Introduction to the Internet of Things

We are getting used to seeing "smart" connected electronic devices in our homes. These include lights, thermostats, alarms, monitoring systems and entertainment systems. These devices can be switched on and off and adjusted from remote devices such as phones, or using speech commands such as Google Home or Alexa.

In this course, we will look beneath the surface to understand how these technologies work by creating a network of connected smart devices and writing code to control them.

Course Outline

Level

For the technically competent beginner You should be technically confident, but may or may not have any programming experience.

Description

Build a network of smart devices using Raspberry Pi, Arduino and Python

Detail

Understanding IoT

A quick overview of terminology and technology.

Working with the Raspberry Pi

This small, cheap computer will allow us to create a range of "smart" devices. We will explore its capabilities.

Working with the ESP32

The ESP32 is a low-cost, connected micocontroller provides another way to create "smart" devices. We will explore its capabilities.

Building Connected Devices

You will build a couple of Wifi connected devices. E.g. a weather station and smart fan.

Connecting Things

You will write some Python code to send messages between devices. E.g. turn the heating on.

Controlling Things

You will write some Python code to respond to actions and events. E.g. turn music on when someone enters a room.

Projects

You will be encouraged to devise and code your own IoT device interactions.

Skills you will pick up in the course

Key skill categories

• Python programming

• Electronics

• Digital making

• Engineering

• Problem solving

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to

• Understand the principles of IoT

• Build simple micro-controller based IoT devices

• Connect devices to an IoT network

• Control devices through IoT events