IoT, also known as Internet of Things, refers to devices, sensors, and other physical objects that have processing power and ability to communicate between other devices using the internet or any other communication channel. Arduino is a development board which has a very vast application starting from toggling a LED to uploading data over a computer server Arduino can cover up all. With emerging technologies Arduino demands for smart projects increases due to its open source and easy to use hardware. Now, we will discuss whether the Arduino is capable enough to meet IoT based application requirements.
Is Arduino Good for IoT
Yes. Arduino is the best choice for IoT projects because Arduino boards are easier to program and maintain, as they are robust and relatively simple than others.
Arduino has their own programming environment with Arduino IoT Cloud support that helps programmers to build connected devices and objects in a quick and easy way. Arduino IoT cloud allows users to exchange and monitor real time data among multiple devices.
Now we will discuss some salient features of the Arduino platform that give ideas about why Arduino is the best choice for IoT based application.
Arduino IoT Cloud
Arduino IoT cloud is a smart system based upon Arduino boards that provides us with multiple features an IoT project demands. It allows users to integrate an online server with hardware in a better way. Here are some of the main highlights an Arduino have in IoT world:
- Multiple Connectivity
- Storage
- Power Supply
- Easy Interface
- Programming
- Cost
Multiple Connectivity
When starting with IoT projects, connectivity is the backbone. When we say connectivity we mean Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and ethernet connectivity. Multiple Arduino boards are designed for IoT dependent projects. These boards have pre-installed Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules that can process audio and video data easily.
Many Arduino shields are also available to add external connectivity hardware with Arduino boards. Arduino shields reduce the size of the overall project by eliminating use of excess wires. Shields are easy to replace and overall, less costly to maintain IoT projects cost effective.
Storage
Memory storage is another important factor to consider while programming Arduino as an IoT device. Arduino is a microcontroller-based device that has enough memory to store thousands of lines of code. Latest Arduino IoT based families like MKR have up to 32KB of SRAM, which is more than enough for IoT applications. For small scale IoT projects Arduino is the best choice but for multilevel projects that take data from multiple devices and build a network using that data for them Arduino is not suitable.
Power Supply
To run IoT devices, power back up is the main issue to maintain the whole network running throughout the day. Arduino provides a wide range of flexibility when it comes to power intake. Most Arduino boards can be powered up using three different methods such as USB port, DC jack and Vin pin. Arduino has a recommended voltage range between 7-12V. Using the USB port of Arduino our IoT network can run on a power bank that helps to maintain it online every time.
A USB power bank comes handy when we must power different wireless devices integrated inside an IoT network. USB can provide optimum voltages for longer time reducing overall project cost.
Easy Interface
Arduino has an easy interface that offers a simplified way of building projects. Motors, analog sensors, and other components can be easily controlled with simple techniques. Arduino is a microcontroller board that can do repetitive tasks a lot easier than other boards.
Programming
Arduino boards can be programmed using their own development platform known as IDE. Using IDE, we can program Arduino boards “n” several times. IDE is a cross platform software that uses C++ for programming Arduino boards. IDE has a lot of free libraries available that saves overall time in project building. Using libraries, we can control hardware without writing their code from scratch.
Cost
Arduino has designed one of the cheapest IoT boards as compared to its competitors. Arduino do not need any external hardware to operate, we just need an Arduino board to start building our IoT project. Arduino Nano 33 IoT is available for as low as 24$. Despite Nano 33’s low cost it comes with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology along with ECC608A crypto chip that can secure and maintain privacy of our IoT data. Considering cost, Arduino is best to start with small scale IoT applications.
Arduino IoT Devices
Some of the popular Arduino IoT boards are:
- MKR 1000 Wi-Fi
- MKR GSM 1400
- MKR Wi-Fi1010
- MKR WAN 1300
- MKR NB 1500
- Nano RP2040 Connect
- Nano 33 IoT
- Portenta H7
- Portenta H7 Lite Connected
- Nicla Vision
- MKR WAN 1310
Conclusion
Arduino comes with easy to use and build hardware which can make IoT project running in few days or even within a week, so if one must start with IoT projects and looking for cost effective IoT boards that can do repetitive task without any need of constant updates Arduino is the best platform to start next IoT project.
