Application of Arduino for Mechanical Engineering (NJK)


 Application of Arduino for Mechanical Engineering

Arduino offers mechanical engineers a versatile, low-cost platform for prototyping automation, robotics, and sensor-based systems, bridging electronics with mechanical design. These applications enhance skills in control systems, mechatronics, and Industry 4.0 technologies relevant to polytechnic curricula.

​Key Applications

Arduino integrates sensors and actuators for real-time mechanical control. Common uses include motor control for robotics, environmental monitoring in sustainable systems, and data acquisition for prototyping.​

  • Robotics and Automation: Powers pick-and-place arms with servo motors for precise gripping and movement, ideal for material handling prototypes.​

  • Motor Control Systems: Drives DC, stepper, and servo motors in CNC-like setups or 3D printer mechanisms, enabling accurate positioning.​

  • Sensor Integration: Ultrasonic or soil moisture sensors monitor vibrations, distances, or conditions in mechanical tests like solar trackers.​

Educational Projects

Mechanical engineering students use Arduino for hands-on labs in instrumentation and capstone designs. Examples include PID-controlled ball balancers or prosthetic hands with force feedback.​

Programs teach calibration of sensors, PWM for actuators, and C++ coding via Arduino IDE, building comfort for advanced mechatronics.​

Practical Implementation

Start with Arduino Uno connected to servos on PWM pins (e.g., 3-11) and an external 5-6V supply. Code sequences like home-pick-place use for-loops for smooth motion: for(int pos=0; pos<=90; pos++) { servo.write(pos); delay(15); }.​

Test empty cycles first to avoid mechanical stalls, then add sensors for autonomy in projects like line-following robots or solar cleaning arms.​

Emerging Trends

Arduino supports IoT for remote monitoring in smart factories or green tech, like weather stations with stepper solar trackers. Future integration with AI/ML aids predictive maintenance in mechanical systems.


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