduino with different sensors (e.g., temperature, motion, water flow) for gathering data and triggering actions based on real-world inputs.
  3. Integrate Sensor Data Collection and Real-time Processing
    • Explore sensor modules and understand how to configure and calibrate sensors to obtain accurate measurements.
    • Program devices to process sensor data in real time, enabling functionality like water metering, motion detection, or environmental monitoring.
  4. Develop Database Management Skills with Firebase
    • Gain hands-on experience with Firebase for data storage, retrieval, and real-time synchronization.
    • Learn to store IoT data (e.g., sensor readings, timestamps, and user tokens) in a cloud-based database and use it for analysis and reporting.
  5. Implement Python for Server-side Processing and Automation
    • Use Python to create server-side scripts for handling data processing, notifications, and automation of IoT functions.
    • Understand how Python integrates with Firebase or other databases to manage data efficiently and enable data-driven insights.
  6. Design Token-based Payment Systems
    • Implement tokenization logic in Python to develop pay-as-you-go models, ideal for utilities like water metering.
    • Integrate mobile payment APIs (e.g., M-Pesa) to enable flexible, user-friendly payment options and manage balance tracking.
  7. Develop Mobile Alerts and Notification Systems
    • Use APIs to send real-time SMS notifications or mobile app alerts to keep users informed of device status, usage levels, and other critical updates.
    • Ensure the system can handle high demand and send accurate, timely notifications for a positive user experience.
  8. Explore Real-world IoT Applications and Entrepreneurship
    • Understand the potential of IoT solutions for solving community-specific problems, such as water management, security, and agriculture.
    • Learn the fundamentals of bringing an IoT solution to market, including prototyping, scaling, and pitching an idea to potential customers or stakeholders.
  9. Build and Test a Functional IoT Prototype
    • Design and build a complete IoT project that demonstrates end-to-end functionality: sensor data collection, Arduino processing, cloud storage with Firebase, and real-time mobile notifications.
    • Test and troubleshoot the prototype to ensure reliability, accuracy, and scalability for future development.
Requirements

At least a core i5 computer, 8GB RAM. Prior programming experience isn't required.

Student to Teacher Ratio of 10:1
Embedded Systems with Arduino (IoT)

Curriculum

1. Introduction to Arduino & Embedded Systems
  1. Getting to Know the Arduino Uno
    • Overview of Arduino Uno architecture: ATmega328P microcontroller, USB, shields, power, and clock functions.
    • Exploring Arduino Uno’s pins: digital input/output, analog input/output, and power supply.
    • Introduction to using digital output pins (e.g., controlling an LED).
    • Using digital input pins for button presses and switches.
    • Understanding analog input pins (e.g., for reading sensors).
    • Utilizing analog output pins (PWM for dimming LEDs or motor speed control).
  2. Prototyping Basics
    • Using breadboards and jumper wires for quick prototyping.
    • Tools of the trade: power supplies, multimeter for voltage/current measurement.
    • Introduction to soldering and protoboard for permanent setups.
  1. Introduction to Communications
    • Serial (UART) Communication: Setting up and using UART to transmit data between Arduino and PC.
    • I²C (TWI) Communication: Introduction to multi-device communication using I²C protocol.
    • SPI Communication: Fast communication for specific peripherals like SD cards and displays.
  2. Arduino Board Family
    • Overview of various Arduino boards: Mega 2560, Due, Zero, Pro Mini, and 101, to select the right board based on project needs.
    • Introducing Arduino-compatible boards for specialized IoT applications.
  1. Setting up the Arduino IDE
    • Installation, IDE overview, and understanding menu options and preferences.
    • Writing and uploading a basic sketch to Arduino.
  2. Arduino Programming Essentials
    • Introduction to Arduino C++: structure of an Arduino sketch, using custom functions, variables, and scope.
    • Control structures (if, while, for, switch) for decision-making and loops.
    • Reading digital inputs (buttons), controlling digital outputs (LEDs), and using analog inputs (potentiometer).
    • Working with analog output (PWM) for dimming an LED and RGB LEDs for color mixing.
  1. Measuring Light and Color
    • Using photoresistors to detect light and RGB color sensors to identify colors.
    • Mini project: Build a color copier using an RGB sensor and RGB LED.
  2. Temperature, Humidity, and Pressure Sensors
    • Utilizing sensors like DHT22, thermistors, TMP36, and BMP180 to measure environmental conditions.
    • Configuring each sensor, understanding data formats, and calibrating sensor data.
  3. Detecting Motion and Orientation
    • Introduction to accelerometers (e.g., ADXL335) for orientation detection.
    • Using PIR sensors for infrared motion detection.
    • Mini project: Security alarm using PIR sensors.
  4. Distance and Sound Sensing
    • Using ultrasonic distance sensors to measure object distances.
    • Sound sensors (analog and digital) for detecting noise levels.
  1. Making Sound with Buzzers
    • Control sound using buzzers to produce simple melodies or alerts.
  2. Displaying Data with LCDs
    • Connecting an LCD (4-bit parallel or I²C) for displaying sensor data.
    • Mini project: Displaying real-time sensor data (e.g., temperature and humidity) on an LCD.
  1. Database Management with Firebase
    • Introduction to Firebase: setup, structure, and using it for real-time data storage.
    • Storing sensor readings and timestamps in Firebase for tracking and analysis.
    • Using Firebase to retrieve and update data for remote IoT control.
  2. Python for Backend Processing
    • Python essentials for IoT: setting up scripts, data handling, and automation.
    • Python-Firebase integration to manage IoT data, process sensor inputs, and send commands back to Arduino.
  1. Token-based Payment Systems
    • Overview of mobile payment APIs (e.g., M-Pesa) and tokenization concepts.
    • Building a pay-as-you-go water metering system using tokens.
    • Setting up a mobile money integration for user transactions and balance checking.
  2. Alert Systems and Notifications
    • Using APIs for SMS notifications, sending alerts for low balances, payment confirmation, or water usage limits.
  1. Project Development: Smart Water Meter Prototype
    • Design and build a working prototype of a pay-as-you-use water meter:
      • Set up water flow sensors to measure usage.
      • Use Firebase to track and store data.
      • Integrate mobile payments to allow users to purchase water tokens.
      • Program real-time notifications and alerts for low balance and usage thresholds.
  2. Testing and Troubleshooting
    • Techniques for testing sensor accuracy, power management, and reliability.
    • Troubleshooting communication issues and ensuring secure, accurate data transmission.
  1. IoT Project Deployment & Scaling
    • Overview of deploying IoT devices in real-world environments.
    • Managing multiple devices and data streams from multiple users.
  2. Entrepreneurial Skills for IoT Startups
    • Basics of prototyping, pitching ideas, and building IoT businesses.
    • Conducting market research, identifying problems to solve, and testing product ideas.
    • Discussing the future of IoT and potential for emerging applications like smart metering.


Program Expectations

By the end of this Embedded Systems and IoT course, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to build practical, real-world solutions, particularly in the realm of smart devices and IoT systems. Here’s a comprehensive look at what you can achieve:

  1. Mastery of Embedded Systems and IoT Technologies
    • Understand and Apply Embedded Systems Concepts: You will have a deep understanding of embedded systems, including the core components such as sensors, microcontrollers, actuators, and communication protocols.
    • Hands-On Experience with Arduino and IoT Hardware: You will be proficient in using the Arduino platform (Arduino Uno, Mega, and other variants) for IoT applications, and you will know how to interface sensors, motors, and other components with microcontrollers.
  2. Practical IoT Projects and Prototypes
    • Create a Working Smart Water Metering System: By the end of the course, you will have built a fully functional prototype of a pay-as-you-use water metering system. This includes integrating hardware, sensors, and software to measure water usage, store data, and implement mobile payment features.
    • Develop IoT Projects with Sensors and Actuators: You will be able to design and implement IoT solutions using sensors for temperature, humidity, light, sound, distance, and motion detection.
    • Implement Mobile Money Integration: You will learn how to integrate mobile payment solutions (such as MPESA, PayPal, or Stripe) into your IoT projects, enabling transactions like purchasing water tokens directly from your app.
  3. Solid Programming Skills in Python and Arduino
    • Write Efficient Arduino Code: You will be able to write and optimize code for Arduino boards to interface with various sensors and actuators, ensuring smooth and reliable data collection and system control.
    • Python for Backend Development: You will have experience using Python for processing data, interacting with cloud services, and managing databases. You will also understand how to use Python to interact with IoT devices for data processing, analysis, and control.
    • Implement Communication Protocols: You will be skilled in using communication protocols such as UART (Serial), I²C, and SPI to facilitate interaction between different microcontrollers and sensors.
  4. Deep Understanding of Sensor Integration and Data Handling
    • Accurate Sensor Readings and Data Processing: You will be proficient in connecting and programming sensors like DHT22 (temperature and humidity), ultrasonic distance sensors, PIR motion sensors, and more, ensuring accurate readings and data processing.
    • Cloud Database Integration: You will know how to store sensor data in cloud databases (such as Firebase, AWS, or Google Cloud), and retrieve it for analysis, visualization, and action.
    • Data Visualization: You will learn how to create dashboards or display data in real-time, enabling users to monitor and interact with IoT systems.
  5. Prototyping and Product Development Skills
    • Design and Build Physical Prototypes: You will be capable of designing and assembling physical prototypes of IoT devices, using components like breadboards, jumpers, sensors, and actuators.
    • Use of Prototyping Tools: You will be comfortable with tools like multimeters, soldering irons, and power supplies to build and troubleshoot circuits.
  6. Skills in Cloud Computing and Database Management
    • Integrating IoT Devices with Cloud Platforms: You will understand how to upload sensor data to the cloud and interact with it in real time. You will learn how to manage cloud infrastructure for your IoT projects.
    • Firebase/SQL Database Management: You will learn to manage data in real-time databases, storing and retrieving data efficiently for user-friendly interfaces and back-end applications.
  7. Mobile and Web Application Development
    • Build and Integrate Mobile Apps for IoT: You will know how to build a simple mobile app for controlling and interacting with your IoT devices (e.g., a mobile app for purchasing water tokens or monitoring water usage in real time).
    • User Interface (UI) Design: You will have the skills to design clean, user-friendly interfaces for web and mobile applications that allow users to interact with your IoT devices.
  8. Entrepreneurial and Problem-Solving Mindset
    • Develop Marketable IoT Products: By the end of the course, you will have the knowledge and confidence to start your own IoT-based startup. You’ll be able to identify problems, design solutions, and potentially bring your prototypes to market.
    • Commercialize IoT Solutions: You will gain insights into how to turn your IoT projects into viable products, with a strong understanding of the business side, including pricing, scaling, and market potential.
    • Innovative Problem Solving: You will be able to approach IoT projects with a creative and innovative mindset, solving real-world challenges such as inefficiencies in utilities and urban infrastructure.
  9. Practical Knowledge of IoT System Integration and Security
    • Security Considerations for IoT: You will have a foundational understanding of IoT security concerns and how to safeguard your devices and networks from potential risks.
    • Integration of Multiple IoT Devices: You will learn how to connect multiple IoT devices, ensuring they work in harmony to provide an integrated solution.
  10. Confidence in Presenting and Communicating Technical Projects
    • Project Presentation Skills: You will gain the ability to present your IoT projects effectively, demonstrating how your solution works and highlighting its value to potential investors, clients, or collaborators.
    • Communication Skills: You will be able to clearly explain complex technical concepts, making them understandable to a broad audience, whether they are stakeholders, investors, or potential customers.
  11. Job-Ready and Market-Ready
    • Portfolio of Completed Projects: You will have a solid portfolio of completed IoT projects, including your smart water metering prototype, which you can showcase to employers or use as part of a personal portfolio.
    • Market-Ready Product Prototype: The end goal of your course will be to develop a product that is ready to be taken to market, providing you with practical experience that could make you competitive in the IoT job market or entrepreneurial field.
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