Participating in the hardware hackathon was an exciting and challenging experience, especially since it was our first time using Arduino. We learned how to navigate using the different pins to create varied outputs and apply various sensors. Initially, we chose the PIR sensor, which is effective in most environments, but extremely sensitive to movement. However, in the context of our project, it would have triggered false positives, sensing non-targets like walls. To solve this, we decided to use an ultrasonic range finder, which we calibrated to ignore walls and only detect people—our intended targets. Calibrating our sensor also allows us to use this device in any environment. This shift required problem-solving and resourcefulness, as we had to adapt our approach and work efficiently under time constraints. The experience not only deepened our technical understanding but also showcased the importance of flexibility and quick thinking in tech development.
WIS+H
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