Raspberry Pi + Arduino – Object Detection & Automated Response

As part of a summer intro to engineering project, we built a system using a Raspberry Pi and Arduino to detect a person and automatically adjust a fan’s direction. We implemented YOLOv5 (You Only Look Once) for real-time object detection, allowing the Raspberry Pi to accurately identify a person and send commands to the Arduino, which controlled the fan's movement.

This project introduced us to computer vision, edge computing, and hardware integration, combining machine learning with embedded systems to create a responsive, real-world application. Through hands-on experience with Python, OpenCV, YOLOv5, and serial communication, we explored the intersection of AI, automation, and mechanical control in an interactive and engaging way.