Remote-Controlled Light Switch [2023]

Summary and Key Details

  • Designed a Bluetooth-controlled light switch with a custom GUI as a home automation solution

  • Integrated the hardware of the light switch panel into the product assembly for ease of installation

  • Programmed the GUI in Processing IDE to send commands to an Arduino via a Bluetooth module

Final Product

Component List

  • Servo Motor Mounting Bracket (3D Printed)

  • Servo Motor Arm (3D printed)

  • SG90 Servo Motor

  • Arduino and HC-05 Wireless Bluetooth Module

  • 9V Battery to Power Arduino

  • 6V 4xAA Battery Pack for Circuit Components

  • Electronics Enclosure (Very make-shift…)

Project Requirements

When starting this project, I knew there were two functional requirements of the device:

  1. The device needed to operate independently, without being plugged into a wall.

  2. The light switch must be able to be controlled wirelessly

Product Ideation and Prototyping

I approached the project by mounting a motor directly on the light switch, using an arm to toggle it. I started prototyping with cardboard cutouts and then moved to Fusion 360 for the final design.

To streamline assembly, I used the light switch’s existing screws, eliminating the need for extra hardware. The final design and 3D-printed components are shown below.

Electronics and Software

To control the light switch, I chose a GUI as it was intuitive for users and cost-effective under my budget constraints. With more resources, I would have created a secondary Bluetooth remote controller.

The GUI I designed consisted of simple “ON” and “OFF” buttons, as well as a graphic indicating the current status of the light.

The GUI was built in the Processing IDE. The HC-05 Bluetooth module acted as the communication bridge between the Processing GUI and the Arduino. The Processing program establishes a serial connection with it, transmitting commands based on the button presses in the GUI.

  • Receiving "ON" triggers the Arduino to activate a motor that flicks the light switch to the "on" position.

  • Receiving "OFF" reverses the motor to switch the light off

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