Member Avatar for cmps

Heyyy!!!

I saw yesterday some projects for computer scientists, they connected the computer to a light that turn on/off on a submit button click from a webpage (locahost) ...
It's not all, there is a team who created a trafffic light sensssorrr!!!! the lights switch automatically depending on the move of the hand ....
I asked lot of people from where can i start ... but no one answered me ... So hope DANIWEB could be a hero =D

Q: what are the languages used?
From where can i start ?

I know java (first year) and web dev{html,css,php,js etc...} (but I don't think they are the key here)

Thank you,
Best Regards

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Short answer: there are two layers — the web side (HTML/CSS/JavaScript + a small server) and the hardware side (a microcontroller or single-board computer). Common hardware choices are Arduino boards (sketches written in Arduino C/C++), Wi‑capable modules like ESP32 (Arduino core or MicroPython), or a Raspberry Pi running Python/Node.js. Start with the official getting‑started guides for the platform you pick: Arduino and Raspberry Pi both have step‑by‑step documentation. (arduino.cc)

Two simple architectures to try first: (A) run your webpage on the PC (localhost) and have the server talk to an Arduino over USB/serial to toggle outputs (very beginner‑friendly); or (B) use a networked board (ESP32 or Arduino + Ethernet/Wi‑Fi shield) that hosts a tiny webserver and responds to HTTP requests directly. If you prefer JavaScript, frameworks like Johnny‑Five let you control boards from Node.js (Firmata lets a host program control an Arduino without rewriting firmware). (support.arduino.cc)

A short starter plan: (1) buy an Arduino Uno or an ESP32 dev board (or Raspberry Pi if you want a full Linux box). (2) Do the basic tutorials: Blink, read a button, read a sensor. (3) Build one web‑control experiment: a local web page → simple backend (Node/Python) → serial command to Arduino to flip an LED or relay. (4) Try the same idea with an ESP32 hosting the page so the browser talks straight to the device. Use a relay or solid‑state relay board for switching mains and follow vendor safety notes. SparkFun, Arduino and vendor tutorials show safe wiring and example sketches. (support.arduino.cc)

Yes — you can make a robot from Arduino. As suggested, Arduino is a very common starting point; can follow the platform guides above, complete the small experiments, then combine motor drivers, sensors and a chassis. Safety note: never drive mains AC directly from a microcontroller pin — always use a properly rated relay or driver and an insulated enclosure. (arduino.cc)

Useful entry points: the Arduino documentation and project hub, the Raspberry Pi tutorials, Johnny‑Five examples for JS, and hardware tutorials from SparkFun. Start small, iterate, and the “magic” becomes predictable engineering. (arduino.cc)

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Member Avatar for Octet

Hello,

I should firstly also point you to 'The Big Bang Theory' episode in which Sheldon and the crew did this with a stereo, lamp and remote control cars.

When doing something like this, you will need an I/O Board such as Arduino and a router (in terms of hardware). This shall allow you to connect to the internet, the Arduino is programmed in a variation of C and you would tell it to accept input from a specific website (or if you hack the routers firmware, connect to it via the routers configuration panel).
I haven't done much with Arduino or similar so unfortunately this is about all I can give you, so to conclude:

-Arduino and Router with modified firmware
-Whatever device you want to control (Arduino has pins for up to 5Volts)
-Knowledge of C

HTML, PHP and CSS can help you if you want to customise your site though!

Member Avatar for cmps

aha very interesting !! thank you
Can I make a robot starting from Arduino ? like this one
??

Member Avatar for Octet

Yep,

Arduino is basically just an interface that allows you to control analogue or digital devices with a computer program.
The arduino (approximately £15/$35) has a set of terminals which you wire an input or output device into and then using your computer program you tell it what to do depending on what happens to it.

For example, with an input of 1 Volt on pin 10 tunr on the motor on pin 7.

Providing you know how to do it then it is possible, if you need any help then I recommend you watching this tutorial series on it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCxzA9_kg6s&feature=list_related&playnext=1&list=SPA567CE235D39FA84

Member Avatar for cmps

aha okay .. i think that things are clear now ... I will watch the series
Thank you!!

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