Development of an IoT-Based Smart Vacuum Cleaner Controlled via NodeMCU for Autonomous Home Cleaning Solutions

This paper presents the development of an IoT-based smart vacuum cleaner using NodeMCU, aiming to enhance the efficiency and autonomy of household cleaning. The IoT integration allows the vacuum cleaner to be remotely controlled via a mobile application, enabling users to start, stop, schedule, and monitor cleaning tasks from anywhere. The system utilizes various sensors, including ultrasonic sensors for obstacle detection, infrared sensors for navigation, and dust sensors to identify dirty areas for targeted cleaning. The NodeMCU microcontroller, known for its low cost, low power consumption, and Wi-Fi connectivity, serves as the central hub for sensor data processing and communication with the mobile app. A custom cleaning algorithm enables the vacuum cleaner to autonomously navigate the environment, avoid obstacles, and optimize cleaning coverage. This paper details the system’s architecture, hardware design, and software development, followed by a thorough evaluation of the vacuum cleaner’s performance, including cleaning efficiency, navigation accuracy, and sensor effectiveness across different floor types. The mobile application’s user interface is also assessed for ease of use and functionality. The results show that the IoT-based vacuum cleaner performs well in open spaces, with minor limitations in complex environments like tight corners or cluttered areas. The paper concludes with suggestions for future improvements, including better sensor calibration, enhanced navigation algorithms, and integration with other smart home devices, to increase the vacuum cleaner’s performance, adaptability, and overall user satisfaction.