Project Hub /Robotics & Autonomous Systems/Motor Drivers & Motion Control/Contactless Smart Bin

Intermediate

ARDUINO

Project Specific

3 – 6 Hours

Partial Kit

Contactless Smart Bin

A contactless smart bin that opens its lid automatically when a hand approaches, helping to maintain a clean and hygienic environment.

Originally published on ElectronicsForU

View original tutorial

Parts You'll Need

This project is sourced from another site, not written by us — this list is our best match of their components against what we stock, not a verified bill of materials. Always check the original blog (linked above) for the actual parts list before buying.

Arduino UNO R3 Board (Compatible) – ATmega328P Microcontroller with USB Cable Rs. 999.00
Ultrasonic Sensor Module HC-SR04 Rs. 89.00
TowerPro SG90 Mini Servo – 180 degree Rotation – Standard Quality Rs. 179.00
400 Points Mini Solderless Prototype PCB Breadboard High Quality Rs. 89.00
MB102 Adjustable Breadboard Power Supply Module (3.3V & 5V) for Arduino & Raspberry Pi Rs. 139.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Male 20cm Rs. 45.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Female 20cm Rs. 45.00

Selected: Rs. 0.00

We don't carry yet: 9V Battery + Snap
Perfboard / Veroboard / Stripboard
Dustbin

Browse all components

How It Works

The Contactless Smart Bin operates through a continuous feedback loop between the HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor and the Arduino Uno microcontroller, which together dictate the mechanical movement of the servo motor. Powered by a 9V PP3 battery, the Arduino Uno executes a program written via the Arduino IDE. The HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor emits high-frequency sound waves and measures the time it takes for the echo to return, calculating the distance of any object—such as a user's hand—placed in front of the bin. This distance data is transmitted continuously to the Arduino Uno. When an object is detected within a predefined threshold distance, the microcontroller processes this trigger and generates a control signal routed to the servo motor (such as an MG90S). The servo motor responds by rotating its shaft to a specific angle, which is mechanically linked to the dustbin lid, thereby opening it automatically. After a short, programmed delay that allows the user to dispose of waste, the Arduino reverses the control signal to the servo motor, returning the shaft to its original position and securely closing the lid until the next proximity trigger occurs.

Why Build This

Design and prototype an automated hygiene system suitable for deployment in high-traffic undergraduate campus facilities like laboratories, lecture halls, and cafeterias.

Gain practical experience integrating digital microcontrollers with analog-digital sensors and actuators to solve real-world public health challenges.

Understand the fundamentals of embedded motion control by translating sensor input data into precise mechanical actuation.

Real-World Application

Useful in crowded places like malls, offices, schools, colleges, and hospitals to prevent the spread of infections and manage municipal garbage collection effectively.

Skills You'll Learn

Ultrasonic distance measurement

Servo motor position control

GPIO pin configuration

Embedded control logic

Power management with DC sources

Safety Precautions

No specific precautions noted for this build — always follow general electronics safety practices.

Technology Tags

ARDUINO

HC-SR04 ULTRASONIC SENSOR

SERVO MOTOR

EMBEDDED C

AUTOMATION

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a standard DC motor instead of a servo motor for the lid?

A servo motor is specifically recommended because it allows precise angle control to open and close the lid to exact positions. Standard DC motors require additional feedback mechanisms or limit switches to stop at the correct open and closed angles.

How does the HC-SR04 sensor detect hands?

The sensor sends out an inaudible ultrasonic sound pulse and listens for the reflection bouncing back off your hand, calculating the distance based on how long the sound wave takes to return.

What is the purpose of the 9V PP3 battery with a 2.1mm DC plug?

It provides a portable, untethered power supply to both the Arduino Uno board and the connected peripherals, allowing the smart bin to operate independently without needing a wall outlet.

Gallery

This page is part of Kitkraft's Project Hub — a curated collection of electronics & robotics projects gathered from the maker community to help students and hobbyists discover and learn to build. Kitkraft does not claim authorship of the original project, and makes no representation as to the accuracy, completeness or safety of third-party source material. The summary and "How It Works" explanation above are AI-generated, rewritten with reference to the original tutorial — not a reproduction of it. Full credit and a direct link to the original source are provided above. If you're the original creator and have a concern about how your work is represented here, please contact us and we'll address it promptly.

Kitkraft Project Hub — curated from the maker community, credited at the source.

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