There are so many projects that you can do to learn Internet of Things (IoT). With a mission to connect the world through data and information, IoT is becoming a larger part of our lives. From smart cities projects to wearable devices, these projects connect hardware to a wireless network to create operational technology with autonomous control.
In this guide, you will learn more about IoT, ambient intelligence, remote monitoring, and biometric technology. We also provide ideas for smart IoT projects to build your portfolio and hone your skills and ideas. Read below for the best IoT projects for everyone from beginner to expert.
5 Skills That Internet of Things Projects Can Help You Practice
You will need a combination of knowledge in software and hardware design to build IoT technologies. Aside from practical skills, you will also utilize theoretical skills as you work on an Internet of Things project. Below are five important IoT skills that you will develop as you work on these projects.
- Big Data and Analytics. Internet-connected devices are filled with data and information that needs to be processed. IoT projects teach you to collect this data and learn how to handle and analyze it.
- Machine Learning. Machine learning knowledge helps you build algorithms to make a smart device function on its own using artificial intelligence.
- Mechanical or Electrical Engineering. Since you will be working on creating hardware, you will develop mechanical and electrical engineering skills to ensure functionality.
- Security. Security is important for an IoT project because you will be dealing with data and information. You will learn the correct security measures and parameters depending on the demand of the project.
- AutoCAD Design. Through IoT projects, you’ll be able to learn AutoCAD and get more familiar with the software. This is another skill that you will learn by working on an IoT project because you will need to create a design before you can start building a device.
Best Internet of Things Project Ideas for Beginners
The projects below are for beginners and could be one of your starting points if you are just learning IoT. For these projects, you will need to use your fundamental knowledge and instinct to successfully accomplish them. You will start working with a physical object to learn how to connect it to a WiFi module and the Internet.
Water Level Monitoring System IoT-Based Project
- Internet of Things Skills Practiced: Mechanical or electrical engineering, AutoCAD
This project involves creating a system that will monitor water levels. You can build a device that you can attach to the container that will detect its water level and alert you once it reaches a certain point. The device will alert your mobile phone so you can turn the motor off or on via your phone rather than manually.
Weather Monitoring System IoT-Based Project
- Internet of Things Skills Practiced: Big data and analytics, machine learning, mechanical or Electrical Engineering, AutoCAD
For this project, you will build temperature and gas sensors that can detect the environmental conditions of your surroundings. Once detected, it will automatically send the data to a connected device and store data on this device. This can be used in industrial sectors to prevent damages in case of sudden weather changes.
Soil Moisture Detection IoT-Based Project
- Internet of Things Skills Practiced: Machine learning, mechanical or electrical engineering
A soil moisture detector can be built using Python programming. Its main function is to detect the moisture and current state of soil so that you know if it needs water. You can design this device to automatically water a plant once it detects that it has reached a low moisture level.
Health Monitoring System IoT-Based Project
- Internet of Things Skills Practiced: Big data and analytics, mechanical or electrical engineering, security, machine learning, AutoCAD design
This project has you create different types of sensors for specific conditions. This device should be able to securely store data and information that will be useful to doctors when assessing an individual’s situation. It should also be connected to the Internet to feed real-time information that is easily viewable on a particular device.
Smart Doorbell System IoT-Based Project
- Internet of Things Skills Practiced: Mechanical or electrical engineering
You can work towards making a smart home through a smart doorbell system that sets off alarms to notify you of possible break-ins. To make it more advanced, you can program it to perform facial recognition for official house residents. In case of an issue, the system must also be capable of one-time-password (OTP) generation as an alternative means to unlock the door.
Best Intermediate Internet of Things Project Ideas
After strengthening your foundation in IoT, there are intermediate-level IoT project ideas that will help you hone your skills more. Having higher-level projects to include in your portfolio is a good way to show your growth and knowledge of IoT.
Air Pollution Monitoring System IoT-Based Project
- Internet of Things Skills Practiced: Big data and analytics, machine learning, mechanical or electrical engineering, AutoCAD
For this project, you will build a device that has a strong sensor technology capable of detecting different particles in the air. You need to be able to feed this information to a device to detect particles that are known to contribute to air pollution. As you are monitoring this, your device will transfer and store the data in a web server where it can be analyzed.
Energy Meter System IoT-Based Project
- Internet of Things Skills Practiced: Machine learning, mechanical or electrical engineering
To prevent the overuse of devices or machines, you can create this energy meter system that can calculate the energy used in an industrial or commercial place. The device will gather data on the amount of consumed energy and then calculate it. If the device reaches the threshold that you set, it will then alert another connected mobile device using wireless communication.
Home Appliance Control IoT-Based Project
- Internet of Things Skills Practiced: Machine learning, security, mechanical or electrical engineering
Other than security systems for smart homes, an IoT-based home appliance control is a good project as it can help monitor your devices at home. In this project, you can set up a connection between a specific appliance and a social media app such as Telegram. With this, you can turn on and off the appliance or device like a remote control.
Smart Parking System IoT-Based Project
- Internet of Things Skills Practiced: Big data and analytics, machine learning, mechanical or electrical engineering, security, AutoCAD
This might be a tricky project because it will require cooperation with an existing business or company, but creating a smart parking system is possible through IoT. The first thing to do is to build sensors that can be fitted in a parking space or slot. This sensor should send signals to an application that will then inform the user that a parking space is filled or free.
Smart Irrigation System IoT-Based Project
- Internet of Things Skills Practiced: Big data and analytics, machine learning, mechanical or electrical engineering
A smart irrigation system combines soil moisture sensors and a water level monitoring system. The sensors must be connected to a mobile device or computer to send data for the current state of the soil moisture so that you know when to turn on the water system. The irrigation system will then monitor the water level so that you can turn it off to prevent flooding.
Advanced Internet of Things Project Ideas
If you are an IoT professional, you can complete more advanced projects. These projects can help you take your skills to the next level and build more complicated devices. Here are some advanced IoT project ideas to work on if you have the time, resources, knowledge, and skills.
Automatic Coffee Maker IoT-Based Project
- Internet of Things Skills Practiced: Machine learning, mechanical or electrical engineering, AutoCAD
You can start having your coffee made without being home with a WiFi connection or mobile device. Once you turn it on using your device, the coffee maker should be able to start processing the coffee as directed on the device. There should also be an option where it can be turned off through the mobile device.
Data Publishing to AWS Cloud IoT-Based Project
- Internet of Things Skills Practiced: Big data and analytics, machine learning, security
With the help of Python and Raspberry Pi, you can automatically log specific data meant to be loaded to the Amazon Web Services cloud. For this task, you need to guarantee that the data is properly transmitted to its designated storage. For this project, you will gather data from a physical device such as a humidity sensor and feed the information directly to a cloud.
Contactless Body Temperature Monitor IoT-Based Project
- Internet of Things Skills Practiced: Big data and analytics, machine learning, mechanical or electrical engineering
This device should be able to monitor body temperature by using a powerful temperature sensor. Through the help of Raspberry Pi, anytime that a temperature is above a specific level, it can send an alert. If the device is to be used in public places, it can also be built with image capture so that it will be easier to recognize the person with the high temperature.
Raspberry Pi Drone IoT-Based Project
- Internet of Things Skills Practiced: Machine learning, mechanical or electrical engineering, AutoCAD
Build your own drone using Python and Raspberry Pi. You may modify your project depending on the drone’s intended purpose. Examples of use include photography, video recording, package delivery, or security surveillance. The drone should be able to feed real-time updates or images so that it is easy to monitor and can provide information.
Brain Parameters Data Logger IoT-Based Project
- Internet of Things Skills Practiced: Big data or analytics, machine learning, security
If you are interested in studying the brain, you can build a device or sensor that can predict thoughts or behavior. This device can then feed data directly to your own set of logs, which will be the core of your analysis. This is an advanced project that will require a deeper understanding of machine learning and Raspberry Pi.
Next Steps: Start Organizing Your Internet of Things Portfolio
From a wireless sensor network to smart city projects, there is a wide range of IoT projects to choose from. You can compile these projects in a digital portfolio to use when applying for a job. Below are some helpful tips to consider when building your digital portfolio.
Present Practical Uses
IoT-based projects play an important role in life and can contribute to better processes. Projects like building weather sensors, irrigation systems, or even water level monitors are all meant for practical uses. There are billions of devices out there that can inspire projects for students.
This does not necessarily mean that all of your projects should be practical. You can work on a completely theoretical project, but make sure to describe your objective for it. The IoT industry is always concerned with purpose and making lives easier for people. Take this into consideration for the projects you include.
Level of Difficulty
Make sure to work on a project that you feel comfortable doing. As much as it is an accomplishment to work on difficult projects, pushing yourself might lead to problems. You do not want to waste resources and time on a project that you can’t finish. Your portfolio should include usable ideas that will help build your skills, and this does not need to be a big challenge.
Describe Your Techniques and Process
Include a concise description of how you completed the project, your objective, and any issues you faced. Adding the programs and devices that you used is also helpful. This gives an idea to the observer about your process and skillset. You can demonstrate your problem-solving skills and decision-making skills when you describe your process.
Internet of Things Projects FAQ
Some of the popular IoT projects are a health monitoring system, weather monitoring system, and water level monitoring system for beginners. For intermediate and advanced learners, you may need to tap into your machine learning and Python programming skills and knowledge to work on high-level projects such as self-driving cars.
"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"
Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot
Internet of Things projects combine the Internet and physical devices. This is why the projects often include building IoT objects such as a sensor or any mechanical device to detect a variable. The data or information gathered from these devices is then fed into software or online devices where you can immediately visualize and analyze it.
You can always try the various project ideas available for different levels of learners. More importantly, you need to have skills in programming, machine learning, and big data analysis, and the ability to build or design a mechanical device.
Some examples of IoT devices are smart home security devices, health monitors, smart irrigation systems, or contactless body temperature systems. If it involves a combination of physical devices and an online setup, then it is likely an IoT project.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
